The 4 Supplements You Should Be Taking

Any nutritionist or dietitian will tell you to get your vitamins from food first, but sometimes it isn’t that easy. Whether it’s because of a food allergy, intolerance, or disliking of certain foods, it’s very easy to become deficient in key vitamins that are vital for your body. This is where supplementation comes in!

Audrey Fleck, MS, RDN of Functional Origins, recommends that women (and men!) take four supplements— a B-Complex, Vitamin D3, Omega 3 Fatty Acid, and a probiotic— and here’s why.

B-Complex

B vitamins are necessary for metabolizing carbohydrates, fats and protein— the macronutrients that convert food to energy. They’re also needed for a properly functioning nervous system. If you find yourself feeling foggy, fatigued, or even getting sick often, take a B-complex. This way, you’re getting all necessary B vitamins in one easy pill.

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 is the form of Vitamin D that gets synthesized by the skin from sun exposure. Vitamin D supports teeth, bone, and immune health. As fall and winter quickly approach, we spend less time in the sun, so it is important to take Vitamin D3 as a supplement.

Omega 3 Fatty Acid

Omega 3 is an essential fat for you body. What makes it “essential” is your body’s inability to make it. This means that you have to get it through foods. Omega 3 fats are found in foods such as fish, nuts, and flaxseeds. If you find these foods lacking in your diet, supplementation is the way to go. Omega 3 fatty acids are vital for heart health and can reduce the risks of inflammation and protect the body against chronic disease. There are even studies that show how Omega 3 fatty acids help mental health. (Make sure you are getting Omega 3- not Omega 6!)

Probiotic

Before you say “I don’t need to take a probiotic because I don’t have any Gastro Intestinal issues”, think again! Taking a probiotic, no matter how healthy your tract is, is very beneficial for the body. Your gut contains trillions of bacteria— and most of these bacteria are GOOD. They are what neutralize the toxins and carcinogens that are in the food you eat. Having a vast array of bacteria aids in digestion, immune health, and even the absorption of nutrients.

Next time you find yourself wondering through the vitamin aisle, pick up these four supplements and reap the health benefits!