Vitamins and supplements that we buy in pharmacies will not replace all the benefits of a balanced diet, but there are a few that are worth taking when you have some minor health issues.
Iron
Iron is an integral part of the hemoglobin, which allows the transport of oxygen in blood. Inadequate intake of iron results with the lack of hemoglobin and erythrocytes and can lead to anemia. Iron deficiency leads to weakness, dizziness, brittle hair and nails… In the absence of iron, tissues and organs are not sufficiently supplied with oxygen, which leads to hypoxia. It is especially important that you take iron supplements with vitamin C, for easier and faster absorption.
Fish oil
The most important ingredient of fish oil is omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids have beneficial effect on functioning of the cardiovascular system, brain (especially in prenatal care). They provide support for the immune system, acting as an antioxidant. Fatty acids normalize serotonin level, which is responsible for the “good mood”. Fish oil beneficial effect on eyesight, symptoms of bronchitis, arthritis…
Vitamin B12
Cobalamine or vitamin B12 is a particularly important to the health of nerve cells and the formation of DNA and RNA. Vitamins B12 and B9 (folic acid) are essential for the formation of red blood cells, which affects the supply of oxygen. Also, these two B vitamins affect immune function and mood. The sources of this vitamin are almost exclusively products of animal origin, and supplements of vitamin B12 are recommended to vegans. If intake of this vitamin is not sufficient, it may lead to coronary heart disease, disturbances of the CNS, pernicious anemia.
Probiotics
Probiotics are “good bacteria” that are used for the regulation of intestinal flora, diarrhea, to strengthen the defense capabilities of the organism. You should use them whenever you use antibiotics (to prevent disruption of normal intestinal flora) and with intestinal candidiasis. They are used to reduce the incidence of atopic eczema with children, with traveler’s diarrhea. If you take only one serving of fermented dairy products per day, like yogurt, you will improve condition of your digestive tract, because they contain probiotic bacteria.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D increases the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, regulates calcification of bones, teeth, and is necessary for growth in general. Its deficit in organism can lead to rickets (bending skeletal deformities, lower resistance to infectious diseases) or osteomalacia (severe deformity of the spine, pelvis and extremities). Our organism has the ability to synthesize vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight, so its recommended to increased intake of vitamin D during the winter.
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral in the body. It is essential for the normal functioning of an organism. Therefore, it is advisable to use zinc supplements. It is necessary for growth and development, helps in faster wound healing, reduces insulin resistance. It is especially important for man because it prevents prostate enlargement and it’s used in the treatment of impotence and infertility. Zinc is used in the prevention of cold and flu or chronic infections by stimulating the immune system and has antioxidant role.
Garlic
In addition of being an indispensable seasoning, garlic is very effective in the fight against cancer, high blood pressure, increased cholesterol levels, infections, agglutination of platelets, especially in the form of a concentrated supplement. Experiments showed that garlic slows down growth of tumors of the colon, rectum, prostate, esophagus, skin, and stomach. Study cases in China, Italy and the United States showed that people who regularly eat garlic have a lower rate of stomach cancer and colon cancer.