The UK boasts of one of the most diversified food selections in Europe. If you analyse the food selection in your local supermarket, you will be amazed by the wide variety of consumables available. However, despite this diversification, the UK still suffers from cases of micronutrient deficiency, mainly due to poor eating habits. Some good news, though, is that you can use nutrient supplements to cater to your deficiencies. Supplements contain nutritional elements that top up on the nutrients missing in your diet. Here are a few guiding tips if you are yet to decide whether to take over your supplement’s journey or not.
Supplements and Plant-Based Vegetarian and Vegan Diets
A report conducted in 2019, State of the Nation: Dietary Trends in the UK, unveils that the popularity of plant-based, vegetarian and vegan diets have tremendously risen in the past 20 years. Although these diets are considered healthy, they miss some essential elements such as iron, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin B12 and choline. These nutrients are beneficial to your body, and therefore, their absence may negatively affect your health. For example, iron aids in forming red blood cells that help carry blood throughout the body. Additionally, choline found in meat tissues helps in the production of cell membranes and neurotransmitters. In addition, vitamin B12 from animal products such as eggs, dairy products, meat, fish, and poultry assists in the proper functioning of the nervous system and DNA and red blood cells’ production.
Additionally, omega 3 fatty acids found in fish and fish products are essential for the heart’s health. However, despite some of these nutrients being present in plant-based diets, they vary in portions. For instance, plant-based iron found in green leafy vegetables and grains is less than meat-based iron. Therefore, it is advisable to include supplements in your vegan or vegetarian diet to add to the missing or inadequate nutrients.
Supplements and Pregnancy
Women are among the victims of nutrient deficiency. Other than hormones and stress, nutrients and diet also determine a woman’s ability to conceive and carry a pregnancy to full term. Women with low levels of folic acid, calcium and vitamin D may experience difficulties conceiving and carrying the pregnancy. If you have such challenges, you may try prenatal supplements containing magnesium (good for stress relief), folate and vitamin D. Additionally, if you are pregnant, you can also take formulated supplements from 12 weeks all through to birth. The formulated supplements contain folate (that prevents spinal defects in babies). They also have zinc, calcium and vitamin C & D necessary for the baby’s growth and development. Although these nutrients may be present in your food, they are often in inadequate quantities. Always consult with your doctor before taking supplements during pregnancy.
Supplements in Old Age
As men and women approach their old age, which is in their 50’s, they experience body changes that also bring about nutrient deficiencies. Some of the most common deficiencies are calcium, vitamin B12 and iron. To counter the effects of old age, they may take supplements rich in calcium to keep their bones strong and healthy. Additionally, they may take vitamin B12 supplements to maintain their red blood cells and the nervous system.
Buying supplements
There is a wide range of supplements in the stores today, making it hard to decide which one to buy. It is advisable to check the ingredients on the printed label before getting a supplement. Additionally, follow the indicated dosage to avoid over supplementing as it comes with its health risks. Despite your age or nutritional needs, there is always a supplement for you.
Inessa Wellness Multivitamin
Inessa Advanced Daily Multivitamin with 100mg CoQ10 is a convenient once daily formula providing highly bioavailable forms of the nutrients that matter most for you. It is one of the most advanced formulas available for daily nutritional support and is manufactured within the UK. All ingredients have been sourced with great care to ensure that they meet rigorous requirements. Their multivitamin is an easy to swallow vegan tablet, free from gluten, dairy, artificial flavours or colours.
