Vitamins and minerals are essential for the body to work properly. Nearly half the population of Britain take vitamin supplements, these range from natural health supplements, slimming pills, antioxidants, multi vitamins, primrose oil, vitamin Bs, vitamin Cs, vitamins Es & more.They keep the immune system healthy, give us energy and help the body heal itself and maintain strong bones. Our bodies can not produce most of these nutrients, therefore we need to get them from what we eat. A guideline for the recommended daily allowances can be found on some websites.

At certain times you may need to top up your vitamin levels with a supplement. Although vitamins and minerals are more readily available today, often added to foods such as cereals and bread, many of us still do not eat a balanced healthy diet. About two out of ten people eat their 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day. This is why you may also need to take a vitamin and mineral supplement.

For example pregnant women should take 400micrograms(mcg) of folic acid daily until the 12th week of pregnancy (and before conception) to reduce the risk of spina bifida in their babies. Breastfeeding women and children under two years should take a vitamin D supplement to ensure healthy growth of teeth and bones. Anyone at risk of osteoporosis such as the elderly, smokers menopausal women and smokers should also take calcium supplements and 10mcg of vitamin D daily. Strict vegans are advised to take B12 as this is essential for making red blood cells and a healthy nervous system. B12 is mainly found in meat, dairy products and eggs.

A wide range of vitamins, minerals and health supplements can now be purchased over the internet at very competitive prices. On an informative website you can also find out which supplements can be beneficial for various needs and some can aid weight loss. You can not put a price on you and your families health, so be healthy, and be happy.