6 REASONS YOU MAY BE LACKING IN VITAMINS

WE’RE often told that the best source of vitamins and minerals is a healthy diet. But the following scenarios can affect our ability to reap the benefits of those dietary nutrients and might be reasons to consider taking a supplement (with your doctor’s advice, where appropriate).

YOU TAKE REGULAR PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE:

Certain medications — such as diabetes drug metformin, steroids, painkillers, acid reflux pills or ora l contraceptives — are known to interfere with the body’s absorption of particular vitamins and minerals or cause them to be excreted too quickly.

YOU’RE OVER 60 OR A VEGAN:

If you also suffer from symptoms such as mouth ulcers, fatigue, pins and needles, low mood and irritability, you could be lacking vitamin B12.

As we age, we don’t produce as much of the stomach acid and enzymes that help release B12 from food — good sources include meat and dairy products.

YOU DRINK A LOT OF COFFEE:

Caffeine (also found in tea) is a diuretic, and that means water-soluble vitamins, such as B vitamins and vitamin C, can be excreted before you fully absorb them. YOU’RE THINKING OF HAVING A BABY: Women who have had low nutrient intake for many years — perhaps because of restricted eating habits — will usually need to take supplements in the short term to get their bodies ready for conception, some experts advise.

YOU’RE IN YOUR 40s OR 50s AND DON’T EAT OILY FISH:

Higher levels of omega-3s in the blood are linked to better brain function and preserve brain health, researchers say.

Ensuring you get enough in mid- life could lessen your long- term risk of getting dementia.

YOU HAVE AN ENLARGED PROSTATE:

Men who have been diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia could benefit from taking specific supplements, such as saw palmetto.

You’ll find more information on these supplements in the pullouts in tomorrow’s The Mail on Sunday and Monday’s Daily Mail.