1. We learned yesterday that poskim disagree as to whether a healthy person may take vitamins on Shabbat. Even according to the lenient approach, vitamins or nutritional supplements would still be prohibited when addressing an existing deficiency, such as to alleviate symptoms of a cold or an iron deficiency (R. Pinchs Bodner, Halachos of Refuah, p.18). In these cases, it would be permitted only if the person’s condition was classified as a choleh sh’ein bo sakanah, in which they cannot function normally or are bedridden due to their condition.

2. It is permitted for both one who is healthy and one with a minor illness to eat any type of food, even if one intends for it to serve as medicine. (Shulchan Aruch, O.C. 328:37). For example, a person with a sore throat may eat honey or suck regular sweets since they are sometimes used by healthy people as well. Cough drops, medicated creams, or other items that are only taken by people who are ill should not be taken on Shabbat for mild illness.

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.