Ok so I play a mage who happens to be well versed in the arts of alchemy, and I have a companion who is the muscle. Ever since I got my companion I've been giving my poisons and some of my potions to her, but there seems to be a problem.

It seems like the only thing she uses is restore health potions, even though I give her restore fatigue & resist element potions, a variety of poisons, and some skill potions that are relevant to the skills she calls upon in battle.

So... my question is what consumables do companions actually use? will they use scrolls? eat food? I want to know everything I can give them that they can/will use, so I can help them help me as much as possible. Thanks!

I wish I knew the answer to this. I'd love it if my companion could poison her weapon with poisons that I give her.

Slightly unrelated question, can companions die or do they just drop down on one knee for a bit before getting back up at full health?

I haven't been using companions because I just know that I'll end up killing them by accident.

Oh, they can die.

I picked up a companion in Riverwood, he died in a dragon attack. I don't know if that's the case for all companions though.

Yeah, they can die. My companion died in a heated battle with four chauras in a cavern that led to an ancient Dwemer ruin. It was awesome until she died. Stupid insects!

Can ALL companions die, or just unnamed ones?

'Cause...I want to use REALLY bad, but I can't stand the thought of him dying.

I just joined the Companions hence I finished the campaign. But I forgot the guy's name, but he told me to bring his sword to some Euro dude to sharpen, but where is the blacksmith/sharpener for Swords sort of speak located?

companions do die. however, they fall on their knees when their health bar is almost depleted. when they do this, most enemies stop attacking your companion and attack you. your companion only dies if he/she gets damaged AFTER falling down. This usually happens because of either YOU, or some kind of area of effect spell... cone spells also do this.

the only consumable ive seen my companion use is health potions (im sure magicka will work too). but this is because i tend to keep all of my consumables.

I don't know but Cicero asks for A Sweet roll if you have him with you as a companion...
I wonder if he'd have another speech option if you found one...

right next to the Companions' building to the north.

How are they in combat?

I have a pure mage and I need a bit of muscle against other mages.(They love their spark spell)

Also is Cicero the new annoying NPC? That shrilly manic voice deserves to be Fus Ro Dah off a very high cliff.