• In an ideal world, all of us would be healthy and happy thanks to the sufficient amount of nutrients in our bodies.

• To achieve this, one would need to have enough sleep, be suitably hydrated, and consume proper amount of greens and fruits consistently every day – a reality that isn’t quite possible in today’s busy and hectic world.

As an alternative to this, people have chosen to rely on supplements to boost their health. Not only do they keep your body in check, but supplements are also important for individuals in certain life stages, such as pregnancy. The right supplements could improve your overall being, health, performance, and physique.

Here’s a beginner’s guide to the five supplements that are essential to your life. Make sure you cross this list off with your local pharmacist as well!

1. Magnesium

Though our bodies are unable to produce this vital mineral, it is still essential for the proper functioning of our bodies. This nutrient is responsible for hundreds of metabolic processes and many other important bodily functions such as producing energy to building proteins like DNA.

Credit: Blackmores Australia

People who consume magnesium, regularly, are more likely to experience a lower risk of heart disease, have improved blood pressure, mood and blood sugar control. Lastly, magnesium is also linked to improved brain function and mood – people with low levels of magnesium are linked to an increased risk of depression.

2. Iodine

This nutrient plays an important role in thyroid functioning – too much or too little can lead to either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Even worse, iodine deficiency could lead to developmental problems, and it severely affects both pregnant women and children. The former can experience severe mental, physical and neurological development of the fetus, while the latter is linked to poor cognition, which if left untreated, can lead to intellectual disabilities.

Credit: Imperial College London

Get your daily dose of iodine from seaweeds, iodised salt, reduced fat-milk, egg, and cheddar cheese.

3. Folic Acid

This nutrient is a type of B vitamin normally found in foods such as dried beans, peas, lentils, oranges, spinach, and liver.

Credit: The Healthy

Not only does folic acid help your body produce and maintain new cells, but it also prevents changes to your DNA that could lead to cancer. But this vitamin plays a particularly important role for pregnant women because it prevents certain birth defects. Research shows that folic acid helps lower a baby’s risk of obtaining defects such as a cleft lip, cleft palate, and certain types of heart defects.

4. Fish Oil

The benefits of this nutrient lie in the high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA. Though essential for the body, it can’t be self-produced. Instead, omega-3 can be found abundantly in oily fish, eggs, grass-fed beef, and wild animals. Omega-3 fatty acids help in reducing pain and swelling. Experts also say these fatty acids prevent blood from clotting easily – which is why people with heart conditions are advised to consume omega-3 fatty acids.

Credit: NPR

5. Vitamin D

Known as the “sunshine vitamin,” this mineral is a fat-soluble vitamin that is produced by the skin in response to sunlight. It can also be produced through certain foods, namely salmon, egg yolk, mushrooms, and shrimp, to list a few. Vitamin D is vital in regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, and also at facilitating normal immune system functions. Research also shows that vitamin D plays an important role in regulating mood and fighting off depression.

Credit: Times of India

Well now you can pick up these supplements at the recently launched flagship and the 15th store of Sunway Pharmacy at Sunway Pyramid and other outlets nationwide!

Supplements – Take daily to stay healthy!