Vitamins and minerals are compounds our body needs to function properly. A diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other healthy options is the best way for our bodies to get their vitamins and minerals; but sometimes diet is not enough. Supplementation can help us boost our nutrients and fill the gaps we are not receiving from our diet.
Stores today contain endless amounts of vitamin and mineral supplements. How do we know what to choose? We asked our program director, Elena, this exact question!
See below for the vitamins and minerals she thinks are the most essential:
Iron
Iron helps keep your body healthy and full of energy. Iron supplements are important for people that are prone to low levels of iron such as pregnant women, infants & young children, heavy exercisers and some with certain medical conditions. Low levels of iron can cause tiredness, a lack of energy, headaches, heart palpitations and a variety of other symptoms.
Calcium
Calcium is important for functions across our entire body. Calcium is important for building and maintaining healthy bones throughout life. Calcium plays an essential role in the function of our heart, muscles and nervous system. Calcium allows for things like muscle contractions, nerve transmissions and vascular contraction and vasodilation.
Magnesium
Magnesium helps our body regulate blood pressure, blood sugar, muscle function and nerve function. Magnesium is also involved in the processes of making protein, bone and DNA. This mineral aids in the transportation of calcium and potassium ions across our cell membranes which is important for muscle contraction and maintaining a normal heart rhythm.
Vitamin B
The B Vitamins' include Vitamin B1-B7, B9 and B12. B Vitamins' are essential in helping enzymes do their jobs. These enzymes aid in releasing energy from carbohydrates and fats in our diet, break down amino acids, transport oxygen and nutrients around the body. B Vitamins' also help form red blood cells and DNA. See our previous blog for a more in-depth breakdown of all the B Vitamins.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is required for functioning of several enzymes and our immune system. This vitamin acts as an antioxidant and protects our cells from free radicals. This process can aid in protecting our bodies from disease such as certain cancers, cardiovascular disease and other diseases caused from oxidative stress. Vitamin C helps metabolize cholesterol to bile acids and aids in nonheme iron absorption. Repairing tissues and building collagen is another valuable function of Vitamin C.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D acts like a hormone working with the parathyroid gland and has many roles in our body. Roles such as bone growth, absorption of calcium in the gut, preventing infections & immune system disorders as well as some cancers, diabetes and MS.
Please consult a doctor or health professional before taking any type of supplements.
