Most healthy people don’t need to take a vitamin supplement, as you should be able to get all the vitamins and minerals you need by eating a balanced diet. However, there are some supplements that are recommended.
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Folic Acid In Pregnancy
If you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant, it’s recommended that you take a 400 microgram folic acid supplement every day until you are 12 weeks pregnant. You should supplement folic acid before you get pregnant, so start taking them before you stop using contraception. Folic acid can help to prevent neural tube defects such as Spina Bifida. Speak to your doctor about other supplements that you should be taking, and look for good quality supplements at Natural Supplements Brands.
Vitamin D
Between late March and the end of September, most people get plenty of Vitamin D through sunlight on the skin and from eating a balanced diet. However, during the autumn and winter, you need to get all your vitamin D from your diet, as the sun isn’t strong enough for your body to make vitamin D.
It’s hard to get enough vitamin D through only food, so everyone should think about taking a supplement every day that contains 10 micrograms of vitamin D during the autumn and winter. Vitamin D is important, for both physical and mental health.
Some people are at higher risk of not getting enough vitamin D, and may need to take a supplement all year round.
Breastfed babies should be given a daily supplement containing 8.5 to 10 micrograms of vitamin D from birth. Babies who are fed more than 500mls of formula a day shouldn’t be given vitamin D, as the infant formula is already fortified. Children aged between 1 and 4 years old will benefit from a daily supplement with 10 micrograms of vitamin D.
If you’re not exposed to the sun very often, such as those who are often at work during daylight hours or usually wear clothes that cover most of your skin when you are outdoors, then you should take a vitamin D with 10 micrograms of vitamin D every day.
Supplements Containing Vitamins A, C, And D
If you have young children who are aged between six months and five years old should take vitamin supplements that contain vitamins A, C and D every day. It’s a good idea to ask your health visitor for advice about any other vitamins that your children should be taking.
For adults, it’s possible that your GP might recommend supplements if you need to take them for a medical condition. For example, if you are being treated for an iron deficiency, then you might be prescribed iron supplements to help with the condition.
One To Avoid: Effervescent Tablets
Effervescent vitamin supplements or painkillers often contain salt, up to 1g of salt in every tablet. If you have been advised to cut back on your salt intake, this isn’t ideal. Think about changing to a non-effervescent tablet instead.
