The A to Z of supplements
The world of supplements can be tricky to navigate. To help, we’ve prepared a simple guide to key vitamins, minerals and food supplements in this easy-to-read, A-Z (well, almost, X is hard OK?!) list.
Adaptogens
Adaptogens are medicinal herbs that help the body respond to stress, which they do in a couple of ways.
Say you're feeling tired and could benefit from a little lift to your energy levels, there is an adaptogen for that. Or you need support to maintain calm and keep yourself (almost) zen-like, there's an adaptogen for that too.
B vitamins
B vitamins are a group of water-soluble vitamins, and because they are not naturally stored in the body, consistent daily intake is important through a healthy and varied diet.
Good sources of B group vitamins are meat, poultry, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, and cereal and whole grains.
Collagen powder
The research on how collagen supplements may help support musculoskeletal health appear to be quite promising.
Research suggests collagen supplements may be helpful for your tendons, your joints and your cartilage because it helps them become stronger and more resilient.
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Vitamin D
Vitamin D is needed to support the maintenance of strong, healthy bones by regulating blood calcium levels in the blood.
Once metabolised, the active form of vitamin D is essential in stimulating intestinal calcium absorption, and without it, limited dietary calcium and phosphorus are absorbed.
Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng)
Studies indicate that Siberian ginseng may have adaptogenic properties, which might help the body adapt to stress.
Folate
Part of the B group of vitamins. Maintaining adequate folate levels pre-pregnancy may help to reduce the risk of some birth defects if taken daily for one month before conception and during pregnancy.
Greens powder
While the best way to get nutrients is by eating food, some greens powders may help you top up on phytonutrients. Check out some of our favourite greens powders.
Hydrolysed collagen
Being a protein made up of 19 amino acids, collagen is not easily absorbed in its whole form. Hydrolysed collagen is essentially broken down into smaller particles to make it more easily absorbed.
Iron
Iron is a mineral that the body needs for physical growth and development, neurological development, and the synthesis of hormones. Iron is also important for carrying oxygen throughout the body.
Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) has a long history of traditional use as a sleeping aid. It may help soothe the body and mind.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral that plays a vital role in the body’s bone structure and cellular reactions and aids in relaxing the nervous system.
Nicotinamide
Also known as vitamin B3, nicotinamide supports skin health. Importantly, it is needed for the body to function properly.
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Ocimum tenuiflorum
Ocimum tenuiflorum (also known as holy basil or tulsi) is an adaptogen that may help the body manage stress.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are a type of dietary fibre that pass through your digestive system undigested. They promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Questions?
If you have questions about supplements, or need advice or support on a health condition you can talk to a registered doctor today in as little as 60minutes*. Make a telehealth booking today and get thorough, tailored advice from the comfort of your own home.
* Typical wait time to speak to a doctor is 60 minutes for a priority booking and up to 4 hours for a general booking. This may vary depending on availability and demand. Telehealth services are best suited when you cannot access your regular doctor..
Rhodiola
Rhodiola is also an adaptogen that may help the body to manage stress.
Selenium
A mineral that plays an important role in every stage of the body’s immune response, while also being an antioxidant.
Thiamin
Also known as vitamin B1, thiamin is involved in energy production and supports nervous system health.
UMF
While not technically a supplement, it’s useful to understand what UMF is. It stands for ‘Unique Manuka Factor’ and is a trademark registered by the UMF Honey Association, which allows New Zealand manuka honey producers to use the trademark under licence. Manuka honey with a UMF rating of 10+ or greater is considered therapeutically active.
Valerian
Valeriana officinalis (valerian) may help to reduce the time to fall asleep, support a refreshing sleep and reduce restless sleep.
Withania
Also known as ashwagandha, an adaptogen that may help the body respond and adapt to stress.
X
Finding an essential supplement that starts with x is really hard. Instead, we thought we’d give you a word that you can use to absolutely own your next game of scrabble: Xanthate. You’re welcome!
Zinc
Zinc plays a role in growth and development and is essential for the normal functioning of the cells and antibodies that make up your immune system.
It’s important to remember that vitamin and mineral supplementation should not replace a balanced diet. However, they can be of assistance if your dietary intake is inadequate. If you believe you may be deficient in a vitamin or mineral, always consult your health professional first before starting supplementation.
Reviewed by the healthylife Advisory Board March 2022
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. If you have any concerns or questions about your health you should consult with a health professional.