If there’s one positive note that we can take from enduring a global pandemic, it’s the newfound appreciation for the importance of living healthily. With challenges such as the “Run 5, Donate 5, Nominate 5” in lockdown, we all felt quite inspired to up our physical activity levels, but when it comes to eating a balanced diet, it can be daunting to know where to start, especially with the influx in supplement brands. To make it easier, these are 4 basic supplements that anyone can incorporate into their diet for better health, especially over the winter months.

Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 is a fat-soluble vitamin D called cholecalciferol, that’s essential for maintaining healthy bones and muscles, supporting the immune system and helping the body absorb calcium. It can be difficult to always meet the daily requirement of vitamin D, especially over the winter months when sun exposure is limited. So supplementing it is a great way to make sure you’re keeping on top of your levels.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is primarily found in meat, eggs and dairy which helps support the immune system, alongside reducing tiredness and fatigue. The truth is, it's hard to get enough vitamin B12 from foods alone, even if you eat animal products. Intense farming measures have led to declining soil quality which has resulted in the soil becoming deficient in cobalt, alongside the fact we prefer to eat our fruits and vegetables highly washed, rather than eating soil, it is especially hard for vegans to get enough B12. A spray supplement helps to aid maximum absorption and is definitely worth adding.

Magnesium

Magnesium is an important mineral, which is involved in 600 metabolic reactions with in the body. It plays an important role in the functioning of the nervous system and muscular system, as well as the maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. There are different types of magnesium that you can get from different supplements. Each type of magnesium have different advantages within the body. But because some forms of magnesium are easier to absorb than others, it is important to research the type that you need and find the right supplement to match. 

Zinc

A key nutrient, zinc is an essential trace mineral and is vital for many functions in the body and is often seasonally used for those looking to support their immunity levels, especially over the cooler months. Zinc promotes healthy skin, hair and nails and exerts antioxidant activity, which helps fight free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage the cells in your body and are associated with premature ageing and certain health issues. Zinc also contributes to a healthy immune system and has properties that are useful for energy support, fertility and male health. It is important to ensure that the quality of the zinc supplement, as well as having a highly absorbable form.