You may hear it often or you may have grown up with it, "As long as you eat a healthy and varied diet, you don't need nutritional supplements. Only these days that's not true. Here it is important to look at what is a healthy diet and what is a healthy lifestyle? Do you eat 500 grams of vegetables/fruit a day? Do you eat organic? Do you eat a variety of fruits and vegetables? Do you drink 2 liters of water in a day? Are you getting your exercise daily? But also how is your health at the moment, are there any specific complaints? As you read there are many different factors to consider.

Vitamins and minerals you need for normal functioning of your body processes. You need sufficient macronutrients these are, carbohydrates, proteins and fats but also sufficient micronutrients these are, vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Your body cannot make most vitamins and minerals itself with the exception of vitamins K, A, D and B3. So it is important that you get enough of it through food.

Vitamins and minerals have several important workings in the body for example:

Vitamin D:

• Increases calcium absorption in the bones
• Contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system
• Important for strong teeth

Vitamin B12:

• Contributes to the formation of red blood cells
• Promotes energy metabolism
• Is good for the cell division process

Biotin (Vitamin B8)

• Contributes to normal hair growth
• Is important for the skin
• Contributes to normal nerve function

Magnesium:

• Contributes to normal muscle function
• Is good for the skeleton
• Of importance to the nervous system

Iron:

• Helps in the normal formation of red blood cells and hemoglobin
• Activates your natural energy in the body
• Contributes to normal oxygen transport in the body

Fat- and water-soluble vitamins

Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble vitamins. This means that the body absorbs them best when they are combined with fat. These vitamins are often found in high-fat foods such as: avocado, eggs, nuts, fatty fish and meat. Fat-soluble vitamins do get stored in the liver and adipose tissue. As a result, the body has a supply available. For example, when the body needs vitamin D, it releases it from stores in the liver and adipose tissue. It then transports it to the organs and tissues where it is needed.

The B vitamins vitamin C are water-soluble vitamins. They are found in the moisture of foods such as juice from fruits or vegetables. The vitamins are not stored in the body but excreted through the urine.  

There are several Multi Vitamins on the market but which one to choose?

• Multi mama: The name might give it away but all moms may use this Multi vitamin. But the Multi is also good to use during pre-conception and while breastfeeding.
• Multi woman: especially for all women and this Multi especially contains more b vitamins.
• Multi basis: the multi basis is for everyone 12 years and older.
• Multi kidsThis contains the nutrients that are important for children from 4 to 12 years. This is a chewable tablet which is easier for children to take. From 12 years of age you may switch to the Multi basic.

However, every person is different and that is why we at Charlotte Labee Supplements think it is important that a therapist looks closely with you to see which supplements are right for you. This can be done through our online or telephone advice.