Maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle has become especially important in today’s stressful world whereby people are working long hours and putting their jobs first – at the expense of their family and hobbies.

Explained Rachel Huang, 33, Sourcing Manager, Health Category (Corporate Brand – Group Health and Beauty), Guardian Health & Beauty Singapore, “People are working harder, longer hours and juggling multiple roles, such as being a working professional to a mother or father at home. They need to stay healthy and fit in order to cope with all that.”

Health and wellness is becoming important in today’s world

She added, “Health and wellness is thus of growing importance to people. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, it helps to reduce the chances of getting sick. This will also mean that you will have more energy and feel both mentally and emotionally happier.”

One way to stay healthy and ensure that you get enough nutrients in your diet would be to take vitamin supplements. Explained Rachel “Much of our diet is now made up of processed foods and these are generally low in vitamins and minerals. Taking vitamins and minerals helps to achieve the recommended daily requirements that may otherwise be insufficient with only our daily food intake. Our body needs these vitamins and minerals to perform optimally.”

Requirements of supplements needed, vary from person to person

However, the types of vitamins or minerals required will vary depending on a person’s lifestyle though so there is no one fixed formula that will apply to everyone though.

Added Rachel “The requirements of a person who exercises a lot, and is in the sun often, can be quite different from a person with a more sedentary lifestyle. The former will likely require supplements such as glucosamine to support joint health, and antioxidants like Vitamin C and E, while the latter may require more Vitamin D.”

She continued “These requirements will also differ for individuals at different life stages, for example, pregnant and lactating mothers or seniors, in the Singapore context, will probably require Vitamin C to protect against colds, MultiVitamins and Minerals to ensure that the body gets the recommended daily vitamin dosage, Glucosamine for joint health and Omega-3 for circulatory and brain health.”

Due to the prolonged hours of working in front of the computer for many office workers, Rachel also adds that eye health supplements are becoming increasingly popular at Guardian as well.

Guardian sent me a range of packaged supplements

As part of the World Health Day, which took place earlier this month, Guardian sent me a range of packaged vitamins and mineral supplements, which had included Omega-3 Fish Oil to support cardiovascular health, Vitamin E to protect the body against harmful free radicals, MultiVitamins & Minerals to provide a well-balanced supplement plan and support body metabolism and function.

As well, the package also comprised of Glucosamine to maintain the health of the joints and cartilage, Vitamin C to protect against colds and boost the immune system, Vitamin B to stay sharp and alert through the day, Herbal Jelly Candy to soothe dry throats and MultiVitamins For Kids to assist the development of a growing child as well as Omega-3 gummy candies for Kids.

Choose suitable supplements to meet your needs

To choose the most suitable supplements to cater to your own specific needs, Rachel suggests speaking to a health care professional or nutritionist. She said “They will be able to make appropriate recommendations based on your health objectives.”

She added “Also you can purchase your supplements from a reputable pharmacy or health product store, reading the labels to understand the manufacturing country and the active ingredients that are contained in the product. Last but not least, choose a trusted brand.”

But still, for those who do not see the need to take supplements though, Rachel feels that there is no right or wrong in such matters. She said “There is definitely no right or wrong when it comes to taking vitamin supplements. It very much depends on individual needs. Always remember to maintain a healthy diet and balance your lifestyle with exercise.”