Supplement: Vitamin A
Supplements, combined with a fibre rich diet of fruit and vegetables, can help you get all the nutrients you need to stay healthy.
But recession hit shoppers are ditching supplements to save money. However, Dr Carrie Ruxton, an advisor with the Health Supplements Information Service (HSIS) says supplements are actually a cheaper way of getting nutrients into your diet, but stresses the importance of using them to support a balanced diet.
We pitch supplements against top health foods to see how they compare.
Pros: This powerful antioxidant will help keep your eyes, skin and mucous membranes moist. The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) is 800 micrograms.
Cons: Vitamin A intakes above 3000 micrograms can cause side effects such as nausea, irritability, blurred vision and an enlarged spleen or liver. Pregnant women should avoid taking more than the RDA as high doses of Vitamin A are linked to birth defects.
Found in: Chicken, egg yolk, cheese and milk.
What to eat to match the RDA: For the equivalent benefit from food you would have to eat a 200g standard size pack of cheese, a large glass of carrot juice or a handful of liver.
Verdict: You’d probably be better off eating a handful of grilled liver or a large glass of freshly squeezed carrot juice. A varied diet featuring foods high in Vitamin A means you won’t need a supplement.
