Nature Made Vitamin D3 May Help Support Your Immune System
Geetika Gupta, MD, is a board-certified internist working in primary care with a focus on the outpatient care of COVID-19.
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Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been dozens of claims for alternative remedies to prevent and treat the virus. Unfortunately this has led to a lot of misinformation about how to stay well, and it is hard to know what to take seriously. When it comes to preventing serious illness, getting vaccinated and boosted is the best thing you can do to protect yourself. When fully vaccinated and boosted, you have a lesser chance of becoming sick or as severely ill, says Paul Thottingal, MD, national infectious disease physician for Kaiser Permanente.
Its also important to keep up with CDC guidance and to follow additional precautions if youre at increased risk for serious illness and complications. To prevent illness, hand washing, social distancing, and mask-wearing are still important for those at increased risk of infection and in areas with increased community-level COVID-19 spread, even when mandates are relaxed, adds Emily LaRose, DrPH, MS, RD, Nutrition and Global Health Consultant to Meedans Health Desk.
Verywell Health Approved Supplements For Covid
- Best Vitamin D Supplement:Nature Made Vitamin D3 can help you meet your vitamin D needs if youre not getting enough from food and the sun. We like that it comes in three doses, so you can choose the amount that is best for you based on your current vitamin D status.
- Best Vitamin C Supplement: Natures Bounty Vitamin C 500mgs may be helpful in supporting the immune system, especially if you have low vitamin C levels or elevated needs.
Always speak with a healthcare professional before adding a supplement to your routine to ensure that the supplement is appropriate for your individual needs and which dosage to take.
The Myth Of Vitamin Supplements
It is very true that you need all these vitamins for your body to function properly and you feel good, full of energy to perform properly in your work or studies.
But it is also true that the necessary quantities are small, so that any healthy person who has a balanced diet will have a good contribution of all of them.
There is only Three situations In which a supplement of vitamins is indicated, by medical indication, and are the following:
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Pregnancy and lactation. A nutritional supplement of vitamins and minerals is recommended during the first weeks of pregnancy and in the lactation, because in these cases the nutritional needs are generally higher than the contribution.
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Inappropriate teens . If you are in peak growth time and do not eat enough, you may need a supplement to supplement your diet. In this way the body will have all the nutrients necessary for a good development.
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People of the Third Age . Often they have problems with chewing or swallowing, or they are not able to eat everything they need. In these cases, it may also be necessary to supplement the diet with a multi-vitamin supplement.
Apart from these three situations, and if there is no underlying disease, it is not necessary to supplement the diet with a vitamin supplement.
If in spite of eating enough fruits and vegetables, meat and dairy products, you still feel tired or without energy, consult your doctor. You could have anemia, some hormonal disorder or other conditions.
References
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The Complications Cfs Can Create
If you feel tired more often than not, this can create complications you might not be used to. In fact, it can put quite the damper on a normal daily routine. Dont worry, a normal life is still possible. Here are a few different lifestyle changes that may result from fatigue:
- Lifestyle restrictions
- More work or school absences
- Isolation on a social level
- Lack of motivation
- Increased feelings of sadness
Best Vitamin C: Nature’s Bounty Vitamin C
Amazon
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Uncoated tablets are unpleasant to some
Vitamin C is currently being explored for use in both preventing and treating COVID-19 given its important role in the immune system. Thus far, the findings are mixed, but it may be useful in combination with other treatments in people that do get COVID-19, especially for those with severe illness.
We do not have evidence that suggests that vitamin C will prevent COVID-19 infection for people with normal vitamin C levels. For people with low vitamin C levels or those with higher needs than the general population such as older adults, smokers, people who regularly consume alcohol, and pregnant people, routine vitamin C supplementation may be helpful, says LaRose.
Most people can consume enough vitamin C by eating a variety of fruits and vegetables. But for those that might benefit from a supplement, we recommend Natures Bounty Vitamin C 500mg. The Recommended Dietary Allowance is only 75mg for women and 90mg for men, but studies that have shown benefits of vitamin C supplementation on reducing the length of a cold use higher amounts between 200 to 1,000mg per day. This dose is well below the tolerable upper limit of 2,000mg.
Active Nutrient: Vitamin C | Dose: 500mg | Form: Capsule | Servings Per Container: 100
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Ways To Get Rid Of Chronic Fatigue
Although there is no cure for chronic fatigue, you can take certain steps to help manage your symptoms and feel better.
Making lifestyle changes is often the first step to getting rid of chronic fatigue. This may involve following healthy sleeping habits, limiting stress in your life, exercising regularly, and maintaining a balanced diet. These steps alone can make you look and feel healthier without needing any extra supplements or medications.
Many people take energy supplements to reduce their chronic fatigue when lifestyle changes arent enough. These supplements often contain the same nutrients you need to produce energy in your body, such as B-vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, and minerals.
