According to research by market intelligence agency Mintel, six in ten (59%) Brits have taken minerals or supplements in the past year. Around one in three (34%) take them daily, with women (38%) considerably more likely than men (29%) to do so.
“The ongoing focus on health, both among consumers and in the public debate, is seeing people take a more proactive approach towards their wellbeing,” said Anita Winther, Research Analyst at Mintel.
But what are the supplements you should be taking on a daily basis? Here are six of the most important, all of which are available from Pharmacyoutlet.
1. Multivitamin
Despite the fact you should be able to get all your essential nutrients from a balanced diet alone, a lot modern foodstuffs are either processed or washed, meaning that vitamins might not be present anymore.
That’s why taking a multivitamin everyday makes perfect sense. Look for one that contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, and vitamins B1, B2, B6, and B12, as all of this combined will boost your immune system and give you more energy.
2. Probiotics
Most of the time, bacteria are a bad thing. However, bacteria in your gut is a good thing because it helps keep everything in balance.
Probiotics are living microorganisms that promote gut health and improve digestion. In turn, this will reduce your chances of getting a cold can even help cure irritable bowel disease.
3. Fish Oil
Heart and circulatory diseases cause a quarter (25%) of all deaths in the UK; that’s more than 15,000 deaths each year – an average of 420 people each day or one death every three minutes.
One way you can help protect your heart is with a daily dose of fish oil, as studies have shown it can lower your blood pressure, reduce blood clotting, and decrease your chance of having a heart attack. Fish oil is also a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids, which can decrease inflammation and boost your mood.
4. Magnesium
Did you know that magnesium plays a crucial role in many functions of the body such as nerve transmission, muscle contraction, energy production, as well as bone and cell production?
Therefore, it makes sense to top up your magnesium with a daily supplement, especially since many people suffer from a deficiency. It has been known to help with asthma, migraines, muscle cramps, and osteoporosis too.
5. Vitamin D3
As you’re probably already aware, human skin can make its own vitamin D when exposed to the sun. But because several people spend the majority of their time indoors, it is important to get vitamin D from other sources, such as a daily supplement.
Vitamin D not only helps with the absorption of calcium and phosphorus but can also increase your ability to heal from infections.
6. Turmeric
Last but not least, a turmeric supplement is great at fighting inflammation and easing joint pain or arthritis. This is thanks to a chemical contained within the common yellow spice known as curcumin.
If untreated, inflammation can lead to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, headaches and chronic fatigue.