Local Life - St Helens - May/Jun 2021

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Should you be taking
supplements?
We should be able to get all the vitamins and minerals our
bodies need from the food we eat. However, modern day life
is making it increasingly difficult to achieve a balanced diet.
That’s where supplements come in.
Supplements are considered ‘top-ups’ for the vital
vitamins and minerals our bodies require to function.
They can take the form of vitamins, probiotics, herbal
products, powders, drinks – and more.
There is still much debate surrounding their effectiveness.
However, although medical professionals insist that
supplements aren’t a substitute for a healthy diet, it’s proven
that some could have a positive effect on your health.
For example, many vegetarians and vegans will benefit
from iron and vitamin B-12 supplements, while those trying
for a baby are advised to take folic acid supplements until
twelve weeks into their pregnancy. It’s also recommended
that children aged between six months and five years take
vitamin A, C and D supplements every day.
Other supplements, however, could be a waste of money.
If you’re wondering whether supplements could benefit
your diet, it’s worth speaking to your doctor or nutritionist
first. But to start you off, we’ve put together a list of the
top five supplements people take in the UK, and what
they are taken for.
Magnesium Found naturally in foods such as
pumpkin, spinach, soy beans and brown rice, magnesium
is important for bone health and energy production. It’s a
known stress-reliever too, and studies have proven that it
can even help sleeping problems.
Omega 3 Swallowing fish oil first thing in the
morning might not sound appetising. But, there’s solid
evidence to suggest that omega 3 fatty acids can help
contribute towards a healthy heart and brain, while also
reducing inflammation.
That’s why omega 3 supplements, often in the shape of
fish oil capsules, are so popular. Vegans and vegetarians
can also top up their intake with algae oil supplements.
Iron Iron is responsible for making red blood cells. It’s
particularly important in younger women, but according
to the 2018 National Diet and Nutrition Survey, 27% of
women are deficient.
It’s predominantly found in red meat, which is why
many vegans and vegetarians take iron supplements to
make up for any potential deficiencies. However, smaller
amounts can be found in beans, nuts and fortified cereals.
Prescot Chiropody Clinic
Vitamin D A vital vitamin for regulating our bodies’
calcium and phosphate content, vitamin D is a key
contributor to healthy bones, teeth and muscles.
We get most of our vitamin D from the sun, but living in
the UK means we have limited daylight hours during the
autumn and winter. For this reason, many people in the
UK choose to take vitamin D supplements between late
September and early April, when the sunlight is weaker.
Zinc Best known for its ability to boost immunity and
fight off bacteria and viruses, zinc is another vital mineral
our bodies need to function.
Red meat, shellfish and dairy foods all have high levels
of zinc, as do chickpeas, lentils and beans. In supplement
form, you can top up your zinc levels with over-thecounter
capsules, tablets and lozenges.