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Many of us lead busy lives and rely on supplements to keep ourselves going strong. As it turns out, certain vitamins and minerals can interact with each other when taken together, changing how effective they are! Hiew Koo Wee, pharmacist-in-charge at Unity, Woodleigh Mall, tells us what to mix and match for optimal results.
If you want strong bones, muscles and teeth, calcium is an essential mineral, but it works best when taken with vitamin D, which helps to improve its absorption in the body.
Find them in: Swisse Ultiboost Calcium + Vitamin D
There’s always a flu bug lurking somewhere, and it pays to be prepared! Vitamin C and zinc are both antioxidants that can help you boost your immune system, and this combo provides almost twice the benefits than just vitamin C alone.
Find them in: Cebion Vitamin C 1000mg + Zinc Tablets – Orange
These work together to support how your body processes calcium. Vitamin D improves your body’s ability to absorb calcium, while vitamin K2 directs it to your bones.
Find them in: NaturesPlus Vitamin D3 + Vitamin K2
Together, these lower levels of homocysteine, an amino acid linked to heart disease when in excess. Combined in a vitamin B complex, they are perfect for busy modern lifestyles as they combat fatigue and stress, and promote a healthy mood balance.
Find them in: Blackmores B Performance Complex
According to research firm Statista, vitamins and minerals are expected to generate approximately $283 million in revenue here this year — that’s about $47 per Singaporean! A 2022 survey from Rakuten Insight also found that more than half of our population takes some form of dietary supplement.
At Unity, the most popular supplements include vitamin C, probiotics and multivitamins, says Koo Wee. But you can also find these health boosters in your daily meals.
If you want to consume more of this immunity-boosting antioxidant, you’re in luck — it’s found in many fruits and vegetables like strawberries, oranges, tomatoes and even cruciferous greens such as broccoli.
They provide good bacteria to keep your gut healthy and happy. You can find them in fermented foods like yoghurt, tempeh, sourdough bread, kimchi and sauerkraut.
Unlike supplements, there isn’t one single food that combines a good number of vitamins. So, having a varied diet is important. Your intake should include a range of food groups, such as iodine-rich seafood, vitamin-A dense eggs and calcium-packed dairy products.
