Importance of micronutrients are you getting enough vitamins and minerals

Supplements is easy, but not a right approachIn supplements we believe, but should we?

Two days ago, I overheard a patient talking to her friend in the aisle. “A box of Vitamin A or 4 carrots a day and you can throw away your specs!” We all believe in adages – an apple a day to keep the doctor away… Or, four carrots a day to keep the ophthalmologist at bay. If only eating four carrots could help achieve near-perfect vision, why would the world need Ophthalmologists? In the world of health and wellness, trends come and go. And this conversation was a trendy one.


From intermittent fasting to the latest superfoods, people are always on the lookout for simple ways to enhance their well-being. Another fad is the excessive reliance on boxes of micronutrients — vitamins and minerals essential for maintaining a well-functioning body. At first glance, the strategy to consume four pills of vitamins and minerals appears simple. But just because the box reads “miracle” or “super-foods” does not really mean a miracle of macronutrient-intake. And, there are two problems with this.


LACK OF KNOWLEDGE OF UNSUNG HEROES

Usually, people focus on macronutrients such as proteins, fats, or even carbohydrates to improve their health. But micronutrients are the real stars. They are like the gear of a well-oiled machine. Without them, our bodies would struggle to carry out even the most basic functions.


Vitamins like A, B-complexes, C, and D, as well as minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc, work in tandem to maintain strong bones, regulate blood pressure, and ensure proper brain and heart function. Calcium is the mineral that supports bone health.


Deficiency in calcium can lead to weakened bones, increasing the risk of fractures and conditions like osteoporosis. Popping calcium tablets is easy but what if the body also has a lack of Vitamin D! Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Without adequate vitamin D, even a diet rich in calcium won’t be as effective in strengthening bones. Ditto for iron, which is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. A deficiency in iron can lead to anaemia, characterised by fatigue, weakness, and difficulty in concentrating.


Vitamin C, is known for its role in immune health, besides aiding in collagen production, wound healing, and the absorption of iron. Similarly, magnesium helps relax muscles, maintain normal nerve function, and regulate blood sugar levels. These micronutrients are small but mighty, keeping your bodies running smoothly and efficiently.




WHY TO NEVER BUY MICRONUTRIENTS AT A FLASH SALE!

In the era of AI and ecommerce, buying protein-shakes or micronutrients like a box of Vitamin D or Vitamin B complexes is as easy as a click. But does that mean one buys a box of all the vitamins and minerals to keep popping them through the day? Honestly, no.


A correct approach would be to find out if there is a deficiency in the first place. And then to correct it in the right way. According to the World Health Organization, deficiencies in micronutrients like vitamin A, iron, and iodine affect more than two billion people worldwide. There is a strong likelihood that “perhaps” you are facing a vitamin-deficiency. But it is also true that supplementation alone may not solve the problem.


Worse, wrong diagnosis and wrong supplement-strategy could aggravate one’s symptoms, lifestyle; and, the wrong supplement could interfere with any underlying medical conditions – like a pre-vascular condition. The right approach would therefore be to find occurrences of fatigue, frequent illnesses, poor wound healing, or even stray occurrences of mood-swings.


The next step would be to find an easier way to combat these symptoms – how about investigating the diet? This is the step where nutritionists come into play. It is here that the diet gets checked for natural sources of vitamins and minerals from a basket of fruits, vegetables, grains, and even lean proteins. Good nutritionists also evaluate the patients’ natural ability to metabolise from naturally occurring sources in diet.


While supplements can fill the gaps in the diet, it may be insufficient as the first line of defence. And after all evaluation and changes in diet, the nutritionist may recommend a supplement which could supplement or complement the diet. Yes, "instant energy" or "immune support" sounds fashionable. But, relying too much can be problematic. In the end, the goal isn’t just to get enough vitamins and minerals, but to achieve a balance that supports your overall health.
(By Sanchi Tiwari, Nutritionist - Lord's Mark Biotech)