With the days becoming darker and colder it can be tough to stay motivated. At VITHIT, we understand the struggle, so we have come up with a list of 3 vitamins that you should incorporate into your daily routine, to keep feeling your best this Winter!
Vitamin D
Vitamin D gained a lot of attention during the Covid-19 pandemic due to its association with reducing the severity of symptoms of the virus. Vitamin D is referred to as the sunshine vitamin as it is produced by the skin upon exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D can also be acquired through consuming foods such as eggs, fortified foods, red meat and oily fish.
Across Ireland and the UK, we experience a 6 month Vitamin D Winter, whereby sunlight doesn't provide our skin with enough UVB exposure to allow us to make Vitamin D (www.nhs.uk) Hence, it is important that we consume enough Vitamin D through food to maintain a normal level. In fact, health experts recommend taking Vitamin D supplements throughout the Winter months (https://www.irishtimes.com/
Vitamin D has many important functions such as; helping to maintain healthy bones and muscles and regulating calcium and phosphate levels. Keep an eye out for some new VITHIT products in 2022 that will be fortified with Vitamin D!
Vitamin B
B vitamins are often referred to as super vitamins! This is because of the role that B vitamins B vitamins play in increasing our energy. Some of the different functional benefits of B vitamins include:
- Vitamin B1 - helps the body to release energy from food.
- Vitamin B2 - helps to keep the skin, eyes and nervous system healthy.
- Niacin - aids in normal metabolism.
- Vitamin B6 - helps the body to form haemoglobin.
- Biotin - needed in small amounts to help the body make fatty acids.
- Folic acid - needed by women of child-bearing age to prevent Neural Tube Defects.
- Vitamin B12- helps the body to release energy from food.
B vitamins can be found in many foods such as leafy green vegetables, meat, fish and dairy. Immunitea also contains all of these B vitamins and can be purchased here
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is very important for maintaining healthy skin and blood vessels. During the Winter, it is important to continue to include Vitamin C in the diet as it helps in fighting colds and reducing the severity of such colds. Vitamin C also plays an important role in increasing the absorption of Iron. As Vitamin C cannot be stored in the body long term, it is important to consume Vitamin C everyday.
Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, broccoli and potatoes.
Continue to feel your best and fight those Winter blues this Winter! Remember that it is important to try and incorporate as many vitamins into your diet as you can. Consumption of vitamin rich foods such as the ones listed above as well as incorporating foods and drinks that have been fortified with vitamins, can help you to achieve your recommended daily allowance.
Disclaimer:
Should you have any queries about Vitamin related deficiencies, always consult your doctor.