Vitamin supplements

Vitamins are involved in many vital processes in our bodies. Because the body cannot produce them itself without help, it depends on a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. These organic compounds support the immune system and are responsible for building healthy bones, teeth, cells and blood cells. Unfortunately, It is not always possible to get enough vitamins from our food. In such cases, vitamin supplements can compensate for a nutrient and mineral deficiency and strengthen a weakened immune system.

An introduction to vitamins

Did you know that carrots need to be consumed with fat for them to unleash their health-promoting effect? Carrots contain the fat-soluble beta-carotene, which the body can convert into vitamin A. Carrots also contain vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin C. Vitamins D, E and K are also fat-soluble. Except for vitamin K, they can be stored by the body in fatty tissue.

Water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin C and B vitamins, on the other hand, cannot be stored by the body – except for vitamin B12.

How do I know which vitamins I need?

Your personal vitamin requirements depend on many different factors. In addition to age, lifestyle habits also play a major role. For instance: are you an athlete, pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother or senior citizen? Then you need more vitamins on average. According to experts, smokers even have a 40 per cent higher vitamin C requirement than non-smokers, and they are also often deficient in folic acid.

People who drink more alcohol are also at risk of a vitamin deficiency. This is due to a reduced appetite our body’s lack of being able to utilise vitamins when drinking large amounts. Elevated stress levels and emotional strain also increase your daily vitamin requirement. If you are not sure whether or not your vitamin levels are optimal, it is best to clarify this with a vitamin deficiency test.

Did you know that around one in five adults suffers from vitamin D deficiency in the United Kingdom? The body can produce the vitamin itself with the help of sunlight, but with dark months and a lack of outdoor exercise, your body is dependent on vitamin D supplements.

What are typical vitamin deficiency symptoms?

If you are wondering whether you specifically need vitamins or vitamin supplements, you should pay attention to the following signals from your body. A home test kits or a blood test by a doctor will also provide you with concrete information about vitamin deficiencies.

• Vitamin A: dry and flaky skin, sometimes vision problems
• Vitamin B1: circulatory problems, neurological disorders
• Vitamin B2: skin rash, cracked corners of the mouth
• Vitamin B6: inflamed (mucous) skin, loss of appetite, irritability, depressive moods, insomnia
• Vitamin B12: fatigue, paleness, loss of performance
• Vitamin C: susceptibility to infection, tiredness and feeling of weakness, poorly healing wounds
• Vitamin D: nervousness, weaker bones, rickets in children, soft teeth
• Vitamin E: dry skin, fatigue, loss of concentration

Buying vitamins: an investment in your well-being

With a vitamin-rich, varied diet and well-prepared meals, healthy people can get all the vital nutrients they need without much effort needed. But even a diet or stressful times without much time for cooking can cause a vitamin deficiency. During such times, watch out for deficiency symptoms and question how well your dietary habits cover your nutrient needs. You can supplement your diet in a targeted way with our many vitamin supplements!