During the winter months, colds and flu are common place among school going children and
parents alike. It can be hard to monitor your child’s diet and to be certain they are receiving
adequate nutrition to ensure their immune system is at optimum level to fight viruses as well
as taking care of yourself. Back to school can be a stressful and hectic time meaning a little
boost may be needed. There are various supplement options available over the counter that
can be help boost nutrient intake and ensure optimal health in winter and right through the
school year. With so many options available we can help you choose the best suited for you
and your family. Below is a guide of products to help decide which one may be right for you.
Immune Health
Vitamin C:
Vitamin C is the most commonly used vitamin supplement to help fight colds and flu during
winter. Found in fresh fruit and vegetables, vitamin C has been shown to help strengthen the
immune system by stimulating the formation of antibodies. Antibodies are specialized
proteins that help defend the immune system. Studies have shown supplementing vitamin C
in the diet while suffering from a cold/flu reduced symptoms by 24 hours. Vitamin C is also
important for the absorption of iron in the body essential for maintaining energy levels. The
recommended daily allowance for vitamin C increases from 45mg for children to 75mg for
adults. Vitamin C supplements are available in chewable tablets, effervescent and capsule
form in our pharmacies particularly in our Sona and Rubex range.
Echinacea:
Echinacea species are native to North America and were used as traditional herbal remedies
by the Great Plains Indian tribes. Recently Echinacea has gained popularity as an alternative
to antibiotics. Echinacea is commonly used to help fight colds, flus and upper respiratory
tract infections. Echinacea seems to work by activating chemicals which reduce
inflammation. It has also been shown to directly attack certain yeast and fungi. It is most
effective when taken at the first sign of a cold and may modestly reduce the symptoms
developing.
Zinc:
Zinc is an essential trace element found in foods such as meat, nuts and cereals. It is needed
by the body in very small amounts; the RDA for Zinc is 8-9mg. Zinc is known to play an
essential role in immune function as it may have effects against viruses. It appears to alleviate
symptoms of the common cold but researchers can’t yet explain how this works exactly.
There are also some studies showing evidence that zinc has some antiviral activity against the
herpes virus and against oxidative stress in cells. Zinc is available as a capsule supplement
and also combined with vitamin C in chewable tablet form.
Probiotics:
Probiotics are microorganisms that may be beneficial for our health by ‘outgrowing’ harmful
bacteria that may be harboured in our gut. This is helpful as it is thought that around 70% of
our immune defences are based here. Probiotics support immunity by stimulating the body’s
natural defences, and by lining the intestines with a protective layer of friendly bacteria that
bars pathogenic substances in the gut from harming the body. Disruptions to the natural
probiotic level in the gut can occur for a number of reasons resulting in low immunity, low
energy levels and leave us susceptible to other infections. One of the most common
disruptions to bacteria balance in our gut is the use of antibiotics to treat illness. Probiotic
supplements can be taken during and after a course of antibiotics and regularly to maintain
immune and digestive health. Common strains of probiotics available in supplement form
include Acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum found in our Sona and Obtibac range.
Energy / Concentration Levels
Vitamin B Complex:
Back to school can often require an extra boost of energy. One of the main vitamin
supplements used for tiredness and fatigue is B complex. B complex refers to the eight
essential B vitamins. B vitamins support many functions in the body including blood cell
physiology and nervous systems functions. Importantly, B vitamins support the function of
co- enzymes that help your body covert energy. When the body is deficient in most or all B
vitamins, the body cannot fully complete the chemical reactions that produce energy. B
vitamins also play a vital role in metabolism. Every cell function that uses or produces energy
contributes to your metabolism. Many of these cell functions require the B complex vitamins
to function optimally.
Omega Fatty Acids:
Omega fatty acids can be taken in the form of fish oil liquid or capsule. Studies have shown
omega fatty acids may support cognitive function, improving concentration levels and
memory. Omega fatty acids can be very beneficial to school going children and working
adults alike. There are numerous brands of omega fatty acids available in our pharmacies
ranging in strengths & without the fishy flavour.
General Health
The most popular nutrient supplement is a multivitamin, combining most or all of the
essential vitamins and minerals needed daily. Taking a multivitamin is one of the easiest
ways to ensure nutritional requirements are met in a single dose. Most multivitamins are
suited for all ages and come in chewable, tablet or liquid form. Multivitamin supplements can
also help to deal with personal circumstances as they prevent nutrient and vitamin deficiency
and are ideal for people on the go, living a busy lifestyle. There are many different
combinations of multivitamins available in our pharmacies; we are there to give advice on
which may be best suited to your needs.