5 vitamins for women’s health
FATIGUE, joint pain, depression, insomnia — if you’ve been scrolling social media you’d know that the trendiest new supplement being pushed by celebs and influencers is vitamin D3, which is said to help with these symptoms. This is trending because these symptoms may seem innocuous, but many women battle them, not understanding that they could be linked to an actual deficiency.
Nutritionist Keisha Black says D3, along with these four other supplements, are excellent for your health. Here, she explains why:
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D Omega 3 supplements are said to help your body absorb calcium, strengthen bones and muscles, boost immunity, improve your mood, reduce inflammation and improve heart function.
“It keeps your immune system strong and improves your mood, so it’s good for anxiety,” Black said. “It will also give you energy, and some people theorise that it also helps with weight loss.”
B Complex
Three of the vitamins in the B complex are especially crucial for women — B6, B12, and folic acid (B9). Folic acid may be the most important B vitamin to take during pregnancy, while B6 plays a significant role in keeping the hormones balanced, especially oestrogen and progesterone that are vital for fertility. B12, on the other hand, is needed to ward off anaemia, which can make you feel weak and tired. Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause damage to your nerves and can affect memory and thinking.
Magnesium
This mineral supports muscle strength and nerve function, and helps with energy. “If you’re critically low on magnesium, you can get high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis,” Black said.
Calcium
A woman needs calcium to build and maintain strong bones, especially as she ages, to ward off osteoporosis. “Her heart, muscles and nerves also need calcium to function properly,” Black said.
Iron
“A woman needs iron in order to support several key bodily functions, including a healthy immune system, maintaining her energy levels, and transporting oxygen via red blood cells. If you’re not getting adequate iron through your diet, supplementation is necessary,” Black said. “Women need more iron because they lose blood each month during their period.”
