Experts say that while some people take vitamins and minerals for health reasons, if they’re not used correctly, they can be ineffective. Getting it right is key. Not only do you need to remember to take your supplements, but the order in which you take them also matters.
The warning comes after research has shown that some nutrients work better and have enhanced effects when taken together, so to stay healthy and ensure people are getting what they need, Holland & Barrett Resident nutritionists Madalena Vieira Costa and Sonia Sadique reveal what you can do to prevent colds and flu this autumn and winter.
“Nutrients don’t just work alone, they work together in two ways: to support bodily functions and to improve each other’s absorption,” says Madalena. “Plus, some vitamins and minerals can block each other’s absorption, so while a typical multivitamin may seem like a convenient option, it’s not necessarily the best choice if you’re trying to fix a specific deficiency.”
So what can you do to prevent colds and the flu? If you want to boost your immunity this cold season, take magnesium along with vitamin D. “When colds and flu start to spread, it’s worth taking extra measures to boost your immunity,” say the researchers.
You can pick these up Boots Vitamin D 10 µg food supplement available here. This comes in a pack of 180 tablets, costing 2p per day. Seven Seas Complete Multivitamin for Adults. For 28 tablets from Superdrug it costs just 17p per dose, which is again just a few cents.
Research shows that taking a “powerful pathogen-fighting combo” like vitamin D and magnesium can help “reduce inflammation, support immune cell production, and manage stress.” “What many people don’t realize is that vitamin D supplements come in an inactive form that the body can’t directly use,” explains Madalena. “To get the health benefits, this inactive vitamin D needs to be converted into its active form. Without enough magnesium, the vitamin D you buy and take won’t be effective.”
However, there is an important caveat to this seasonal wellness regimen: “Magnesium can interact with some medications and has a number of contraindications, which often outweigh the benefits of supplements,” the experts further warn, which is why everyone is advised to consult with their doctor or pharmacist before “introducing anything new into your daily routine.”
