During the winter months it is difficult to stay healthy. Colds and the flu are two of the most likely reasons you will become sick this winter. Both are caused by viruses, which are airborne and consequently spread easily. (1,2)
Foodstate’s range of vitamin and mineral supplements presents vitamins and minerals in a form that the body can recognise, absorb and use – making it beneficial for the whole family.
Apart from taking care of yourself by eating healthy, sleeping enough and staying active, (1) we also recommend the following supplements to boost your family’s immune system this winter:
Antioxidant Immunity Formula: Our bodies need oxygen. It is an essential element for life. (3) When the cells in our bodies use oxygen to generate energy free radicals are created, which could be either good or bad for your body – too many of them being bad. (3) This leads to what is called oxidative stress – which leads to ageing, arthritis and a break down in your immune system. (3) Your body needs antioxidants to fight off the effects of free radicals and include Vitamins C and E, (3,4) as well as two lesser known, but equally important boosters to your immune system, beta-sitosterol (a plant extract) and selenium. (5,6) In the right quantities these elements hold the key to keeping the flu bugs at bay.
Multivitamin + Mineral for Children: A child goes through several growth spurts – infancy, preschool, middle childhood and adolescence. (7) Nutritional needs change for each stage of a child’s development – and it differs from child to child. (7) It is recommended (and this goes for the grown-ups as well) to eat a balanced diet that is high in vitamin-rich fruit and vegetables, (4,8) but with the decline in nutrient content of food, allergies and intolerances to certain types of food and the fact that active young bodies burn through nutrient stores faster, children may develop nutritional deficiencies, (8-11) which in turn could lead to the development of disease. (9) Supplementation makes it easy to get the nutrients growing bodies need, which they may not get from diet alone. (8) Adults and older children could take the Multivitamin + Mineral Formula.
Vitamin C Complex: Vitamin C is important for the growth, health and repair of all cells in the body, and makes collagen, which is needed for the formation of skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. It is also important for wound healing and in maintaining healthy bones.(12-14) It is also an antioxidant, which means it can reduce the damage caused by free radicals in the body. (8,12,14) A vitamin C supplement could help reduce the duration of a cold. (12,14)
Vitamin B Complex: Vitamin B is needed to maintain a healthy nervous system and to produce red blood cells that are so important in carrying oxygen through the whole body. (8,15,16) Vitamin B can not be made by the body, therefore you need to consume it as part of your diet or take it in as a supplement. (15,16) It also converts food into energy and maintains healthy brain function. (8)
Omega 3 Formula: Omega-3 is found in fish and other seafood. Fish oil contains two types of omega-3 fatty acids called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) andeicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Omega-3 fatty acids are important for cardiovascular health, the improvement in cholesterol and the immune system. (17,18)
Zinc Complex with Copper: Zinc has antioxidant properties and plays an essential role in our body’s immune system. It helps to fight off invading bacteria and viruses thereby helping to reduce the duration of a cold. (8,19) The body also needs Zinc for normal growth, development, sexual maturation, wound healing and in regulating our sense of taste and smell. (8,19) Copper is needed in the body for normal growth and health. It is also important for nerve function, bone growth and to help your body use sugar and iron. (20)