ADDED BENEFITS HEALTH
ZINC
The rise of meat-free diets has led to
an increase in zinc deficiencies. It helps
the immune system fight infections.- Wholefood Zinc, £13.80,
cytoplan.co.uk
MAGNESIUM
Aids muscle movement
and is vital for the
nervous system.- Food-Grown
Magnesium, £16.50,
wildnutrition.com
SELENIUM
Protects against cell damage and aids
the body’s defence system. Lack of it can
result in muscle pain and tenderness.- Wholefood Selenium, £9, fushi.co.uk
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A
re you confused by the
amount of mind-boggling
nutrients in a bottle
available? You’re not alone.
Studies reveal that when it comes to
nutrition, the population’s knowledge
is patchy, with 86% of people not
knowing the right amount of fruit and
veg to eat, not factoring in
vitamins and minerals
when food-planning, or
failing to read labels
on supplements.*
A balanced diet should
deliver most of the
nutrients you need, but
data shows that less than
a third of UK adults hit the
recommended daily allowance
(RDA) for fruit and veg. Swallowing a
multivitamin can help plug nutritional
gaps, but if you’re lacking in a specific
micronutrient, it’s likely you’ll need to
take a single vitamin or mineral, too, to
ensure you’re getting the optimum
levels, explains public health nutritionist
Dr Emma Derbyshire. Doing so now
can future-proof our health: ‘As we age,
we’re more prone to health problems,
but if we adopt healthier patterns in our
30s, 40s and 50s, we may be able to
reduce our risk of developing long-term
health issues,’ she explains.
Here, Dr Derbyshire outlines some
essential supplements for midlife, and
their key benefits for the body and mind
to help your future health.VITAMIN A
Encourages healthy skin and is crucial
for good eyesight. Vitamin A also
powers the immune system. Research
shows that some women aged 35+
can be lacking in this nutrient.- Solgar Dry Vitamin A, £9.20,
revital.co.uk
B VITAMINS
Most of us will meet our B vitamins
RDA through food but vegetarians and
vegans, and those on a dairy-free diet,
are at risk of being deficient in B12- a micronutrient shown to slow brain
shrinkage by 30%.
- Alive! B-Complex Soft Jells, £14.99,
Holland and Barrett
VITAMIN D
Regulates calcium and
phosphorus in the body
and maintains healthy
bones, teeth, muscle
and immune function.
Top up between October
and March.- Super Strength Vitamin D3,
£3.95, healthspan.co.uk
VITAMIN E
Important for a healthy heart, good
circulation and for repairing muscles
and maintaining nerve function. Can
also help with menopausal symptoms.- Vitamin E High Strength, 800iu,
£5.49, Superdrug
CALCIUM
A crucial mineral that builds and
maintains strong teeth and
bones – it helps reduce
bone loss in post-
menopausal women.- Seaweed Calcium,
£9.99, together
health.co.uk
IRON
Fundamental for the development
of red blood cells and transporting
oxygen around body. Top up to reduce
tiredness and help cognitive function.- Iron Oral Spray, £9.95,
betteryou.com
SHELF
LIFE
Taking supplements
beyond their shelf life
won’t make you ill, but
they’ll lose potency.
Check the label.Vitamin
D tops the list
as the UK’s most
popular single vitamin
supplement, especially
among 35-54 year
olds, according to
a report.**ENOUGH ALREADY?
You may not need these two
popular supplements...OMEGA 3 It’s vital for heart health
and a sharp mind. If you eat at least
one portion of oily fish a
week, you’ll already be
getting the recommended
amount. If not, top up
with a supplement.
Omega 3:6:9 oil,
£10.65, viridian-
nutrition.comVITAMIN C Our diet tends to give
us enough of this. It
fights free radicals and
supports the immune
system. But take extra if
you feel a cold brewing.
Chewable Vitamin C,
£9.29, myvitamins.com123 4 5 6 7 89