Smoothy Slim
Photo by Badulescu Badulescu Pexels Logo Photo: Badulescu Badulescu

Do fizzy vitamins work?

According to Dr Schenker, it does. "Effervescent (AKA soluble) dietary supplements are designed as an efficient delivery system for effective nutrient absorption. Many solid dietary supplements travel slowly through the gastrointestinal tract or their absorption can be hampered by food or other chemicals."

What is the 30 day challenge weight loss?
What is the 30 day challenge weight loss?

The 30 Day Shred is a workout program designed by celebrity personal trainer Jillian Michaels. It consists of daily, 20-minute, high-intensity...

Read More »
How many lemons should I put in my water?
How many lemons should I put in my water?

How to make lemon water. To make lemon water, squeeze half a lemon into 8 ounces of warm or cold water. You can infuse more flavor or a health...

Read More »
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Although it is often said that you should be able to get all the nutrients your body needs by eating a healthy, balanced diet, the fact is that – despite our best intentions – life can often in the way and we may find that hectic work schedules or regular travelling cause our eating habits to take a hit. However, we know how hard it can be to choose the right sort of supplement especially when there's so many different types out there to choose from. So we spoke to dietician Dr Sarah Schenker to get the low down on what vitamins we might benefit from taking. "Supplementation can help top up the intake of vitamins you are already getting from your diet and meet the body's daily requirement. Getting adequate amounts of the vitamins your body needs keeps you feeling and performing at your best."

She adds:

"Poor food choices and unbalanced diets impact on nutrient intakes with many people failing to meet their requirement for essential vitamins and minerals. Low intakes of vital nutrients can lead to deficiencies and increase the risk of common health problems including heart disease, various cancers, poor bone health and type 2 diabetes. Key nutrients that people fall short in include vitamin B2, magnesium and zinc."

Solid vs soluble

But apparently, deciding on the vitamins you need to take is only half the job done. Next, it's time to choose what product to go for – most of which will come in either a solid or soluble (dissolving and drinkable) form. So, aside from personal preference, does this make much difference? According to Dr Schenker, it does. "Effervescent (AKA soluble) dietary supplements are designed as an efficient delivery system for effective nutrient absorption. Many solid dietary supplements travel slowly through the gastrointestinal tract or their absorption can be hampered by food or other chemicals."

She adds:

"Effervescent supplements, such as Berocca, dissolve fully in a buffered solution. This reduces localised contact in the upper gastrointestinal tract which can mean less irritation and greater tolerability. Buffering also prevents gastric acids from interacting with the products themselves, which can be a cause of stomach upsets and heartburn." But NetDoctor's in-house pharmacist, Rita Ghelani, reckons that although Dr Schenker's recommendations make sense, there is also a case to be made in favour of solid vitamin supplements. She says: "Vitamin C, which is a water-soluble vitamin that is not stored in the body, may be better taken as a slow release tablet or capsule, which is designed to release vitamin C gradually and therefore maintain optimum levels over a longer period of time. Products such as Vitabiotics Ultra vitamin C sustained release ( £5.95, Amazon.co.uk) or Boots Vitamin C and Zinc tablets sustained release tablets are a good option if you want to maintain good levels of vitamin C and Zinc."

She adds:

"However, if your levels of vitamin C are low and you want to increase them rapidly then taking a soluble form of vitamin C is useful." So, in conclusion, there are pros and cons for both forms of vitamin supplement – meaning that the main factor to take into consideration is personal preference.

What are the symptoms of a toxic gut?
What are the symptoms of a toxic gut?

Here are 10 warning signs you may have an unhealthy gut. You have an upset stomach. ... You feel tired more often than not. ... You have trouble...

Read More »
What can I drink in the morning for high blood pressure?
What can I drink in the morning for high blood pressure?

Here are 3 healthy drinks that you can add to your everyday diet to manage hypertension: Orange Juice. As per various health experts and...

Read More »
Fizzy juice “chews through” 63lbs of fat
Fizzy juice “chews through” 63lbs of fat

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Is turmeric good for inflammation?
Is turmeric good for inflammation?

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been used for 4,000 years to treat a variety of conditions. Studies show that turmeric may help fight infections and...

Read More »
How can I lose 5 pounds without starving?
How can I lose 5 pounds without starving?

Healthy Methods to Lose 5 Pounds Cut down on salt. Often, salt is the main cause of water retention. ... Lift weights. Muscle is metabolically...

Read More »
Tasty breakfast juice melts 59lbs of wobbly fat
Tasty breakfast juice melts 59lbs of wobbly fat

A scrumptious morning smoothy based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »
What not to eat to lose weight?
What not to eat to lose weight?

11 Foods to Avoid When Trying to Lose Weight The foods you eat can have a major effect on your weight. ... French Fries and Potato Chips. ......

Read More »
Traditional “juice” activates 24/7 fat-burning
Traditional “juice” activates 24/7 fat-burning

A scrumptious morning smoothy based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »
Is apple cider vinegar good for gut health?
Is apple cider vinegar good for gut health?

Raw apple cider vinegar also contains: Natural probiotics (friendly bacteria), which may help with your immune system and gut health. Antioxidants,...

Read More »