With healthcare costs on the rise, more and more people are searching for alternatives. The old saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” has never been more true. It just makes sense to get yourself in shape and stay healthy to avoid doctor’s bills in the future - but how can you make sure you’re getting the vitamins and supplements that you need, and not wasting your money? Kwanzoo’s latest quiz is here to help.

But if you’d like to do some of your own research, here’s a breakdown on vitamins and supplements and what they can do for you.

Vitamin E
Once lauded for its ability to prevent heart disease, Vitamin E is now believed to have few heart-related benefits for those who are predisposed to a condition. However, it’s still an essential vitamin, and applied topically, it is highly beneficial to the skin. The current RDA for Vitamin E is 200 IUs, which is difficult to achieve through diet. Vitamin E supplements are, therefore, a good idea for most people.

Vitamin D
The importance of Vitamin D lies in how it interacts with calcium and phosphorus. Without sufficient levels of Vitamin D, the body cannot properly absorb the calcium it needs to form strong bones - the results of a deficiency can, therefore, be devastating. And deficiencies are not uncommon: the body can produce its own Vitamin D when given sufficient sunlight, but many people don’t get the exposure their body needs (about fifteen minutes each day). Those with darker skin also absorb less sunlight, and may particularly be at risk. Though Vitamin D can be toxic in extremely large doses, up to 2,000 IU per day for most healthy adults is considered very safe. Most people should consider adding a Vitamin D supplement, even if they are already taking a multivitamin.

Vitamin C
It can be hard to separate the facts about Vitamin C from the fictions. One thing is for sure: you need plenty of Vitamin C to be healthy, but it’s unlikely that the megadoses provided in certain health supplements do anything magical to cure or prevent the common cold. However, if you don’t eat a small amount of citrus or other Vitamin C containing foods, your immune system is likely to suffer. If orange juice isn’t your thing, consider adding a Vitamin C supplement.

The B Vitamins
There are several different B Vitamins, and they all do different things - but they are equally important, especially for people in certain risk groups. So if you’re pregnant, vegan or vegetarian, and/or over 50, take special care to make sure that your multivitamin contains sufficient levels of all the vitamin Bs, especially B12. They can help prevent heart disease, cancer, and severe birth defects.

Vitamin K
Beneficial to both bone health and proper blood clotting, Vitamin K is easy to find in leafy green vegetables. Even so, most adults do not get enough Vitamin K in their diets, and it’s not contained in most multivitamins. Adding a separate Vitamin K supplement is a good idea for almost everyone.

Vitamin A
Found in most orange and yellow fruits and vegetables in form of beta-carotene, Vitamin A is vitally important to many different aspects of health. While too much supplemental Vitamin A can be harmful, you can never eat too many carrots. Make sure your multivitamin contains less than 3,000 micrograms - levels this high can increase the risk of bone fracture, and interfere with the beneficial aspects of Vitamin D.

Protein Supplements
Not just for bodybuilders, many different kinds of protein powder offer different benefits. While they’re a must for those who are lifting weights and hoping to add bulk, they can also be helpful to those who want to lose weight by increasing their protein intake. Whey protein is quickly digested and is best for before, during, and after-workout consumption. Casein protein is digested more slowly, and is best for general consumption not associated with workouts. Soy protein is controversial - it’s a must for those who don’t eat dairy, so it’s worth researching if you have a restricted diet.

This, of course, barely scratches the surface of all the vitamins and herbal supplements that are available. If you own a blog or website that deals with nutrition supplements, don’t forget that our quiz widgets are the perfect way to effectively segment users, target advertising, convert casual browsers to buyers, and drive traffic. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you.

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