Top Supplements for Women, for International Women's Day

Today is International Women’s Day!

Every year on March 8, events are held around the world to celebrate and empower women. So what better day for us to blog about a few of the top supplements that help promote women’s health?

Iron

Iron deficiency can be very common in women of childbearing age, leading to fatigue. A simple supplemental timed-release iron can help to boost energy levels in women with low iron levels. You can ask your health care practitioner if you’d like to get your iron tested.

Folic acid

Recent stats show that 22 percent of Canadian women of childbearing age aren’t getting the folic acid they need to prevent birth defects. It’s very important for women who wish to conceive to ensure they’re consuming enough folic acid.

Bone-building vitamins and minerals

During their lifetimes, at least one in three Canadian women will suffer a fracture from osteoporosis. Good nutrition can help, but calcium alone isn’t going to do the trick. Find out what supplements can help in our recent article “Beautiful Bones.”

Vitamin D

Even though vitamin D is certainly helpful for bones, it deserves a section all to its own. Recent research also suggests that vitamin D is associated with a reduced risk of developing breast cancer, as well as other types of cancers. Experts agree that it can be nearly impossible to get enough from our diets and sunlight—especially during the Canadian winters, so supplements can be helpful.

Remember, this is just a small sampling of tons of health-promoting supplements for women. And always double check with your health care practitioner to make sure a supplement is right for you.

Participate in International Women’s Day!

What are you doing to celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day? Let us know via blog or Facebook comments, tweet at us @alivehealth and by using the hashtag #InternationalWomensDay.

While you’re at it, check out the International Women’s Day website.