let’s talk vitamins!
hi friends! today I’m going to be sharing with you all about vitamins and supplements - what they are, what they do, and what I take! it is important to recognize that while taking vitamins or supplements is not necessary to achieve health, they can be used to help achieve a more optimum health if one area of your body just needs a little extra tlc ;)
what is a vitamin?
a vitamin is an organic compound that your body utilizes in very small amounts for metabolic functions and essentially, sustaining life! there are 13 essential vitamins - vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and the B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, B6, B12, and folate). all of these vitamins have different functions and can be found naturally in different food groups, however factors like age, sex, health conditions, etc., can impact the deficiency or excess of some of these. for example, it is recommended that women who are pregnant take folate supplements or eat folic acid rich foods to help support the developing fetus and prevent neural tube defects. vitamins can be classified as either fat or water soluble, which distinguishes how the body stores and utilizes them. the fat soluble vitamins are vitamins are A, D, E, and K, and excess amounts of these are stored in the liver or other fatty tissues when the body needs them in the future - they can accumulate to dangerous levels if you have too much of them! in contrast, the water soluble vitamins are C and the B vitamins, and excess amounts of these vitamins are normally passed in urine after the amount that is needed is immediately used - normally, they will not accumulate to a dangerous amount.
all this being said, vitamins are at the core of our health! they help improve immunity, heart function, cognitive function, mobility, and so much more!
what supplements do I take?
while I try to keep my vitamin levels pretty normal through a healthy, balanced diet, I’ve been loving these 4 products recently:
goli apple cider vinegar gummies! goli shares that these gummies are “specifically formulated with Vitamins B9 and B12 to help support energy metabolism, healthy immune function, heart health, healthy nutrient metabolism, a healthy nervous system, general health and well-being and to provide antioxidant support.” they taste great and the gummy form is certainly better than taking ACV shots haha!
iwi joint support pills! the star of these pills is omega-3, which isn’t actually a vitamin, but rather a polyunsaturated fatty acid that is beneficial for a variety of reasons. omega-3 has been shown to help reduce inflammation in joints, which is great for me as someone that incorporates a lot of physical activity in their routine and has a relative amount of stress on my joints. this acid is also shown to lower cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and risk of heart disease - this is SO important! iwi shares that these vegan supplements also feature “white willow bark for comfort, vegan glucosamine to provide building blocks for healthy joints, and curcumin to support reduced stiffness.”
mrm nutrition ginkgo biloba pills! similar to omega-3, ginkgo biloba isn’t a vitamin, but it is a plant that is antioxidant rich and aids in cognitive ability and brain function. mrm nutrition shares that “Gingko acts as an antioxidant involved in respiratory, gastrointestinal and dermatological health due to its ability to increase blood flow to central and peripheral organs.”
goli multi bites! these are a sort of catch all vitamin supplement in a chocolatly package haha! these 25 calorie bites feature more than 10 different essential vitamins and nutrients, so they are perfect for improving overall health and wellness or introducing someone to the supplement world! goli shares that these bites contain “No Gluten. No High-Fructose Corn Syrup. No Artificial Flavors or Synthetic Colors.” this is a triple win!
like any change to your health and wellness routine, please consult with your healthcare provider to decide what vitamins and supplements are best for you!
