Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient, and has a crucial impact on our health and healthy pregnancy. It serves as a cofactor for enzymes, impacting cell function and growth. It also has a role in DNA replication and contributes to the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates.

Discovered in 1929, Vitamin K has a crucial role in preventing bleeding and coagulation, especially in newborns, and is important for our bone and cardiovascular health. Ongoing research also suggests that vitamin K can assist with cognition, skin health and wound healing.

Research shows that Vitamin B9 (Folate) is crucial for DNA synthesis, cell division, and red blood cell production. This article explores the benefits of folate, its role during pregnancy, sources of Vitamin B9, daily requirements, deficiency risks, and the impact of folic acid fortification in foods.

Sodium is one of key electrolytes, most commonly found in salt (sodium chloride). Until the era of processed foods, sodium levels in our diet were steady, however, today it seems that we’re having 15-20 times more sodium than our body needs. These amounts, over long periods, lead to several health issues.

Iron is an important nutrient that plays a vital role in many processes. As iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies globally, it is important that people are aware if the foods they are consuming are rich in macro and micro nutrients, such as iron, and accordingly adjust their diet.

Potassium is a key electrolyte and an essential mineral important for proper functioning of the heart and muscles, and it also assists in reduction of cardiovascular diseases and the risk of stroke. Though potassium deficiency is rare, there are certain individuals and age groups that could benefit from more potassium in their diet and supplementation.

Copper is an essential trace mineral that is important for various processes within our body. Despite being required in relatively small amounts, its presence is indispensable for maintaining optimal health and well-being since it’s involved in energy production, iron metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis and several other processes.

Biotin, or vitamin B7, is an essential micronutrient that belongs to the B complex group of vitamins. It is water-soluble and plays an important role in assisting the metabolism to break down fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Studies show that it is also very important during pregnancy for normal foetal development.

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin, and one of the eight B vitamins. It has an important role in our healthy metabolism and immunity, as well as during development in pregnancy and childhood. The biologically active form of vitamin B6, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) is responsible for more than 100 biochemical reactions in our body, making vitamin B6 an essential nutrient.

Vitamin B5 is one of the essential nutrients and has a very important function in forming red blood cells, converting food into energy and creating stress and sex hormones. However, it doesn’t get the attention it should considering its significance. This means that if we don’t know much about vitamin B5, how will we know if we are experiencing signs and symptoms of deficiency?

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) has an important role in the production of glutathione. It can be taken as a supplement (NAC) or it can be obtained from foods (amino acid L-cysteine). The importance of glutathione as an antioxidant is due to the effects it has on metabolic pathways for mental and physical health, such as anti-cancer, cardiac, immunity, renal, and oxidative stress properties.

Vitamin B3, also called niacin, is one of the water-soluble vitamins, belonging to the vitamin B complex. It can be obtained from many food sources and fortified food products, and can be taken as a dietary supplement. However, important to note is that only 30% of niacin is absorbed, and with niacin’s role in cellular metabolism, having poor nutrition can cause potential health issues.