On the radar where improved wellness is a goal, even after eating a balanced diet and exercising in the right way, it is easy to miss some essential nutrients. To make up for the missing nutrients, taking vitamins and minerals in the form of supplements is a great way to boost nutrition at any age. But the major question lies in what is the best or right supplement as per the age to consume.
As women’s health evolves over time, they have different biological needs and unique goals that need to be fulfilled. Consuming vitamins and minerals as per age will keep the body healthy and help it function in a proper way. With different sources of nutritional and health support, it can become difficult to solve the question of which vitamins and minerals to consume. So, in this article presented by New Concept Clinic, a Gynaecology Hospital in Dubai, you will learn which vitamins and supplements are required on a priority basis at different stages of life.
Folic acid: Also known as folate or vitamin B9, folic acid is considered important for women who are in their 30s, are expecting a child, or are thinking about having one. The consumption of folic acid as a prenatal supplement supports brain health, cell reproduction, memory enhancement, verbal fluency, and more. It also reduces the risk of birth defects in children, like brain problems or defects in the spinal cord.
Iron: One of the most essential nutrients a woman needs in her 30s is iron. Accurate consumption of iron results in supporting optimal health by helping make the proteins hemoglobin and myoglobin, etc. As women are at higher risk of iron deficiency during their reproductive years, it is also important for energy production, wound healing, immune function, red blood cell formation, growth, development, and more.
Antioxidants: Antioxidants like vitamins C and E are all-star antioxidants vital for maintaining human health, providing immune health, and supporting healthy skin inside out.
Fish oil: At the age of 40, women have a unique set of nutritional needs. As it is the stage of entering the process of peri-menopause, they start to experience hot flashes, for which consumption of fish oil with omega-3 fatty acids will be a great supplement to have. It also helps with overall health, including the heart and brain.
Vitamin-B complex: Made up of 8 vitamins in one, consumption of these B vitamins helps support mood, improve digestion, maintain sleep health, boost energy, and convert food into fuel. The eight vitamins include thiamine (B1), B2, B3, pantothenic acid B5, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12, and biotin (B7). It also supports the cardiovascular system along with nail, hair, and skin health.
Iodine: An essential mineral found in several food items like dairy products, seafood, seaweed, eggs, and vegetables, helps make thyroid hormones, controls the metabolic rate, helps your brain and body grow, etc.
Vitamin D: No matter what age it is, vitamin D is one of the most important vitamins for women out there. It is also known as the sunshine vitamin and supports many aspects of health and well-being, like improving bone health and helping absorb calcium from food.
Calcium: At different life stages, the need for calcium varies. For women above the age of 40, it is necessary to keep a check on their calcium level and maintain it as per their needs. Calcium is the mineral that helps keep the bones strong and healthy, regulate muscles, perform heart function, prevent blood clots, and others.
Vitamin B6, and B12: B-group vitamins are crucial to overall health and the need for them increases after menopause. Of all others, vitamins like B6, B12 help with the production of red blood cells, energy production, cognitive development, proper function of the nervous system, and protein metabolism, etc.
It's always you against you in the end, for which it is very essential to maintain the traditional pillars of wellness like following a balanced diet, doing regular exercise, and getting adequate sleep. As per Dr. Elsa, Female Gynaecologist in Dubai, no matter what your age is, it is very necessary to pay attention to your evolving body needs and understand the unique influencing factors.