Ad | Contains affiliate links Vitamins are essential for good health. However, they are not produced in our bodies and so we need to ...
Ad | Contains affiliate links
Vitamins are essential for good health. However, they are not produced in our bodies and so we need to get them through the food we consume. While a balanced diet usually provides our required vitamin quota; ageing and this modern lifestyle of ours often causes a deficiency of some necessary vitamins and minerals. And that is where supplements come into the picture. Most younger adults still tend to manage without supplementing their diet with vitamins and minerals but older adults increasingly face many difficulties in maintaining appropriate levels of nutrients. Also, those who have chronic health conditions or take certain medications may find that their body's absorption levels of some vitamins has reduced which is why they are often prescribed vitamins by their doctor.
What are the most essential vitamins?
There are a number of vitamins that our body needs to function properly. Listed below are some of the important ones:
• Vitamin A - needed for healthy eyesight, skin and skeletal tissue
• Vitamin B1 - which helps our bodies metabolise fats and generate energy
• Vitamin B2 - offers protection against free radicals
• Vitamin B3 - is said to help lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases
• Vitamin B5 - very important for hormone production and for immune system health
• Vitamin B7 - for healthy skin, hair and nails
• Vitamin B9 - essential for proper functioning of the nervous system
• Vitamin B12 - is needed for the production of healthy red blood cells and nerve cells
• Vitamin C - for growth and repair work in body tissue
• Vitamin D - helps with Calcium absorption and needed for healthy bones
• Vitamin E - boosts the immune system and fights off free radicals
• Vitamin K - helps the blood to clot and prevent excessive bleeding
While most of these vitamins can be found in common food sources, not all get absorbed by our bodies (especially in older adults and those with certain medical conditions). Pregnant and breastfeeding women and those on vegetarian or vegan diet may also need additional vitamins and minerals. Ageing also necessitates the consumption of supplements.
And with so many different brands of vitamins on the market, how do you decide which one to choose. Not everyone needs multivitamins but there are equally a large number who need to take a multi-vitamin each day. While it is advisable to consult your GP before taking any supplements, I have rounded up some different types of multivitamins that are suitable for adults.
Wicked Gummy Multivitamin
Wicked Gummy Co are known for making gummies that are non-GMO, gluten-free, allergen friendly and absolutely delicious! Their range of gummies is fantastic.
Their Multivitamin gummy has a lovely lemon flavour and includes Vitamin C (aids in normal functioning of the immune system), Vitamin A (for maintenance of normal vision), Niacin (for normal psychological function), Vitamin B6 (helps reduce tiredness & fatigue), Vitamin E (protects cells from oxidative stress), Selenium (for normal functioning of the immune system) and Biotin (for maintenance of normal hair, skin & nails).
The gummies are of great quality and because of the lemon flavour, it doesn't feel like you are consuming a multi-vitamin. It is a tasty and easy way to get your multivits.
Priced at £14.99 for 60 gummies, the Multivitamin Gummy is available at www.wickedgummyco.com
Fast 800 Multivitamin
The Fast800 multivitamin from Dr Michael Mosley has specifically been created for people who are overweight and want help to boost their nutrient levels while they lose weight. This bespoke Multivitamin formulation has 23 essential vitamins and minerals and is a GMO-free product that has been designed with vegans in mind.
The multivitamin includes 23 essential vitamins and minerals including vegan, sustainable source of Vitamin D3 and Vitamin B12, Selenium for a source of antioxidants, Iron supporting immunity and aiding sleep, Vitamin C for helping fight disease and infection, Zinc contributing to the maintenance of healthy hair and Biotin that helps promote healthy cell growth and has the potential to strengthen brittle nails and hair.
On any given day, whether you are fasting or not, the Fast 800 Multivitamin ensures that you’re receiving all your nutritional targets.
The Fast 800 Multivitamin costs £16.99 for 90 capsules and is available to purchase from www.thefast800.com
BetterYou MultiVit Oral Spray
BetterYou MultiVit Oral spray is a blend of 14 essential vitamins and minerals, that work together to support the body’s immune system and overall wellbeing. Since it is in a spray format, it is ideal for those who are unable to take tablets for any reason.
Formulated to provide optimal nutritional delivery, each spray provides active ingredients in micro-sized droplets that coat and permeate the soft-tissue of the inner cheek, delivering the required nutrients into the rich vein system of the body. The spray has a lovely plum and blackcurrant flavour and comes in a 25ml bottle which gives 128 sprays (a 32-day supply).
The key vitamins in the formulation include: Vitamin A for the maintenance of normal skin and vision, Vitamin D to support the immune system & normal muscle function, Vitamin C helping fight tiredness and fatigue, Vitamin K to support normal blood clotting and Vitamin B complex for energy metabolism and reducing tiredness and fatigue. In addition to the vitamins, the spray includes Iodine (for normal cognitive and neurological function) and Selenium (for maintenance of normal hair and nails).
