Should I Pack Multivitamins?

[Oak Hill Walkers]

I'm looking to shave ounces off my kit and I'm wondering if 50 days of walking will obviate the need to take any of my daily multivitamin pills. I'm a bit concerned that I won't be getting my usual quota of green vegetables on the route (French route) and I (age 63) don't want vitamin deficiencies to creep in.

If I bring only a few days supply, can I expect the Spanish pharmacies to stock some sort of multivitamin so I could restock small quantities?

[Leslie]

You will find large pharmacies in the cities with a fair amount of choice. Having said that I perfer to buy stuff like this and take with me as I don't like changing brands - if that does not bother you, you will be able to re stock along the route with out problem.

[Covey]

The only places you will not find a pharmacy are the very smallest villages. Everywhere else will have at least one and they are well used to catering for the ailments of the pilgrim.

HOWEVER, some things like Ibuprofen (Ibuprofeno in Spanish!) are very cheap (€2 for 48 x 600mg tablets) but a tiny (I mean very tiny!!) tube of Vaseline will cost up to €4. An elasticated knee support bandage will cost €50. Compeed (blister plasters) are available everywhere and you can buy all the different types of gauze, strapping etc to bind up the bloodied stumps which were once your feet!!

As Leslie suggests, I would bring your own tablets, as it is unlikely you will find the brand you normally use, and trying to sort out the nearest Spanish equivalent might prove difficult unless you speak fluent Spanish.

Do not worry about a lack of green vegetables!! You will get very tired of eating Ensalada Mixta for every meal! Most of us eat lots of fruit, especially bananas and the starter or main course of the average Pilgrim Menu will have pasta with some form of meat sauce. By the time you get to Santiago, you will be telling Senior Management that you never want to see a piece of bread again!