However, for many reasons it is virtually impossible for us to get all the nutrients we need from our diet alone. If you want to be the picture of health, the best way is to eat well, exercise regularly and take supplements to guarantee strong levels of the important vitamins and minerals in your body.
The reasons we can’t get enough nutrients from our diet are numerous. One is simply the fact that everyone is different and the need for nutrients varies from person to person. It’s also true that people absorb the nutrients at a different rate, so even if it seems like you’re getting enough you might not be absorbing them properly.
Aging naturally reduces our ability to absorb nutrients and that means that our need for antioxidants like vitamin B12 is much greater. But it’s not just age that can affect your ability to take in vitamins – your lifestyle is important too. There are almost innumerable factors that can make taking in nutrients difficult. Unhealthy foods, smoking, excessive alcoholic drink consumption and sedentary habits can be a major problem.
We also know that food quality is extremely important when trying to take nutrients on board. Some foods need to be avoided such as any processed goods and any food that is high in fat and sugar. It can also make a big difference if the food you eat is contaminated with either fertilisers or pollution.