To learn more about the product and to purchase, visit www.betteryou.com
Garden of Life
Garden of Life (America’s No. 1 Nutrition Brand in the Health Foods channel) recently launched their bestselling range of supplements in the UK. Garden of Life, who offer premium quality whole food products that are Certified USDA Organic), have a range that includes a wide array of vitamins, probiotics and plant based protein supplements to name a few. Some of their popular offerings are mykind Organics vitamins and the Microbiome Formulas with live bacteria.
Garden of Life's mykind Organics range includes two multi-vitamins targeted at men and women over 40. These supplements are delivered in tablet form and are made without the use of standard binders and chemical fillers that is usually used for tablet manufacturing. What is special about these tablets is that they are made using only food ingredients - as such they have been patented as Clean Tablet TechnologyTM.
The mykind Organics Women’s Multi 40+ (as the name suggests) has been developed for women over 40 years. It is made with over 30 organic fruits, vegetables and herbs with just two tablets a day providing 20 essential vitamins and minerals. In addition to the main minerals the tablets contains organic black cohosh (eases menopausal symptoms), organic tomato (helps with hot flushes experienced with the menopause) and organic turmeric (to help combat the effects of oestrogen imbalance). The tablets are spot-on for women in their 40s.
The mykind Organics Men’s Multi 40+ is also made from over 30 organic fruits, vegetables and herbs, such as lemons, apples, basil, red cabbage, celery and tomatoes. The tablets are said to provide men with 20 vitamins and minerals, with 16 greater than 100% of the daily RI (reference intake) for men over 40. The tablets include vitamin B-12 for extra energy, folate and manganese for prostate health, chromium for healthy metabolism and a certified organic pomegranate, pumpkin, turmeric and tomato blend that provides prostate and heart support.
Similar to the mykind Organics Men’s Multi 40+ is the mykind Organics Men's 40+ Multi Berry Gummies. These are a blend of nine organic whole fruits and are organic, non-GMO, vegan, gluten free and kosher.
Both the multi-vitamins are available to buy from Wholefoods, Planet Organic, John Bell, Revital and independent stores nationwide. You can order them online here.
Swisse
Swisse are Australia’s #1 multivitamin brand with all their products being made with world-class manufacturing techniques and put through rigorous testing. Their products are exclusively available in Boots pharmacies all over the UK. I have included two products from Swisse in this round-up -
Men's Ultivite 50+ Multivitamin and Women's Ultivite 50+ Multivitamin.
The Swisse Multivitamins for Men 50+ helps to support energy production & release. Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, biotin, Vitamin C, magnesium and iron contribute to normal energy production and release while Vitamin C and Vitamin D contribute to the normal function of the immune system. The supplements also aids cognitive function (Zinc, iodine and iron) while Vitamin B1 to support normal heart function.
The Swisse Multivitamins for Women 50+ also contains a scientifically supported blend of vitamins and minerals. Vitamin B6 contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity while Calcium, Vitamin D and Vitamin K contribute to the maintenance of normal bones (very important as women are more at risk of developing osteoporosis). Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, biotin, Vitamin C, magnesium and iron contribute to normal energy production and release.
Both the supplements come in a 1-a-day tablet form and can be ordered online here.
VitaGummies
As I mentioned earlier, some people find swallowing pills difficult. This could be due to a fear of choking or swallowing difficulties due to a health problem. In such cases a gummy version of multivitamins proves to be a good alternative to the pill form. Another gummy multivitamin that we have tried is from Bioglan.
Bioglan who have been around for over 25 years in Australia, have a range of vitamin supplements all in a gummy form. The range is called VitaGummies and includes five products two of which are included in this round-up - Men’s Multivitamin and Women's Multivitamin.
The men's multivitamin VitaGummies come in a delicious lemon, raspberry and blueberry flavour while the women's version has a nice orange, lemon and blueberry flavours. Both the gummies are so easy to consume – with no need for water and no issues of swallowing difficulties.
The men's multivitamin includes Vitamins D3, E, C, B12 and B6 in addition to Niacin, Folic Acid, Biotin, Zinc, Selenium, Chromium, Iodine, Boron and Inositol. The women’s multivitamin includes Vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D3 and E along with Niacin, Folic Acid, Biotin, Zinc, Chromium and Iodine.
Order Bioglan Vitagummies here.
Disclaimer: Supplements and vitamins should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Please consult your GP if you have any concerns before starting on any supplements.
The men's multivitamin VitaGummies come in a delicious lemon, raspberry and blueberry flavour while the women's version has a nice orange, lemon and blueberry flavours. Both the gummies are so easy to consume – with no need for water and no issues of swallowing difficulties.
The men's multivitamin includes Vitamins D3, E, C, B12 and B6 in addition to Niacin, Folic Acid, Biotin, Zinc, Selenium, Chromium, Iodine, Boron and Inositol. The women’s multivitamin includes Vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D3 and E along with Niacin, Folic Acid, Biotin, Zinc, Chromium and Iodine.
Order Bioglan Vitagummies here.
Disclaimer: Supplements and vitamins should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Please consult your GP if you have any concerns before starting on any supplements.
No comments