Superfood powder, protein shakes and functional mushrooms are on the menu, but what about your iron -Supp? Omegas? These simple supports are overlooked, although countless evidence show that women are missing. Here experts issue the right additions to women.
Why women need certain nutritional supplements
“For decades, the supplement industry has largely submitted to a uniform approach and has ignored the unique nutritional needs of women in every life level,” says Andy Moore, a manager for research and development and quality control with Nutritional Performance Labs (NPL). “While a balanced diet remains the basis for good health, it is rare enough to meet the entire spectrum of the requirements that fluctuate due to hormonal changes, lifestyle shifts and age -related challenges.” The bodies of women go through constant changes, from hormonal fluctuations to shifts in bone density and the metabolism. Admission: Supplements geared towards women who offer women the support that their body has to work optimally.
The most important additions to women
Hormonal support
“The physiology of women differs significantly from men, but many still rely on generic multivitamins or nutritional supplements, which were mainly developed with the male bodies,” says Moore. A woman’s nutritional needs change with menstruation, pregnancy, menopause and beyond. These are important supporters of hormonal health in women:
iron
A critical element for women before menopause due to blood loss during severe menstrual cycles. According to studies, up to half of the South African women are an iron deficiency, a healthy risk of pregnancy. A lack of iron also affects the energy level, causes frequent headache and dries hair and skin.
Vitamin D
“After menopause, women often need more calcium and vitamin D to support the bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis,” says Moore.
The vitamin D deficiency is associated with infectious diseases, and although sunbathing of 15 minutes is sufficient to drive again, South Africans are largely poor. A meta-analysis from 2019 showed amazing results: vitamin D defects were found in newborns and women. Another study found that the vitamin -D deficiency is often related to obesity. “Up to 50% of women after menopause have inadequate vitamin -d mirror and increase their risk of fractures and osteoporosis,” says Moore.
Omega-3
Omega-3 for good heart and brain function is also important for fertility in women. South African women are largely poor despite plenty of access (a key source of O3). It is a concern for members of the health professions, since cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death in SA according to HIV/AIDS. The omega-3 recording is part of a healthy prevention program against heart disease, which leads to high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes.
Magnesium & B vitamins
These much discussed, they are usually associated with energy, muscle recovery, sleep and knowledge. They also play a role in mood regulation and hormonal balance, says Moore.
Npl Vita women
The Vita Women from NPL is a multivitamin and mineral complex with a comprehensive spectrum for general health and well-being.
Gold multivitamin woman
With cranberry and evening prime rose oil for hormonal and antioxidant advantages.
Centrum woman
A tailor -made mix of essential nutrients for women, including B vitamins, iron and vitamin C.
Pre- and probiotics
“A less discussed but equally important factor in the health of women is intestinal health,” says Moore. “The digestive system affects everything from immune function to intellectual well-being, and poor intestinal health can contribute to chronic inflammation, bloating and complaints. Women are more statistically more susceptible to digestive problems, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and flatulence that can be hidden by stress and hormone wing.”
Probiotics, prebiotics and digestive enzymes offer targeted support for a healthier intestine. While many take probiotics in the morning, the studies indicate that they are most effective when they are absorbed at night so that useful bacteria can be established without disturbance by food and stomach acid. Digestion enzymes, on the other hand, help the body to reduce food more efficiently, to improve nutrient absorption and to reduce flatulence.
Adjustments
“Adaptogens like Ashwagandha, which are often contained in women who are often oriented with women, help to manage cortisol levels, reduce stress and fatigue,” says Moore.
Antioxidants
“Antioxidants such as grape seed extract support cognitive function and circulation,” explains Moore. “While collagen and biotin contribute to healthier hair, skin and nails – areas in which women often seek improvement.”
Meet the expert
Andy Moore
Andy Moore has an MSC in Dietetics and is currently research and development and quality control manager at NPL. It leads the new product development for FMCG and pharmaceutical brands within the NPL group, including cams, sports and vitamins. Andy’s role is to create ingredients to develop product concepts and to monitor the packaging in cooperation with the creative director. It ensures that the regulations for food security and pharmaceutical regulations (Sahpra) are complied with and supports strategic product introductions with technical knowledge. Passionately for wellness and nutrition, Andy’s extensive experience in f & e, commercial strategy, formulation development and QA management drives their commitment to improve the health and well -being of consumers. Her previous roles include important positions in glowing Sky distributors, Powdermix Technologies and USN SA – Ultimate Sports Nutrition.
