Naturecan’s Vitamins and Minerals Guide
Summary:
- Healthy eating is all about having a balance of different foods and nutrients in the diet for good health and wellbeing.
- Having a variety of foods will increase our intake of essential vitamins and minerals.
- We need food supplements to correct nutritional deficiencies and adequate intake and support physiological functions alongside a balanced diet.
- We’ve put together a guide for all to support you on your health journey and which are the most convenient supplements you can take.
- Speak to a healthcare professional before taking supplements. They should not be a substitute for a varied diet and do not treat or prevent disease.
Introduction
Your parents told you to eat your greens as a child for a good reason. Now that you’ve decided to take the extra step in your health journey, it’s time to learn what vitamins and minerals are the best for you, and how you can make the most out of them.
It’s safe to say the vitamin and mineral aisle is completely stocked up – confusing and overwhelming to most. So, how do you choose what’s best for you?
Here at Naturecan Fitness Hong Kong, we have collated information on our favourite vitamins and minerals. With our comprehensive guide, you will find out exactly what they can do for your health.
What is NRV?
NRV stands for ‘Nutrient Reference Value’, which is a set of guidelines for 13 vitamins and 14 minerals. The purpose of these guidelines is for you to understand food or food supplement labels on the UK / EU guidance levels per daily amount of vitamins or minerals that the average healthy person needs for a balanced lifestyle.
We follow these guidelines for each of our vitamins and minerals to give you an estimate of the number of nutrients you need every day. This supports your development and maintains good health. Hence, you can trust that Naturecan Fitness’ products are quality, allowing you to live a healthier lifestyle.
Naturecan’s Vitamins & Minerals Guide
1. Vitamin B12
A convenient way to get your recommended daily intake of Vitamin B12 is through our Naturecan tablets.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can affect us all (vegans included) and is something that we should all be aware of. Consuming certain foods can enhance your intake of vitamin B12.
It can be difficult to consume enough vitamin B12 from your diet alone, especially if you’re 100% plant-based. This is because this vitamin is water soluble and found mostly in foods such as:
- Meat
- Fish
- Milk (fortified milk)
- Eggs
- Enriched nutritional yeast
- Fortified cereals
With 510μg of vitamin B12 per serving, our high-strength supplement plays a role in the normal function of the immune system1, contributing to the reduction of tiredness2, supporting normal red blood cell formation3, normal psychological function4 and energy-yielding metabolism5.
Plus, our Vitamin B12 tablets are made with plant-based ingredients, a vegan-friendly way to supplement your diet.
2. Vitamin D3 & K2
Our convenient daily Vitamin D3 & K2 tablet is perfect for gym-goers.
Vitamin D3 can be difficult to absorb through food alone, as it’s mainly produced when you are exposed to the sun’s UV radiation. However, during the winter months, many people are not exposed to enough sunlight for optimal levels. Here are some food sources of Vitamin D3:
- Oily fish – such as salmon, mackerel and sardines
- Liver and red meats
- Fortified cereals
- Egg yolks
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is known to support the normal function of the immune system6 as well as maintaining normal bones7, teeth8, muscle function9 and has a role in cell division10.
Vitamin K2
Vitamin K2 is known to contribute to normal blood clotting and maintain normal bone11,12. Sources of vitamin K can be found in certain foods including:
- Kale
- Leafy greens - Including broccoli and spinach
- Vegetable oils
- Cereal grains
- Chicken/pork
- Egg yolks
- Soft cheese
3. ZMA
Get the potential benefits of zinc, magnesium and vitamin B6, playing an important role in everyday well-being with our patented ZMA®.
Zinc is known to contribute to normal cognitive function13. You should be able to get all the zinc you need from your daily diet. However, if you need a boost in Zinc, why not try our ZMA to meet your daily needs. Good sources of foods containing zinc include:
- Meat
- Dairy foods - such as cheese and milk
- Whole grains
- Bread
- Shellfish
Magnesium
Magnesium is one of the unsung heroes of the mineral world. Magnesium contributes to the reduction in fatigue, metabolism, the nervous system and many other functions in the body14,15,16. Getting the right magnesium intake is vital for the body, as, without it, we can feel exhausted quickly. Foods containing magnesium include:
- Spinach
- Nuts
- Whole grains/wholemeal bread
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 plays an important role in our diets, including the normal function of the immune system17, reduction in tiredness and fatigue18, supporting normal functioning of the nervous system19, normal protein and glycogen metabolism20, and normal psychological function21. Vitamin B6 can be found in many foods including:
- Poultry – such as chicken or turkey
- Cold-water fish – such as salmon or tuna
- Soya beans
- Oats
- Bananas
- Fortified cereals
4. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin that supports the immune system22 – your body’s natural defence. Helping to increase iron absorption, reducing tiredness and fatigue and contributing to the normal formation of bones, teeth, gums and skin22,24,25,26,27.
Vitamin C can help to reduce tiredness and fatigue, protect cells from oxidative stress, and support your metabolism, it’s essential for keeping you feeling healthy.
Vitamin C can be found in a wide variety of fruit and vegetables including:
- Citrus fruits
- Strawberries
- Blackcurrants
- Peppers
- Broccoli
If you want to increase your vitamin C intake, our convenient Vitamin C capsules give you your must-needed daily vitamin C requirements without the fuss, so supplementing fits your schedule. Plus, they’re vegan-friendly.
5. Naturecan’s Multivitamins
If you need a simple and convenient multivitamin, look no further than our Multivitamins – the ultimate blend of 23 essential vitamins and minerals, designed to deliver the perfect daily dosage with three convenient capsules.
Offering a blend of our formula which delivers vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D3, vitamin E, vitamin K, Biotin, Folic Acid, Iron, Zinc, Magnesium and more – helping to support both your body and wellbeing, whatever your schedule.
Created with 100% plant-based ingredients, these are the ideal vitamins for everyone – helping you to get the nutrients your body needs while maintaining a plant-based diet.
What vitamins and minerals should I take?
When it comes to supplementing vitamins and minerals, make sure to speak with a healthcare professional but also to have a balanced and varied diet.
So, ‘what vitamins should I take?’ Still not sure where to start? Check out our Multivitamin.
Written by Georgia Chappell and reviewed by our compliance expert, Imogen Blackshaw, Senior Regulatory Compliance Officer at Naturecan, BSc Public Health Nutrition and Registered Associate Nutritionist (ANutr)
Products Mentioned
Interested in our products? Shop our Vitamins and Minerals range here. Including Multivitamin, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, ZMA and more.
SHOP VITAMINS & MINERALSReferences:
1. Vitamin B12 contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
2. Vitamin B12 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
3. Vitamin B12 has a role in the process of cell division.
4. Vitamin B12 contributes to normal psychological function.
5. Vitamin B12 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
6. Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
7. Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
8. Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth.
9. Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function.
10. Vitamin D has a role in the process of cell division
11. Vitamin K contributes to normal blood clotting.
12. Vitamin K contributes to the maintenance of normal bones
13. Zinc contributes to normal cognitive function
14. Magnesium contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue
15. Magnesium contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
16. Magnesium contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system
17. Vitamin B6 contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
18. Vitamin B6 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
19. Vitamin B6 contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
20. Vitamin B6 contributes to normal protein and glycogen metabolism.
21. Vitamin B6 contributes to normal psychological function.
22. Vitamin C increases iron absorption.
23. Vitamin C contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
24. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of bones.
25. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of teeth.
26. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of gums.
27. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of the skin.
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:02011R1169-20180101&from=EN
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22516724
