Vitamin and Supplement FAQs
Vitamins and supplements should not replace a balanced diet but can provide additional minerals you may not get through what you eat.
What does Vitamin C do?
Vitamin C helps keep your skin, bones, and connective tissue healthy and helps your body absorb iron.
It does not prevent you from catching the common cold, although taking a high dose of Vitamin C as soon as you get symptoms may reduce the time you’re sick with a cold.
What does Vitamin D do?
Vitamin D is very important for your bone health as it helps your body to absorb calcium from the food you eat. It also regulates the calcium found in your blood and helps strengthen your bones.
There are two types of Vitamin D: Vitamin D2, which is from plants and found in some supplements and Vitamin D3, which is from the sunlight on your skin.
Many people get their Vitamin D from the ultraviolet (UV) radiation that comes from the sun, and during the Summer nights, you only need to spend a few minutes mid-morning or mid-afternoon to meet your Vitamin D needs.
However, people who spend a lot of time indoors or cover their skin may find it difficult to get sun exposure and may become deficient. Your doctor may recommend a supplement if you are low in Vitamin D.
What does Vitamin B12 do?
Vitamin B12 is essential for your body to help make red blood cells and new DNA for growing and dividing cells. A deficiency in this vitamin may lead to anaemia and neurological damage.
You may be at risk of a Vitamin B deficiency if you’re malnourished or don’t include Vitamin B in your diet through unprocessed foods, lean meats, dairy, cereals, fruits and vegetables.
Do I need to take vitamins and supplements?
The best way to give your body the vitamins and minerals it needs is by enjoying a varied diet that includes protein, dairy, nuts, seeds and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
If you want to include a vitamin or supplement into your diet, please speak with your doctor before doing so, as it may be recommended that you take them to avoid being deficient in minerals and maintain your health.
What vitamin deficiency causes hair loss?
Vitamins play a vital role in every stage of the hair growth cycle, so a deficiency in vitamins may lead to hair loss.
Multiple studies show that low levels of Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 and more are prevalent among people with thinning hair and alopecia compared to those who don’t.
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