While supplements can provide you with the energy you need to complete daily tasks and live your life, its important to buy a supplement that is pure and doesnt contain any harmful ingredients. Be sure to read the label carefully, so you know what youre getting before buying anything.
Synergistic Ingredients Crafted To The Highest Standards
As always, we have selected the finest ingredients and included them at levels which are most beneficial. As well as key minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium and iodine we have included all 8 B vitamins, vitamin C and vitamin D for holistic support. Thats not all though, as we have incorporated specialist ingredients such as L-choline, Acetyl L-carnitine and the ever-popular Korean ginseng, famous for its ability to invigorate the body against physical and mental stresses.
We are proud that our formula is free from any allergens such as lactose and gluten and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Our pharmaceutical grade facilities which are GMP and BRC grade AA approved also minimise the risk of cross-contamination and all raw materials are tested upon arrival. We hold certificates of analysis for all batches of all products for total transparency and are proud that we make all our supplements right here in the UK.
* Results may vary from person to person, any and all supplements should be used in conjunction with a balanced and healthy diet. If you are unsure about taking supplements consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.
- Multi-nutrient formula for fighting tiredness and fatigue
- 17 essential nutrients provided in the optimal amounts
- High bioavailability formula for maximum benefit
- Made at GMP-certified facilities in the UK
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The Supplement Market Is Not Well
Seek out reputable vitamin brands and look for products with a stamp of approval from USP, NSP or other third-party organizations, Weinandy recommends. “These organizations test supplements to make sure they have what the manufacturer claims is in the supplement and in the listed amounts,” she says.
Just keep in mind, these organizations aren’t testing whether or not the supplement will do what it’s intended to do.
Looking For The Best Vitamins For Fatigue Keep Reading
If youre searching for the best vitamins for fatigue, hopefully, this list will give you some ideas for what to try out. As someone who travels often and works late hours, I personally find the need for several of these vitamins, and I personally take Ashwagandha, B12 and Iron daily. They keep my energy levels at a constant level, which keeps me alert and awake, and really combats the fatigue.
These vitamins can be amazing for fighting off jet lag on long trips, and just generally making you feel more awake and refreshed in everyday life too. Energy is key to feeling good and healthy and these options for the best vitamins for fatigue will give you just that!
So, lets get into this list of the best vitamins for fatigue, and hopefully youll find it useful!
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More Ways To Boost Your Energy
1. Follow a regular sleep schedule. I know it sounds basic to advise you to get plenty of sleep, but its something Im very passionate about.
As a busy mother of two, sometimes the hours in the evening are my only window of time to unwind and do the things I want to do.
While I dont want to give up this time, I do know that at my age , my body requires a certain amount of quality sleep in order to feel energized the next day.
I like to get a minimum of seven hours of sleep, but eight hours of sleep is ideal for my body. I set an alarm on my phone to go off when its my bedtime!
2. Drink plenty of water. Again, this is a very basic step in improving your self-care, but its so essential. While it may seem necessary to load-up on caffeinated beverages throughout the day to stay energized, these often just mask feelings of fatigue.
You can also develop a dependency on caffeine, which can make you extremely tired during the times when youre not consuming it. Its not a good hamster wheel to be on!
Getting plenty of water will actually hydrate your body and make you feel more energized. Best of all, its all natural.
3. Eat more energy-boosting foods. Its so true that you are what you eat. Start reaching for healthier foods and ditch the drive-thru to feel better, fast. When you incorporate more fresh fruit, vegetables, and lean protein into your diet you will find that your whole body functions more efficiently and feels more energized.
Ease Stress And Feel Your Best With Adaptogens
Wondering what adapotgens are? They’re a group of botanical supplements that protect the body against the effects of physical and mental stress. To be considered “adaptogenic,” an herb must be non-toxic, provide widespread physiological support, and help balance the body’s processes.
While this concept may feel new, the plant-based medicines it refers to, such as ginseng, have been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. The best part? Recent clinical research is proving that these remedies have a real impact on health.
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Understanding The Drawbacks Of Caffeine
Although caffeine might offer a short-term solution for a lack of energy, it can actually make you feel more exhausted in the long-run. Reach for caffeine too often, and you might develop a dependence, needing increasing amounts to achieve the same effect. Additionally, while you may be treating the symptoms of fatigue, the underlying cause persists.
Fatigue is comprised of a complicated and diverse set of symptoms with many possible causes, including poor sleep or nutrient deficiencies. Identifying the reason you feel sluggish is the key to choosing what vitamins and supplements will help you feel more energized and motivated to achieve your health goals.
Even if your coffee habit is under control, it is helpful to know that there are also vitamins and supplements that can help you feel more energized. Clinical research has shown that vitamins, minerals, and botanical supplements can offer an energy boost without the risk of dependence or side effects associated with caffeine. Here are the 6 best supplements to fight fatigue and increase energy.
How To Use Energy Supplements
So what is the best way to use energy pills?
Should you take them at the same time every day, or should you take a larger dose right when you need them?
