Why Supplements Work
Today we answer the question of why supplements work and how they benefit your body and skin. There is still a common skepticism around the efficacy of supplements so let's delve into the science behind how these targeted supplements can benefit your body and mind.
WHY SUPPLEMENTS ARE GOOD FOR YOU
Majority of today's diets don't contain enough variety of nutrients to provide the body with everything it needs. The average diet most of us choose today leaves a lot to be desired. Research finds our plates lacking in a number of essential nutrients, including calcium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and D. Achieving optimal levels through diet alone on a daily basis is often not realistic (at least not for us!). We are busy, and our dietary options can fall short once in a while, despite our best efforts. ‘Supplements ensure optimal nutrition by topping you up with the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs.’ says world-renowned, board certified dermatologist Dr Howard Murad. Additionally, 'after age 26, the body starts to slow down and doesn’t make collagen and elastin as efficiently as it once did,’ says nutritionist Lorraine Perretta of the International Institute for Anti-Ageing. Fine lines and sagging become more apparent and the damage from free radicals can result in pigmentation and dark marks, giving the skin a more aged appearance. This is also the time our body's natural metabolism starts to slow, which may lead to more frequent weight and energy fluctuations.
Thereby, our diet has a huge impact on our skin with topical products addressing only 20% of the skin on the surface. The other 80% of your skin is affected by what you eat and drink, including dietary skin supplements.Thus, supplements can offer an effective way to boost nutrition intake as well as target specific skin or health concerns if necessary.
SCIENCE BACKED INGREDIENTS
Many supplements contain naturally derived nutrient sources, which helps increase the beneficial absorption of vitamins, minerals and essential elements that are in the supplements we choose to consume. Below are a few of our favourite must-have ingredients to look out for.
Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E and beta carotene were seen as promising silver bullets against heart disease, cancer, and even Alzheimer's disease. Vitamin C does a lot more than boost immunity. It not only promotes fibroblast proliferation (fibroblasts are the cells that produce collagen and other fibers), but it also acts as an assistant (a "cofactor") in enzymatic activity that relates directly to skin health and function. It even controls some of the DNA repair that goes on in skin to forestall cancerous growths. Its association with cells that control skin pigmentation (melanocytes) makes it a helpful ingredient in products that address skin discoloration. Because this vitamin is so easily lost in our urine, it’s ideal to consume vitamin-C-rich foods throughout the day via fresh fruits and vegetables while also taking a supplement. Foods high in vitamin C include red peppers, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, and, of course, oranges (whole fruit/veg is also recommended over juiced as it contains more nutrients).
Collagen is the body’s most abundant protein. It comprises one-third of the body’s total protein, accounts for three-quarters of the dry weight of skin, and is the most prevalent component of the extra-cellular matrix. So as you can imagine, collagen continuously undergoes a cycle of renewal (including breakdown and repair). In fact it’s what makes your skin (and muscles, which are also rich in collagen) particularly adept at preparing cells after damage. Ingesting collagen on the daily can help with this renewal process.
One of the minerals most essential to skin health is zinc. If you get enough in your diet, you will not be deficient in this mineral and will not need to supplement it, so be sure to do testing with your doctor before supplementing it. Zinc is recommended at 10-30 mg daily, this mineral works as an antioxidant, lessening the formation of damaging free radicals and protecting skin fats and fibroblasts. Because zinc is involved with cellular turnover and immune function, it is thought to help reduce acne flare-ups. The amount you take will depend somewhat on your diet (zinc is naturally found in grass-fed meat, grains, oysters, sesame and pumpkin seeds, peas, and beans). You don’t want to go overboard with zinc because too much of it will put you at risk for copper deficiency (large doses of zinc prevent the absorption of copper in the digestive tract). These two minerals work together. Do not take zinc on an empty stomach, for it can cause stomach upset and nausea. Aim to take zinc halfway through a meal or right after.
Manganese is an essential trace mineral involved in many key functions in the body. It plays a role in energy production, in normal bone formation and development, and in the synthesis of many vital cellular biochemicals such as collagen, prothrombin, urea, mucopolysaccharides, fatty acids and proteins. In addition, manganese is a cofactor for superoxide dismutase, one of the body's main protective antioxidant systems. Look for chelated (specially bonded) manganese that is bonded with amino acids to protect mineral value and enhance assimilation.
FINAL TAKEAWAYS
Because we are supposed to consume so many varied kinds of fruits and vegetables in large volumes each day, consuming supplements can be an easy and time friendly way to ensure that each of us is maximising the benefits available to us through high quality products. By consistently taking recommended doses of the supplements our bodies need to function optimally, we’re ensuring the best possible results for our individual needs.
VK6's targeted formulas encourage super skin health, immunity support and natural detoxification. Helping to provide the key nutrients that are proven to support key skin ad health concerns.
Explore the different ingredients and benefits of each of our VK6 supplements here.