Vitamin D has been named Supplement of the Year 2021. In these turbulent times, in which considerable attention is being paid to the important role of vitamin D, it is not a surprising winner. More than 2,500 people shared which food supplements they use, and over 70% of participants use vitamin D.
The Information Centre for Food Supplements & Health searches annually for information on the use and trends of food supplements. 62.4% of participants stated that their primary reason for using a supplement is to work on good resistance and the immune system. Pursuing a healthy lifestyle was selected by 47.6%. In addition, 29.4% of respondents indicated that they take supplements to maintain strong bones, improve bowel function or improve memory.
Top 10 supplements
Vitamin D is the convincing winner this year, but the supplement also finished in first place in 2017. Turmeric takes second place. In 2019, the herbal supplement was the most popular among participants. Fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) is once again in third place. Last year, the multivitamin came top, but this supplement now finishes in sixth place.
This is the top 10 supplements of 2021:
- Vitamin D
- Turmeric
- Fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids)
- Magnesium
- Vitamin C
- Multivitamin
- Probiotics
- Cranberry
- Zinc
- Echinacea
Vitamin D
The body produces vitamin D itself under the influence of sunlight. Not everyone is able to produce sufficient vitamin D, especially now that we are spending a lot of time indoors due to the lockdown and there are fewer hours of strong sunlight in winter. The Health Council advises taking a vitamin D supplement throughout the year. This applies particularly to children aged 0–4, women over 50, men over 70, people with a darker skin tone, pregnant women and people who are insufficiently exposed to sunlight—considering the lockdown and the fact that it is winter, this means everyone.
Resistance
Vitamin D contributes to good resistance, supports the immune system and is beneficial for the muscles. The human body also needs vitamin D for strong bones and teeth. For people experiencing the winter blues or feeling somewhat down, additional vitamin D may provide support. People can work on their own health by taking vitamin D daily.
Source: NPNinfo.nl