Better together
by Elizabeth Magee, LRD
Ever feel confused about vitamins once you’re in that aisle at the store? You went for Vitamin D, no problem. Until you see 7 different brands and 13 different types with different numbers, letters, and abbreviations that you don’t recognize, and maybe there is Vitamin D paired up with something. D3K2. Is it referencing Star Wars? Who even knows!?!
Well, sometimes certain vitamins and minerals are more helpful with a friend. Whether it’s for absorption, activation, converting things, or just more effective use in your body. This may be a slippery slope, but we’ll get into some of the top ones. Spoiler alert: Vitamin D is everywhere!
- Vitamin K2 & D3
- We know we need vitamin D, especially living in North Dakota. We need the D to help Calcium be absorbed, and K2 helps get it into our bones versus our soft tissues. This duo helps with stronger bones, improved cardiovascular health and helps our bodies utilize calcium
- Vitamin D & Magnesium
- Magnesium has been having a moment, and I support that! Vitamin D turns the magnesium into a usable form for our bodies. This combo helps enhance bone health and muscle function, and keeps our hearts happy.
- Vitamin D & Calcium (not a new couple but still important)
- D helps us absorb calcium from the digestive tract and gets it into our bones. If you aren’t getting enough Vitamin D, you likely aren’t absorbing Calcium. Super smart combo to take.
- Vitamin C and Iron
- The C converts iron into a form that your body can absorb much more easily – so if someone in your life has low iron, mix in some vitamin C with their iron.
- B Vitamins
- A true team effort!! They all work in sync with each other; if you are low in one form, it could end up making the others less effective. B vitamins are crucial for energy production, to keep our brains working properly, for nerve health, and also red blood cell formation.
Better together is the name of the game! Pair up your vitamins. Or better yet, the food sources containing these vitamins is the way to go to ensure you are reaping all the benefits!
Elizabeth Magee is a licensed registered dietitian. Her posts appear monthly on OYT.
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