4 Often Overlooked Supplements

Eating right, exercising regularly, sleeping soundly, and taking a multivitamin are aspects of a healthy lifestyle. Most people have heard of the importance of iron, calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin D in the diet. However, several lesser-known supplements can also cause deficiencies in people with poor diets or those who have certain medical conditions. Here are four supplements that are often overlooked. 

1. Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12, which the body cannot produce on its own, assists with the function of nerve cells and the formation of red blood cells. In addition, this vitamin comes with benefits like:

• Promoting healthy skin, hair, and nails
• Playing a significant role in energy production, providing an energy boost if you are low in B12
• Improving mood in some people
• Supporting bone health, leading to a lower risk of developing osteoporosis

Most people get enough vitamin B12 through their daily diet, especially one that includes fortified breads and cereals, dairy products, and fish. Populations who are at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency can take this supplement orally or via injection. The body stores B12 in the liver so it takes years to become deficient, but once a severe deficiency sets in, it can cause lasting effects. 

2. Magnesium

Magnesium supports several functions in the body including energy production and healthy muscle and nerve reactions. A magnesium complex may include other vitamins such as Vitamin B6 that helps with the absorption of Magnesium, rendering the supplement more efficient. Conditions that make people more prone to magnesium deficiency include:

• Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases
• Type 2 diabetes
• Kidney problems
• Alcohol dependence

Magnesium is safe and generally well-tolerated at standard levels. Nevertheless, it is always a good idea to consult your healthcare professional before initiating any nutritional supplement.

3. Probiotics

Probiotics come from live yeast and bacteria and are good for the digestive system because they keep the good bacteria in your gut healthy. Foods such as yogurt, kimchi, tempeh, and miso contain probiotics but probiotics can also be taken in supplement form. People who could especially benefit from probiotic supplementation include:

• Those experiencing diarrhea
• Those who have inflammatory bowel diseases
• Those who have eczema

4. Omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in flax seeds, salmon, sardines, and cod liver. They are important for maintaining healthy hair and skin, cardiovascular health, immune system health, eye health, and protecting thyroid function. Because these fatty acids are not found in as wide of a variety of food as many vitamins and minerals, it can be useful to take omega-3 in supplemental form. Some forms of omega-3 supplements include:

• Fish oil, which comes with the additional benefit of providing vitamins A and D
• ALA oil, which is derived from plants such as flax and chia seeds and are therefore suitable for vegans and vegetarians
• Algal oil, which comes from microalgae and also contains the vital mineral iodine 

As long as you take the recommended amount, expect side effects such as fishy breath, nausea, and loose stools.

Consider one or more of these four supplements if you think your diet is lacking in any of them. A simple solution to getting essential vitamins into your diet is to use an affordable supplement and vitamin product like those from Life Botanics.