Mopani Pharmacy has an array of vitamins and supplements available. With the help of our Crossing Pharmacy Operations Manager, Dragana, we’ve identified some of the most important ones. Here is what they do, where they are found and how to supplement!
Tell us about fat-soluble vitamins?
"Vitamins that are stored in your fatty tissues, are called fat-soluble vitamins. This allows us to not have to ingest them in large doses or on an “every meal” basis. Unfortunately, unhealthy eating habits can cause a deficiency. In addition to healthy food, you can also make use of supplements. Fat-soluble vitamins include Vitamins A, D, E, K1 and K2."
Tell us about water-soluble vitamins?
"Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body and needs to be replenished every day. This is because your body only takes up what it can use and the rest is flushed out by your urine. Water-soluble vitamins include vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12 and vitamin C."
What do minerals do for us, and where are they found?
"There are many minerals found in our water and our vegetables. Our bodies use them as electrolytes. This is essentially what gives us energy. Minerals also form part of our bodies. Our bones are made from calcium. There are 16 essential minerals: calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, sodium, chloride, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, iodine, and selenium, molybdenum, chromium, and fluoride."
What is the most important combination of supplements to focus on?
"If you supplement Vitamin B Complex, Vitamin C and the fatty acid, Omega 3, then you have covered about 90% of what your body needs", Dragana explained.
Vitamin B is required by our bodies for:
- Digestion and the release of energy after we’ve eaten
- Cell growth and red blood cell formation
- Healthy hair, skin and nails
- Immune system and cognitive function
You can use a vitamin B complex supplement such as:
- Solgar Megasorb Vitamin B-Complex High Potency Tablets (vegan friendly),
- Solal Super Mega-B Caps
- ReVite Super B Energy Injection Tabs
- Vital Vitamin B Complex
Read more about Vitamin B here
"Vitamin C is an antioxidant and helps protect cells and keep them healthy. Your body uses vitamin C to make collagen. This keeps bones, skin, teeth, blood vessels and overall immune system healthy."
You can supplement with:
- Solal Double Vitamin C Caps
- Solgar Ester-C Plus 500 mg Vitamin C Vegetable Capsules
- The Real Thing Ester-C Tabs
Omega 3 is essential for your heart, joint and brain health. It also has many benefits for your skin, for conditions such as acne, eczema and wound healing. You can supplement Omega 3 with:
- Solal Omega 3 Fish Oil Extract Caps
- Solal Omega-3 Krill Oil Caps
- The Real Thing Mega Omega Fish Oil Liquid Lemon
- A. Vogel Bioforce Veg Omega 3 Caps (vegan friendly)
"If you are an athlete or you are very active, you may want to make use of PowerBar 5 Electrolytes Zero Calorie Black Currant Tabs to replace lost electrolytes."
"For your mineral intake, you can make use of powders or drops to ensure that you are getting enough. You can use Life Leader Dietary Mineral Supplement."
What should we consider when we pass a certain age?
"After the age of 35 you need to start supplementing more, to ensure that you age well. Magnesium, calcium, vitamins D3 and K2 are important to add to your regimen. Vitamins D3 and K2 helps your body to absorb and bind calcium into the bones. Magnesium forms part of many processes in the body."
"You might also want to look at collagen supplements as your body’s ability to regenerate and repair its own collagen diminishes with age. Collagen type 1 makes your bones supple and durable. Those who lack collagen will have brittle bones, prone to breaking, even if their bones are thick and they have no calcium loss."
There are combination supplements available for healthy aging. These include:
Collagen options include:
"Flexi Cal and SSA Ultra Cissus-Q Caps are considered a well-rounded product that supplements everything you may need for healthy bones."
For joint health options:
- Flexofend Caps (Safe to use with chronic medications)
- Piascledine Caps
- OsteoEze Platinum Caps
Read more: 5 Post-Workout mistakes you keep on making
To remember
Always consult your doctor or our Mopani staff to assist you in choosing the best supplement that will suit your needs and lifestyle, as well as choosing what will work for each member of the family in terms of their diet, age, and activity level.
We can deliver your medication, supplements and other Mopani online shopping, nationwide! More info: mopani.co.za | crossing@mopani.co.za | Tel: 013 755 5500 | WhatsApp: 066-192-1703