Studies suggest that one in three people take supplements every day in the UK, and 15 percent of people turn to a high dose supplements as a way of getting a quick fix. But how effective are these pills in boosting our immune system and fighting off disease? New research claims that we take vitamin pills as a form of health insurance, reducing ageing and reducing the risk of chronic disease. But most people take them out of habit, and large quantities of single vitamins can have toxic effects. This is especially the case where vitamin A is concerned, which can accumulate to be damaging to the liver. Vitamins are generally consumed through our diet – they’re what our body can’t produce naturally on its own. Vitamin C builds immunity and helps to develop connective tissues; vitamin A helps the body to grow and enhances the immune system; B vitamins are vital in producing energy so that we can function throughout the day; finally, vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium for strong bones.
Our high speed lifestyles have meant that we now resort to pill forms in order to get the daily dose of vitamins that we need, made worse by the fact that our diets are poorer now. In an ideal world, we would make fresh meals everyday which were rich in nutrients, but reality doesn’t match this. It’s also true that chronic stress can deplete the body’s vitamin supply, as cortisol (the hormone responsible for stress) uses up the supply of vitamin c and B vitamins. Naturally, we should all be opting for the food version of these vitamins rather than relying on supplements. Research shows that over 90 percent of supplements on the market are synthetic, so we aren’t actually getting what we think we are. Furthermore, evidence suggests that these unnatural forms could be more harmful than good for us.
There are exceptions to the rule, of course. Vitamin D, for example, is difficult to obtain from our diets and most people are fearful of sitting in natural sunlight due to the dangers of the sun’s rays. So this could be beneficial in a supplement form. Likewise, GPs may advise pregnant women to boost their vitamin intake with a supplement to ensure that they and their baby get all the nutrients that they need. If you do need to take a supplement though, be sure that it isn’t synthetic and that it is of a good grade. For a general boost to your well-being, you may want to take a daily supplement with chlorella, bee pollen or spirulina. Fish and plant oils are also great for your health, as these are rich in omega-3 fatty acids – oily fish such as salmon or mackerel, as well as nuts and seeds, are all ideal places to start. To boost your vitamin C levels, rosehip supplements are fantastic as they are an incredibly rich source of this nutrient. If you’re recovering from an illness, pregnant or breastfeeding, or are training intensively for sport, a supplement may be a good idea in order to ensure you don’t overwork your body’s reserves. However, they shouldn’t be relied upon as a long term solution for getting your vitamins. Abidec drops are a useful way to ensure you get the right dose – they are a multivitamin which contains fat-soluble vitamin A and D2, as well as water-soluble vitamin C, B1 and 2, and B6.
Wherever possible, your vitamins should be sourced from fresh foods, such as fruit and vegetables, dairy, and plants or meats. If you’re unsure about how to boost your diet or are worried you’re lacking in a nutrient, you may find it useful to speak to your GP who can advise of ways to improve your diet.
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