Vitamin D supplement

Vitamin D plays a vital role in assisting the body to absorb calcium both from diet and supplements.  And without calcium, the body would struggle to develop and maintain healthy bones, muscles and teeth.

Our main source of vitamin D is actually produced by the body itself.  When UV radiation in sunlight hits our skin, it reacts with a cholesterol-like substance, thus creating vitamin D. Anecdotally, very small amounts of the nutrient can be found in some food and drinks, but it is rarely enough to provide the levels that the body needs.  Some people get plenty of vitamin D through exposure to the sun from regular outdoor activities.
Many experts say that although sun exposure is important so that the body can produce vitamin D, it is always essential to cover up the body when staying outside for long periods of time to avoid the development of dangerous skin cancers. Unfortunately, many people have very minimal sun exposure, which will often result in low vitamin D levels and a need for vitamin D supplements. The best vitamin D supplements in Australia are ones derived from natural sources.
A lack of vitamin D and calcium can often increase the risk of developing a range of musculoskeletal conditions, such as:
• Rickets in children – soft, weakened and deformed bones, often coupled with poor or slowed muscle development
• Neonatal hypocalcaemia – insufficient calcium in the blood of babies who have not had enough vitamin D while in the womb
• Osteoporosis – a condition commonly found in adults, especially women after menopause, which develops symptoms of weak, fragile bones
People at greater risk of vitamin D deficiency are:
• Babies born to women with a vitamin D deficiency
• Children and adults with minimal sun exposure
• People who cover the majority of their skin for religious or cultural reasons
• People who are confined to the indoors - like the ill or elderly
• People with naturally very dark skin
• Shift workers
Experts have supposed that eight out of ten people in the abovementioned categories would suffer from low vitamin D levels.  In most cases, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional to see if it is necessary to take vitamin D supplements. A simple blood test can assess your levels.

As previously mentioned, there are some foods and drinks that vitamin D can be found in.  Although these levels are not likely to be enough to maintain the body’s vitamin D requirements, these foods and drinks also contain calcium which is essential in maintaining strong and healthy bones.
Some of the foods that contain both vitamin D and calcium are:
• Milk with added vitamin D
• Soy milk and other drinks with added vitamin D
• Margarine
• Eggs
• Liver
• Fish such as tuna, salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel.
If you feel that you could be at risk of a vitamin D deficiency, it is always best to discuss it with your doctor or healthcare professional.  They will be able to assess the problem properly and ensure that your vitamin D levels are maintained.
For more information on the natural form of Vitamin D featured in Space Vitamin products click here.

Vitamin E supplements

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient known mainly for its skin improvement capabilities.  It is said by experts to support the immune system and help combat diseases, including cardiovascular problems and specific types of cancer. Many women are usually interested and aware of information about this vitamin because it is widely used in a range of cosmetics and skin care products, including lotions, creams, and soaps.  Here are some basic facts about vitamin E, including its uses and sources.
The best vitamin E supplements in Australia are those derived from natural ingredients. Natural vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopheryl succinate) is the form that is the most helpful to the body and is twice as readily absorbed as synthetic vitamin E supplements. However, it is often recommended that high dose vitamin E supplements such as 500iu capsules are taken only if your diet cannot provide enough of the nutrient.  Your general practitioner or pharmacist should be able to give you all the necessary facts about vitamin E and what it can do for you and your body.
One of the more widely known benefits of vitamin E is its antioxidant properties.  Antioxidants are said to help fight free radicals – a combination of environmental and physiological elements that may cause cell damage and weaken immune function. Vitamin E supplements may also aid in stopping the conversion of fat into plaque and “bad” cholesterol, a process which is thought to lead to a higher likelihood of stroke, arterial blockage and heart disease.  Vitamin E supplements may also protect the skin, promote wound healing and the oil is often applied directly to the skin to prevent scars from forming, but vitamin E supplements can also be taken orally for a variety of skin conditions such as dermatitis.
There is a great range of foods that contain vitamin E.  These include cold pressed vegetable oils, nuts, dairy and seeds.  In many cases, vitamin E can be consumed quite easily as part of a well balanced diet, but cooking of foods and storage methods such as freezing can reduce their amounts. Vitamin E deficiency is somewhat rare in Australia as we have easy access to a wide range of healthy, vitamin E rich foods.
If you take a look in your bathroom cupboard, many of the moisturising properties in your creams and lotions are all thanks to vitamin E.  Although it does have a place in the cosmetic cabinet, it is very important to ensure there is sufficient vitamin E in your daily intake of food to reduce your risks of more serious diseases.
For more information on the natural form of VitaminE featured in Space Vitamin products click here.

