So-called health experts often preach that taking vitamins and other health supplements is the key to living a long, healthy life.
Although such supplements have their benefits, there are a few things you need to know before you start investing lots of money into an array of colorful pills and capsules long-term.
Are vitamins and supplements necessary in everyday life? And what benefits are there for doing so? Let’s find out.
Vitamins and supplements aren’t absolutely vital for everyday life – a balanced and healthy diet should provide all the nutrition your body needs.
However, taking supplements for specific vitamins and minerals is necessary if advised by a doctor or if you’re someone at risk of a deficiency. For example, you might have anemia: a condition where your body lacks enough red blood cells. In this case, you could be advised to take iron supplements.
There’s also sea moss – a natural superfood containing 92 of the 102 minerals and vitamins – often used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Why are vitamins so important?
Although taking extra supplements isn’t necessary, it’s important to point out that we NEED our recommended daily/weekly intake of nutrients. Without these, our bodies can’t function in the way they’re supposed to.
Every day the body is working super hard to keep organs functioning. We’re like a well-oiled machine that needs the right fuel and tools to keep working.
Here are some of the key roles that vitamins play:
- helping wounds heal
- keeping bones strong and healthy
- boosting immune system
- and so much more!
When are vitamin supplements required?
So what are the roles of the most important vitamins? And when might you require extra supplements?
Extra folic acid is good during pregnancy
Folic acid is needed to help develop the neural tube.
It’s recommended that pregnant women take supplements containing at least 400 micrograms of folic acid a day – right up until their 12th week of pregnancy.
Extra vitamin A, C and D are good for children
It’s recommended that children aged between six months and five years take supplements for vitamin A, C and D. Getting the right minerals ensures youngsters have the tools and fuel to grow and develop.
If your kids are fussy with what they eat, there are all sorts of gummy-type vitamin sweets to try out.
Extra vitamin B12 is good for elderly
Vitamin B12 is needed for producing red blood cells and maintaining a healthy function of the nervous system.
It’s recommended that elderly people take vitamin B12 supplements to support good cognitive health and prevent the onset of the neurological disorder, Alzheimers.
Do you need vitamin supplements?
With all this information in mind, it’s time to think about whether you need to add supplements to your daily routine. If you’re still unsure, speak to your doctor and they’ll advise on whether supplements are necessary or not.