The answer is neither, or both.
A daily energy supplement is great, but they have drawbacks. Caffeine is not safe for everyday use it can lead to intolerance and dependency, not to mention heart issues further down the line. Using a daily stack will also support baseline energy levels, but you wont get the kind of kick we often need from an energy booster.
Powerful energy pills can definitely give you immediate increases in focus, drive and stamina. But they will not solve any of the deeper problems that cause chronic tiredness and fatigue.
So, the best way to take energy pills is to combine both of these strategies.
We think the ideal way to take energy supplements is to use a daily stack for enhancing cellular energy metabolism and fixing vitamin deficiencies, and then to supplement that with a potent caffeine/theanine stack during times of peak mental and physical demand.
That way you get the best of both worlds constant energy support and a powerful energy boost when needed. You mitigate side effect risks while maximizing the effect that caffeine has on you . At the same time, you address the underlying problem at the cellular level.
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The Synthesis Of Neurotransmitters Is Dependent On Vitamins B1 B5 B6 B9 And C
Thiamine is required for the synthesis of fatty acids, steroids, nucleic acids and aromatic amino acids, which are precursors to a range of neurotransmitters, including acetylcholine, glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid .
Pantothenic acid is required for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, as shown by experimental studies in rats in which pantothenic acid was depleted using chronic alcohol exposure that displayed a decreased synthesis of acetylcholine in the brain .
In the brain, the aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, an enzyme dependent on PLP , catalyzes the synthesis of two major neurotransmitters: serotonin from tryptophan and dopamine from phenylalanine. The synthesis of other neurotransmitters, including glutamate or gamma-aminobutyric acid, is also catalyzed by enzymes that require vitamin B6 as cofactors .
Vitamin B9 enables cerebral methylation processes and this affects the metabolism of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which are important in mood regulation. More precisely, folate has been linked to the maintenance of adequate cerebral levels of tetrahydropterin, a key cofactor in the hydroxylation reactions that lead to the synthesis of serotonin and catecholamines. .
Vitamin C is involved in the synthesis and modulation of some hormonal components of the nervous system. It is a cofactor of the enzymes that catalyze the formation of catecholamines: , and of enzymes that are active in the biosynthesis of neuropeptides
Best Vitamin D: Nature Made Vitamin D3 1000iu Softgels
Walmart
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Not vegetarian or vegan
Vitamin D plays an important role in the immune system. While some research suggests a possible connection between vitamin D deficiency and more severe COVID-19 illness, the research is still inconclusive.
There are several factors like other health conditions and race that are associated with both low vitamin D status and higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness, so its not clear if having low vitamin D actually puts you at risk for worse outcomes. In fact, one study that accounted for those factors found no relationship between low vitamin D status and worse outcomes from COVID-19.
That said, vitamin D deficiency is common, and if you are deficient in vitamin D, taking a supplement may be warranted since its hard to get enough through diet. Adequate vitamin D stores support your immune system, which may reduce your risk of severe disease and help you recover faster. In addition, vitamin D supplements are well tolerated by most people and dont pose health concerns when taken in appropriate doses.
If you need a supplement, Natures Made vitamin D is a good choice for both replenishing and maintaining vitamin D levels. Its USP verified, which means it contains what the label says and doesnt have any harmful contaminants. It also comes in 3 dose levels1,000 IU, 2,000 IU, and 5,000 IUand the right dose for you will depend on your blood levels .
Active Nutrient: Vitamin D3 | Dose: 1,000 IU | Form: Softgel | Servings Per Container: 180
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Vitamin B3 And Vitamin B12
All of the B vitamins are important in mitochondrial health. All of them. Thats why taking a supplement of B-complex vitamins will form a solid foundation. But you will need additional support via vitamin B3 and vitamin B12.
Vitamin B3:
Vitamin B3 is more often known as niacin. If youve ever taken too much of this vitamin youll have experienced redness, or, flushing of your skin with an accompanying itch. This is known as a niacin flush. Fortunately, there are new forms of niacin that make for happy skin and mitochondria.
As far as energy production is concerned, the most important function of vitamin B3 is making your mitochondria more efficient so they can make more energy.
Dosing:
New forms of vitamin B3 known as nicotinamide riboside seem to be the most efficient at improving mitochondrial and ATP production. If youre unable to find nicotinamide riboside, opt for niacinamide but ensure its a slow-release formula. This will prevent any of the uncomfortable skin reactions.
Take 500-1500mg daily.
Vitamin B12:
Vitamin B12 is known as cobalamin. This is the form many supplements come in. But for those with chronic fatigue syndrome, youll want to take your vitamin B12 in its methylated form methylcobalamin.
Vegetarians and vegans are at increased risk of vitamin B12 deficiencies, so if you are on either a vegetarian or vegan diet, ensure you are supplementing B12 daily.
Dosing:
Bi-weekly or monthly B12 injections or 5000mcg sublingual on a daily basis.