Adrenal fatigue is becoming increasingly common in western society. It can creep up on us slowly, and stress, busy lifestyles and poor diets have left many of us susceptible.

Adrenal fatigue most often occurs after a period of prolonged stress. Initially when we are stressed our bodies produce stress hormones such as adrenalin and cortisol. This is part of an innate process known as the “fight or flight response” and is designed to make us more alert and physically better enabled to get out of danger quickly if we need to. After long periods of continued stress however, our adrenal glands are unable to keep up with the demand to produce stress hormones, and this is when adrenal fatigue symptoms can set in.

Adrenal fatigue symptoms include:
•Excessive fatigue/exhaustion
•Sleep disorders/insomnia
•Cravings for sugar and refined carbohydrates
•Poor immune system function
•Anxiety/irritability
•Poor digestion
•Poor memory/concentration
•PMS/Menopausal symptoms
•Low libido

As adrenal fatigue progresses, the adrenal glands become depleted and eventually chronic fatigue and depression can set in. Adrenal fatigue symptoms can often go undiagnosed, and sufferers may be given medications such as antidepressants, which in the long term do not resolve the problem.

But there is good news for those suffering from adrenal fatigue symptoms. The adrenals can usually be slowly restored back to health with a few simple steps. An adrenal fatigue diet is the first priority, followed by supplements and herbs to nourish and rebuild the adrenal glands, and of course, relaxation and stress relief strategies need to be in place to stop the problem from recurring.

An adrenal fatigue diet consists of lots of whole foods and very few processed foods. Whole grains, protein foods and lots of fresh fruit and vegetables make up most of the diet. What is most important in this diet, however, is what is eliminated. Refined foods (especially refined carbohydrates), sugar, caffeine and alcohol are best avoided as they place extra stress on the adrenal glands.

Supplements are an important part of recovery from adrenal fatigue, as they help to rebuild the adrenal glands and nervous system, making us more resilient to future stress. B vitamins and magnesium are the most important nutrients to consider. Herbs such as Siberian ginseng and Withania are adrenal restorative tonics which may be considered to help kick-start adrenal recovery.

Although it can be a long road back to complete adrenal health, there is definitely help available, and even a few small steps can have you feeling a significant improvement. For information on supplements which may assist, click here.

 Symptoms of Fatigue

We have all suffered from fatigue symptoms from time to time. But for some, fatigue symptoms can recur frequently and may even become a chronic problem. Many frustrated people can be found scouring pharmacies, health food shops and the internet looking for relief from symptoms of fatigue, but is there a magic pill?
Before we look at cures for fatigue, we first need to look at possible causes.
Stress is one of the biggest causes of fatigue symptoms. Stress can wear us down slowly over a long period of time, depleting our bodies of essential nutrients such as B vitamins and magnesium, and negatively affecting our adrenal glands and nervous system. Long term stress can even lead to adrenal burnout, which has been linked to anxiety and depression.
Nutrient depletion is another big one. Fatigue symptoms are more likely to occur when our nutritional reserves are low. Here are some examples of nutrients to look out for:
Iron – Low iron stores in the body can leave us susceptible not only to fatigue symptoms, but also to poor immunity and infections.
B vitamins – Need an instant energy hit? Try some B complex – it helps to maintain a healthy nervous system, feeds the adrenal glands, and helps to turn the food we eat into energy.
Magnesium – This important mineral is required in order to produce energy in the body. Australian foods are often low in magnesium due to decreased amounts in our soils.
Vitamin C – we know it’s required to ward off colds and flues, but what most of us don’t know is that fatigue symptoms can be a sign that we are not getting enough of this essential vitamin. We should be making sure we get enough vitamin C on a daily basis, as our bodies are unable to store it and require a constant supply.
Chromium – Do your fatigue symptoms occur after meals? Do you reach for sugar or caffeine to relieve tiredness? You may benefit from taking chromium, a mineral which helps to balance blood sugar levels.
Traditional herbal medicine is also a popular way to relieve fatigue symptoms. One of the more popular herbs is Siberian ginseng. Traditionally used by Russian athletes to improve stamina and performance, it has found a place in modern energy formulas in order to increase energy levels and improve our bodies’ resistance to stress.
Because fatigue symptoms can have many causes, it is often difficult to pinpoint a single reason. A good plan of action would include a good quality vitamin and mineral supplement. Because fatigue symptoms and poor digestion can often go hand in hand, it is recommended that you take a supplement which is easily absorbed. For the best absorbed multivitamin supplements for Australians, click here.