As the hot nights and strolls on the beach come to an end, it’s time to start looking at your winter supplements stack.
Your vitamin and nutrient needs are different during the winter months - a deficiency in certain vitamins may cause numerous problems, from having trouble sleeping to increased stress and even an increased risk of depression.
As the summer nights slip away, some people may experience what is known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Those affected are likely to feel sadder than usual, experience rapid mood changes and have a higher risk of developing depressive symptoms, as stated by the National Institute of Mental Health.
Achieving the right vitamins and nutrients during the colder months is key to protecting against SAD and for general wellness. So, where do you begin?
This blog post will discuss how you should change your supplement routine during winter, and then we’ll follow up with 4 of the best supplements you should consider taking.
How should your supplement routine change during winter?
The winter months provide various challenges for many people.
For example, you’re more likely to become sick when the cold weather hits. You may suffer from dry skin, you might lack energy, and more likely than not, you won’t be receiving enough vitamin D from the little sunlight available.
It’s essential to change up your supplements for winter to prepare for this time of the year.
You’ll need all the energy and protection you can get to battle the side effects of the cold weather.
What are the best supplements to take in winter?
If you take supplements year-round, there are a few changes you’ll need to make to your regular stack.
The following are the best supplements to take in winter:
1. Vitamin D
2. Vitamin B
3. Zinc
4. Magnesium
Continue reading to find out why you may wish to add these supplements for winter.
1. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is one of the most popular supplements, especially for the winter months.
Although vitamin D is naturally synthesized by the body from sunlight, the sunlight during the winter months is often not strong enough to make enough of the essential vitamin.
Also, most of us don’t get as much sunlight in the winter months - there’s less light, and we spend less time outside (it’s cold, often snowy, and unpleasant but no surprises there).
A vitamin D supplement protects your bones, helps fight disease, and supports immune health. It might also protect against depression, which is more common in winter as well.
Try the DESEJR® Vitamin D3 + K2 1.000 I.U.
2. Vitamin B
Vitamin B includes numerous water-soluble vitamins mainly responsible for essential metabolic functions.
Although in particular, extra attention should be paid to vitamin B12 during the winter months, especially for vegetarians.
Vitamin B12 cannot be obtained from plants - it’s found in animal products such as meat, fish, cheese, and eggs.
For this reason, you may choose to supplement vitamin B12.
A vitamin B deficiency may impair memory function, dementia, and cognitive impairment.
Furthermore, this deficiency (especially B12) has been linked to depression, as mentioned in this review article in the Current Medicinal Chemistry Journal.
3. Zinc
Zinc is one of the most important minerals in the body, involved in many bodily processes such as immune function, metabolism regulation, nail and skin health, and hair growth.
A deficiency in the zinc mineral may lead to some rather severe side effects, such as:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Wounds that take longer than usual to heal
- A loss of appetite
- Becoming sick more often
The mineral is found in various foods, including beans, lobster, oysters, breakfast cereals, and dairy products.
You can also take zinc in supplement form - a convenient way to protect your immune system health during winter. Besides, it’s much more convenient and ideal for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
Try the DESEJR® Zinc Bisglycinate.
4. Magnesium
Similar to zinc, magnesium is involved in many different processes and biochemical reactions in the body. However, the body does not naturally create magnesium - you need to get it from another source.
But what role does it play during winter?
This must-have winter supplement may lessen depressive symptoms, it plays a role in keeping your heart strong and healthy, and is also thought to contain anti-inflammatory benefits to protect against certain diseases.
Luckily, many foods contain magnesium, some tastier than others, including dark chocolate, avocados, kale, nuts, and whole grains.
If you’re not a fan of kale or avocado, you’re not out of luck - you can take a magnesium supplement to get the right amount of the daily required mineral.
Try the DESEJR® Magnesium Tri Complex.
To summarise
When the months get colder and the nights get shorter, you should change up your supplements for winter.
At the very least, we recommend supplementing the following:
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B
- Zinc
- Magnesium
We find these to be the best supplements to take in winter for most people - helping you fight off infections, providing your body with the all-so-essential vitamin D, and keeping those SAD symptoms at bay.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some questions you might be asking yourself.
Do you need vitamin D supplements in winter?
It’s difficult to get the right amount of vitamin D exclusively from sunlight during the winter months. Therefore, we’d recommend taking a supplement to increase your intake for optimal health and well-being.
What vitamins do we lack in winter?
The main vitamin we lack in winter is vitamin D. Although you should also take vitamin B, zinc, and magnesium.
