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General Health

Vitamins Unwrapped

Everything from A – Zinc

Avatar photo Iona/

Did you know, nearly half the British population is taking multi vitamins or dietary supplements every day?   

According to the latest YouGov figures, 47% of us are reaching for that extra boost of nutrients. But are we doing it the right way? Are we making the most out of those precious vitamins and minerals? The UK’s leading brand, Vitabiotics has some surprising tips which can help you get the most out of your daily supplements. 

Timing Matters: Take Your Vitamins with Your Main Meal  

One of the first tips from Vitabiotics is to take vitamins with your main meal. It turns out this can significantly impact the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, like vitamin D.  Plus, it helps reduce any potential digestive discomfort, so lunch or dinner when we usually have our biggest meal of the day, is the perfect opportunity to supercharge your nutrient intake. 

Fun Fact

Hot liquids can cause the tablet or capsule to disintegrate too early. So, always opt for cold liquid instead of hot drinks, and you’ll be sipping your way to better nutrient absorption. 

Without a daily supply of proteins, vitamins and minerals, no matter how much energy we get in the form of calories, our bodies and minds deteriorate because we are not able to fully replace the dying cells in our internal and external organs.

Paul Zane Pilzer
Cup of Coffee

Ditch the coffee

It’s no secret that we in Britain love our daily cup of tea or coffee, but when it comes to certain nutrients, turns out it’s best to skip them. Tannins found in tea and coffee can inhibit the absorption of minerals, such as iron. (Tannins are chemical compounds found in a variety of plant-based foods and drinks). Save them for a bit later and give your body the chance to make the most of those vitamins. 

So, now we know how to take our vitamins for maximum benefit, let’s answer some common questions about these little health-boosting superheroes. 

Should we all be taking multi vitamins?

A balanced diet which includes fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and healthy sources of proteins and fats should provide most of us with the nutrients we need. But sometimes, achieving this ideal diet can be challenging. That’s where a good, well-formulated multivitamin comes into play. It can help fill nutritional gaps and support your overall health, providing peace of mind when your diet falls short.

healthy food containing vitamins

Vitamins we should all get more of

Vitamin requirements vary from person to person based on age, diet, and lifestyle. However, a few vitamins stand out as crucial for almost everyone.  

Vitamin D is essential for immune function, calcium absorption, and maintaining strong bones and teeth. The UK Department of Health recommends everyone should consider taking a vitamin D supplement, especially during the autumn and winter months. 

Vitamin C, which also supports the immune system, skin health, and reduces fatigue, should be on your radar. It’s an essential nutrient which requires regular intake, so consider a supplement if your diet lacks this superhero!

The ‘Busy’ Vitamins

Often overlooked and under rated are;

B vitamins – a group of eight ‘busy’ vitamins. Each have their own unique benefits, from energy metabolism to mental performance and hormonal regulation. They play a crucial role in our overall well-being and digestion.

B Vitamins along with Vitamin C are also water soluble. This means our body can’t store excess amounts of these vitamins for later use. So use them or lose them would seem to be the case!

What happens when you start taking supplements?

When you begin taking supplements, your body should absorb them within a couple of hours, and the time it takes to feel their effects can vary depending on various factors. Water-soluble vitamins like B and C are not stored in the body and are generally absorbed more quickly, so you might notice changes sooner. On the other hand, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) take longer to accumulate since they need fat for absorption. (Those on a low-fat diet will find this harder to achieve). So, don’t be discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Give at least six weeks of daily supplementation to truly feel the difference. 

happy people using vitamins

Conclusion

Supplements can be your constant companion, serving as powerful allies in maintaining health.  It’s important to take them correctly however to ensure full benefits. These tiny pills can pack a punch, bursting with all the essentials for a strong and happy life –  

So, go ahead and take that step towards a healthier you, one vitamin at a time! 

TESTme’s Vitamin Splash 

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup of fresh or frozen mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) 
  • 1 medium banana 
  • 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt (or almond yogurt for a dairy-free option) 
  • 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice (for vitamin C) 
  • 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup (optional) 
  • 1/2 cup of spinach or kale (for B vitamins) 
  • 1/2 cup of water or ice cubes (adjust to desired thickness) 
  • A sprinkle of Chia seeds (for healthy fat) 
Instructions: 
  1. Throw all the ingredients into a blender 
  2. Blitz until smooth and creamy (add more water to adjust consistency) 
  3. Pour into a glass over ice and enjoy! 

This smoothie is not only delicious but also a great way to boost your immune system, provide energy, and support your overall health. 

juices full of vitamins