Vitamins & Supplements

There are different types of supplements that include vitamins, minerals, herbs, enzymes, nutrients such as fibre and protein, and phytonutrients such as antioxidants. They also come in different forms such as capsules, gummies, powders, and liquids. There are several circumstances where supplements could be advised. Those who have bariatric surgery, such as gastric bypass, those with conditions that cause nutrient malabsorption like inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS), some vegans and vegetarians, pregnant or lactating women, and adults or children with nutritional deficiencies may all benefit from supplements.

Vitamins & Minerals

Example:

• Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal foods and it can also be added to foods or supplements. Vitamin B12 is needed to form red blood cells and DNA. It is also a key player in the function and development of brain and nerve cells.
• Vitamin D is known to help the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus; both are critical for building bone. Also, laboratory studies show that vitamin D can reduce cancer cell growth, help control infections and reduce inflammation.
• Magnesium plays an important role in assisting more than 300 enzymes to carry out various chemical reactions in the body such as building proteins and strong bones, and regulating blood sugar, blood pressure, and muscle and nerve functions. Magnesium also acts as an electrical conductor that contracts muscles and makes the heart beat steadily.

Digestive enzymes are manufactured products that intend to replace natural digestive enzymes by mimicking their function. They help break down proteins, carbs, and lipids to be able to be absorbed by the body, and thus they might reduce symptoms of digestive disorders. Replacement digestive enzymes can be found in a variety of forms such as tablets, powders, or even drinks. These supplements are usually taken right before eating. They are designed to replicate your natural pancreatic enzymes. They can then carry out their tasks as food enters your intestines.

Omega fatty acids

Healthy fats slow down digestion which helps with better nutrient absorption such a s fat soluble vitamins. Healthy fats also give the body essential fatty acids such as omega-3 which controls inflammation and may decrease the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease. Fats promote satiety and regulate blood sugar which helps you feel fuller for longer.

Probiotics assist in digestion by breaking down indigestible fibres that can otherwise cause gas and bloating. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that provide powerful health benefits to the digestive tract, reduce depression, and improve symptoms of constipation and diarrhoea.

Probiotic foods to add to your diet:

• Pickles, yoghurt, kefir, balsamic vinegar, kimchi, miso, cottage cheese and fermented olives.

Probiotics can also be beneficial when taken as supplements in capsule form.

BASIX Pure Creatine

Garden of Life Mykind Organics Women's Once Daily

Made from over 30 powdered organic fruits, vegetables and herbs, mykind organics women's once daily offers 19 vitamins and minerals with 15 greater than 100% daily value (DV), including great levels of b vitamins for radiant skin and nails. It also provides vitamin B-12 in methylcobalamin form a highly absorbable, active, natural form of B-12, like the B-12 in the body. Women's once daily also delivers vegan D3 from lichen for immune support and 2mg of iron for blood support. Women's once daily is made from real organic whole food, including lemons, annatto, amla berry, holy basil and many more providing perfect support for your demanding lifestyle all in just one organic tablet daily.

Benefits:

• Promotes energy
• Supports a healthy metabolism
• Supports blood and heart health
• Supports radiant skin and nails
• Extensive vitamins and minerals in a one-tablet serving
• Organic clean tablet—no magnesium stearate (vegetable lubricant)

Nature’s Bounty Vitamin D3

Vitamin D - The Sunshine Vitamin is an essential nutrient that the body creates by converting cholesterol in the body via sunshine. However, today's culture of cubicles, sunscreen, and near-round-the-clock indoor living minimises our exposure to natural sunlight for the needed period of time for sufficient Vitamin D to form. Supplementing with Nature's Bounty Vitamin D3 is an easy way to increase your daily intake of this important nutrient.

Benefits:

• Supports Strong Bones & Immune Health
• Your Sunshine Vitamin

Solgar CoQ10 Vegetables Capsules

CoQ-10 is a fat-soluble antioxidant, which also drives cellular energy production. It is especially important for organs and tissues with high energy requirements, like the heart. This formulation is offered in a convenient two-piece capsule, suitable for vegetarians.

Benefits:

• Heart Healthy
• Protective Antioxidant
• Non-GMO
• Certified Gluten Free
• Wheat & Dairy Free
• Suitable for Vegans
• Kosher Parve
• Dietary Supplement
• Kaneka Q10

KIKI's Krill Oil is encapsulated in Licaps capsules, which offers faster product release and in turn speeds the absorption of the oil. They are easy to swallow and will not leave you with any unpleasant ­shy burps, reflux or aftertaste. KIKI's Krill Oil is sustainably sourced and harvested in the Antarctic and isolated from environmental contaminants. KIKI Health's Krill Oil is sustainably harvested in the pristine Antarctic waters and manufactured using low temperatures and efficient fractionation methods that remove unwanted salts and contaminants.

Benefits:

• High in Omega 3 Fatty Acids EPA/DHA
• Contains phospholipids, triglycerides, and astaxanthin.
• Sustainably harvested
• No fishy taste
• Supports heart health
• Helps maintain normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• Stimulates brain function and vision
• Contributes to the normal development of the eye of the foetus and breastfed infants
• Maintenance of normal blood triglyceride levels
• Better absorption than fish oil or capsules

NaturesPlus Vitamin C 500 mg with the added power of 50 mg of rose hips is the best vitamin C supplement you'll find! This sustained-release Vitamin C 500 mg is corn-free, with rose hips in a special base which provides for the gradual release of ingredients over a prolonged period of time.

• 50 mg of rose hips
• Supports immune health
• Promotes the reduction of tiredness & occasional fatigue
• Promotes healthy blood vessels
• Supports the body’s antioxidant systems
• Sustained release for superior absorption

FAQs:

How can I choose a high quality multivitamin supplement?

• Try to choose brands with products that are third-party tested, by an independent lab to ensure safety and look for certifications such as non-GMO, gluten free, or vegan.

Do vitamins and supplements replace a healthy diet?

• No, a healthy diet is important for living and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, vitamins and supplements are complementary. However, make sure you consider your health goals and body needs when you buy supplements and find a brand that offers products provided to your specific needs. Ex: vitamin deficiency, weight loss, pregnancy, children, or athletes.

How can I ensure a high absorption when I take my vitamins or supplements?

• Read ingredients and nutrition labels to check if the product uses high quality ingredients and easily absorbed forms of vitamins and minerals. Moreover, you can increase absorption by taking supplements with specific foods such as healthy fats with vitamin D or vitamin c rich foods with iron.

When is the best time to take my multivitamin?

• Take your multivitamin after breakfast in the morning for better absorption and an energy boost.

How can I improve my digestion?

• Try supplementing with digestive enzymes, they aid in the breakdown of food which also increases the absorption of nutrients. In addition to that you can try increasing your stomach acid for better digestion by taking 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar with water before your meal.

Supplements that help increase bone density?

• Vitamin d and calcium work together to strengthen bone density, calcium builds and maintains the bones and vitamin d helps your body absorb calcium. Make sure to take vitamin d supplements with calcium if you’re deficient in vitamin d.

How to strengthen joints and muscles and reduce pain and fatigue?

• Vitamin B12 increases nerves regeneration and helps reduce the pain of injuries. B vitamins in general help in muscle repair and increase muscle vascularity.

What supplements should I take during menopause?

• Maca, evening primrose oil and Ginseng are most common dietary supplements for managing menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings and fatigue.