3 Nutrients to Consume to Combat Malnutrition
In Britain, the top vitamin supplement is Vitamin D. 33% of Brits believe Vitamin D is their best daily supplement to keep them healthy. 27% of Brits, on the other hand, choose Vitamin C. The rest prefer Vitamin B complex, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E, while the rest of the population prefers multivitamins.
In terms of sales of vitamins and supplements, the Brits spend annually around £442 million based on a report in 2018. A slight increase from 2013’s £417. According to experts, the vitamins and supplement sector is expected to grow bigger for the next five years. It is projected to grow over 8% to hit £477 million in 2023.
However, behind these numbers, more than 3 million people in the United Kingdom suffer from malnutrition. About half of these malnourished people are seniors ages 65 and above.
According to the Department of Health and Social Care, there are various reasons for this malnutrition. The most vulnerable to this condition are those living in their own home, while the rest are those living in care homes and hospitals.
Malnutrition increases the risk of getting infections and diseases. It also reduces the overall well-being of a person. Entirely, a person who suffers malnutrition reduces his or her life’s quality. Most of these people do not suffer from hunger or famine; most of the time, their body lacks a certain nutrient crucial in keeping them healthy. Most of the time, people who suffer from malnutrition do not consume vitamin supplements and rely entirely on their diet.
If you need vitamins, the UK has reputed shops for the best vitamins and minerals you can consume daily to combat malnutrition.
Table of Contents
Iron
Without iron, you are likely going to develop anaemia. People who are anaemic suffer weakness and fatigue. Iron is widely available and cheap compared to other vitamin supplements. Many foods out there are rich in iron, especially red meat, egg dark leafy greens, and egg yolks. These foods are very effective in producing red blood cells in your body. The reduction of red blood cells due to anaemia reduces the oxygen delivery to your organs and tissues; thus, you feel tired and weak.
Vitamin A
This group of nutrients can also help battle malnutrition, and it is very important for eye health. Aside from it, Vitamin A helps maintain both sexes’ reproductive health functional. It also plays a crucial role in fortifying the body’s immune system. Malnourished people are very prone to diseases and infection; thus, Vitamin A is badly needed. Vitamin A’s main component is Beta carotene, which you usually found on the nutritional facts labels of food items in the grocer.
Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine)
Thiamine deficiency is prevalent among many people. It is also the most common symptom of malnutrition. Vitamin B-1 is an important nutrient to keep our nervous system healthy. It also helps our body convert carbohydrates and calories into energy to speed up our metabolism. Thiamine deficiency results in abnormal weight loss, short-term memory loss, and confusion. Thiamine is rich in legumes, seeds, nuts, eggs, pork, and wheat. If you need vitamins, the UK has plenty of trustworthy shops.
Final Thoughts
Gone are those days where malnutrition was a very difficult condition to overcome. These days the healthcare system is strongly advocating the importance of proper diet and nutrition to combat malnutrition. If you ever feel undernourished, refer to the vitamin supplements above and consult your preferred physician.
Written by Meghan Hale, a content writer at Plant Sumo and editing machine. You’ll find me yelling at my dog to stop barking, whether it be at the neighbours or on a long afternoon walk