What vitamins should I take? 6 essential nutrients everyone needs for optimum health

Confused by conflicting nutritional advice and wondering ‘what vitamins should I take?’ We’re here to help.

Vitamins are essential for our bodies to function properly from keeping our eyes and skin healthy to preventing anaemia, depression and heart disease. 

Both the American and British departments of health provide guidelines on the amount of vitamins and minerals we need,’ says Helen. These are called recommended dietary allowances (RDA) in the US and reference nutrient intakes (RNI) in the UK. 

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With the exception of vitamins D and K, the body can’t produce the vitamins we need - so we ideally need to eat them in our diet - but this is not always possible.

Dietician Helen Bond explains: ‘You should be able to get all of the nutrition your body needs from eating a varied, well- balanced diet – fruits and vegetables, wholegrain starchy carbohydrates, beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and dairy. However, with the pressures of day-to-day life, this isn’t always easy to do from diet alone.’ This is where supplements can play a part.

Below, we’ve outlined the six essential vitamins that we should all be getting daily - along with how to go about it. As ever, be sure to consult a doctor before you start taking any supplements.

1. Vitamin D

Why? The sunshine vitamin is needed for healthy bones and teeth, as it helps your body absorb calcium. It also supports a healthy immune system and normal muscle function. 

Your RNI: 10mcg per day 

Good sources: The best is natural sunlight on your skin, but it’s hard to get this all year round. Top up with oily fish, (salmon, fresh tuna, trout, mackerel and sardines), as well as eggs, wild mushrooms and dairy products. 

Need a little help? Try BetterYou Dlux 1000 Vitamin D Daily Oral Spray 

2. Iron

Why? A vital component of red blood cells, which transport oxygen around your body. Iron boosts your brain and energy levels, and helps your immune system function properly - particularly important during the winter months.

Your RNI: 

Men 19+ – 8.7mg per day

Women 19-50 years – 14.8mg per day

Women 50+ – 8.7mg per day

Good sources: Lean red meat, oily sh, green leafy vegetables, pulses, nuts and seeds

Need a little help? Try Active Iron 

3. Omega-3s

Why? Omega-3 maintains normal brain function and healthy vision, as well as keeping your heart healthy.

Your RNI: 250mg per day 

Good sources: Oily fish

Need a little help? Check out our pick of the best fish oil supplements

4. Selenium

Why? A power antioxidant, Selenium protects cells from damage by free-radicals found in pollutants. It also keeps hair and nails looking healthy, and regulates your metabolism.

Your RNI: 60mcg per day

Good sources: Fish, meat, eggs, Brazil nuts and mushrooms

Need a little help? Try Zhou Nutrition Selenium or Viridian Selenium

5. Vitamin B12

Why? Vitamin B12 keeps your immune and nervous systems healthy, helps reduce fatigue and boosts your mood.

Your RNI: 1.5mcg 

Good sources: Meat, fish, eggs, dairy products and fortified breakfast cereals.  

Need a little help? Try BetterYou Boost B12 Oral Spray

6. Calcium

Why? Calcium is key for keeping bones and teeth strong, your nerves and muscles healthy and helping your blood clot. 

Your RNI: 700mg 

Good sources: Dairy products, (milk, cheese and yogurt), plus sardines, leafy green veg, pulses, nuts, seeds, beans and dried fruit.

Need a little help? Try Nature's Way Alive! Calcium Gummies