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Summer Vitamins?

Are there season specific supplements?

Remember vitamin D? During winter months in Canada we aren’t exposed to much sunlight which your body uses to produce vitamin D naturally. That’s why it’s so important to supplement with vitamin D while you’re not exposed to enough sunlight. That’s one example of a “seasonal supplement”.

Now that we’re headed into summer, let’s have a look at a few supplements that can be of benefit during the warmest part of the year.

Vitamin B1- B vitamins are essential for good health, especially when it comes to converting macronutrients (carbs, proteins, and fats) into energy and helping your body deal with stress. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) also has the added summer benefit  that by taking more B1 than your body requires, the excess is excreted through urine, skin and sweat. The result is that B1 produces a skin odor that female mosquitoes seem to find offensive. Since B vitamins are water-soluble, there is no danger of toxicity and it’s safe to try taking a high dose.

Garlic- In addition to benefits for heart health and immune health, taking garlic capsules may help to protect against both mosquito and tick bites.

Astaxanthin- This carotenoid is a powerful anti-oxidant. More potent than vitamin C, vitamin E, and Beta-Carotene.  Astaxanthin also shows benefit in combating sun damage. It’s a potent UVB absorber and reduces DNA damage. Bear in mind that topical sunscreens also protect against harmful UVA radiation in addition to UVB. To that end Astaxanthin is a powerful ally against premature aging.

How you spend your time in the summer months plays an important part in which supplements may benefit you most. Speak to the Live Well team at Pharmasave Summerland about which summer supplements are best for you.

Dan Cassidy, Registered Nutritional Product Advisor