Supplements: The vitamins and minerals ‘people should avoid’ according to a doctor

Vitamin D it is one of the most recommended supplements that people should take, especially during the winter months. The body makes vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin when outdoors, but between October and early March in the UK, people don’t make enough. The vitamin helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, making it essential for optimal health. The government’s advice is that everyone should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement during the fall and winter.

There are other supplements that people should avoid, according to Dr. Sarah Brewer, medical director of health lapse – those that are not manufactured according to a pharmaceutical standard known as GMP.

GMP, which stands for Good Manufacturing Practices, is the minimum standard that a drug manufacturer must meet in its production processes.

Products must be of consistent high quality, be appropriate for their intended use and meet the requirements of the marketing authorization (MA) or product specification.

Dr. Brewer shared the first steps you should take when considering taking supplements.

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She advised: “Check the quality of the supplements, make sure they are made to GMP standards.

“Supplements are only there to supplement the diet, never to replace food.

“And it’s important to tailor your supplements to your specific health and dietary needs.”

It is also important to understand the different types of soluble vitamins.

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“Finally, check the expiration dates.”

As Dr. Brewer mentioned, you should always consult a doctor before taking supplements if you are taking any prescription medications.

But he also recommended supplements that people should consider taking during the winter, along with vitamin D.

“What we do know is that several nutrients are required to support the immune system, including vitamins A, C, DE, and minerals such as selenium and zinc. BMJ research suggests that ensuring a good intake of these nutrients can help prevent respiratory infections and decrease the time needed to recover.

“Public Health England (PHE) advised that everyone in the UK should take a vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter months, when UV exposure is too low to allow natural synthesis of vitamin D3 in the skin. . PHE suggested taking a supplement that provides 10 micrograms of vitamin D per day. This is the minimum necessary to prevent vitamin D deficiency conditions such as muscle and bone pain, osteomalacia, or rickets. For optimal health, there is growing evidence that higher doses of 25 mcg to 50 mcg of vitamin D are needed, especially for older people, as the ability to synthesize vitamin D declines in old age. The latest discoveries related to protection against asthma generally used oral doses of between 10 mcg (400 IU) and 100 mcg (4,000 IU) of vitamin D3 per day (although some used higher doses given by injection).

“Low mood during winter may be related to seasonal affective disorder, which appears to be a natural hibernation response. Several studies suggest that eating more fish or taking omega-3 fish oils may have a beneficial effect on low mood.

“CBD also has a calming effect to relieve anxiety, promote feelings of well-being, and improve mood. It enhances the effects of natural brain chemicals, such as serotonin, and helps reduce restlessness and fatigue. Other options include 5-HTP or the traditional herbal remedy, St. John’s wort, but if you are taking any medications you should first check with your healthcare professional.”