Singaporeans aren’t recognized to be notably wholesome, so it would shock you to know that we spent $490 million on nutritional vitamins and different dietary supplements final 12 months, in response to client analysis agency Euromonitor.
That’s greater than the quantity the federal government is spending on energetic ageing initiatives this 12 months, by the best way. Makes you surprise if we have to be spending that a lot, doesn’t it?
Right here’s a better have a look at the information behind numerous well being dietary supplements in Singapore and how one can funds for those you (actually) want.
Do Singaporeans actually need well being dietary supplements?
Well being dietary supplements (also called dietary or dietary dietary supplements) are merchandise we eat along with meals to make up for a scarcity in our diets or to boost our well being.
In tablets, capsules, powders, drinks or bars, they are often nutritional vitamins, minerals, herbs or specialty merchandise like glucosamine, probiotics, and fish oils.
You would possibly want well being dietary supplements if:
- your weight loss plan is lower than balanced – you don’t eat greens or meat, or have meals allergy symptoms
- your meals usually are not fully nutritious – you eat out an excessive amount of (hawker meals are typically excessive in refined carbs and fat, and low in greens)
- you’re in a stage of your life the place you would possibly want extra vitamin – once you’re very younger, very previous, sick, recovering from surgical procedure or pregnant
As a result of well being dietary supplements usually are not medication, they aren’t licensed by the Well being Sciences Authority (HSA), nor are they assessed for his or her effectiveness earlier than they’re bought in Singapore.
This implies the onus is on you to do the analysis. You don’t need to threat overdosing on the mistaken dietary supplements, as a result of sure vitamins in extra can truly hurt your well being.
10 widespread well being dietary supplements in Singapore and who they’re for
| Complement | Who would possibly want it |
| Vitamin B12 | Vegans and vegetarians, individuals over 50 years previous |
| Vitamin D | Infants, postmenopausal girls, people who find themselves typically indoors |
| Folic acid | Pregnant girls, girls planning to get pregnant |
| Iron | Individuals with anaemia, some pregnant girls |
| Calcium | Vegans, individuals with osteoporosis, individuals who can’t take up calcium properly |
| Collagen | Individuals with joint ache |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | These with coronary heart illness or coronary heart failure |
| Glucosamine | Individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) or joint ache from arthritis |
| Probiotics | Individuals with poor intestine well being e.g. diarrhoea, vomitting |
| Gingko | The aged |
Vitamin B12 dietary supplements – for vegans & vegetarians
Vitamin Bs, particularly B12, are necessary for mind operate, conserving blood cells wholesome, making DNA, boosting vitality and strengthening the immune and nervous programs.
Animal meals comparable to fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk and milk merchandise are the principle supply of vitamin B12. So, when you’re vegan or vegetarian, it’s possible you’ll want Vitamin B12 dietary supplements or meals fortified with it.
Individuals over 50 years previous, no matter weight loss plan, may additionally want B12 dietary supplements as they could not take up sufficient B12 within the meals they eat.
Listed here are some pattern costs for Vitamin B12 dietary supplements in Singapore.
| Vitamin B12 dietary supplements | Worth |
| Natrol, Vitamin B12, Strawberry Taste, 5000 mcg, (100 tablets) | $8.98 |
| Sunset Naturals B12 Excessive Efficiency Time Launch 1000Mcg (120 Tablets) | $13.50 |
| Holland & Barrett Vitamin B12 100ug (100 tablets) | $17.90 |
| Guardian Vitamin B Advanced (60 tablets) | $11.90 |
| Appelin B12 Syrup (150ml) | $14.50 |
| Blackmores Multi B Tablets (60 tablets) | $21 |
| ENZYMATIC B12 Infusion 1,000 mcg Chewables (30 Tablets) | $28.10 |
| Holistic Means Vitamin B12 1000mcg (90 per pack) | $29 |
| Blackmores Govt B (60 drugs) | $31 |
| Ocean Well being B Advanced (60 capsules) | $43 |
Vitamin D dietary supplements – for calcium absorption
Vitamin D aids calcium absorption. Aside getting it by fatty fish (salmon, tuna, fish liver oil), your physique additionally makes the vitamin once you’re uncovered to daylight. Dwelling in Singapore, this shouldn’t be an issue for many.
Infants who’re breastfed, partially breastfed, or don’t drink quite a lot of milk/method (lower than 1 litre a day) would possibly want Vitamin D dietary supplements to assist with their calcium absorption.
Vitamin D can power bones and scale back the danger of fractures, so postmenopausal girls may need to take this complement.
Nevertheless, an excessive amount of Vitamin D dietary supplements over an extended interval may cause calcium build-up within the physique resulting in weakened bones and injury to the kidneys and coronary heart.
Right here’s a have a look at how a lot Vitamin D dietary supplements can value right here.
| Vitamin D dietary supplements | Worth |
| Gummi King, Vitamin D (60 gummies) | $4.96 |
| Sunset Naturals Cranberry + Vitamin D 1000Iu (150 per pack) | $8.00 |
| Now Meals Vitamin D-3 2000 IU (120 Softgels) | $8.90 |
| Solgar Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 1000 IU (90 tablets) | $13.00 |
| Colief Vitamin D3 Drops 65 g | $15.12 |
| Ocean Well being Vitamin D3 1000IU (90 tablets) | $19.90 |
| Blackmores Vitamin D3 1000 IU (60 per pack) | $20.00 |
| Kordel’s Vitamin D 1000IU + Flaxseed Oil (90 per pack) | $25.00 |
| Nature’s Necessities Vitamin D3 (100 per pack) | $29.90 |
| Health Pharma Vitamin D3 (90 Tablets) | $30.90 |
| Holland & Barrett Quick Appearing Liquid Vitamin D3 60ml | $34.90 |
Folic acid dietary supplements – for pregnant girls
Folic acid is definitely a sort of Vitamin B, and it’s recognized to cut back the danger of some start defects. As such, pregnant girls (or these planning to get pregnant) would possibly need to take folic acid dietary supplements. They are cheap and may be simply discovered on-line on websites like iHerb.
| Folic acid dietary supplements | Worth |
| Sunset Naturals, Folic Acid, 800 mcg (100 tablets) | $2.40 |
| twenty first Century, Folic Acid, 800 mcg (180 tablets) | $3.74 |
| Nature’s Means, Folic Acid, 800 mcg (100 capsules) | $4.42 |
| Now Meals, Folic Acid with Vitamin B-12, 800 mcg (250 tablets) | $4.78 |
| Pure Components, Folic Acid, 1000 mcg (90 tablets) | $5.57 |
| Guardian Folic Acid 5mg (60 tablets) | $10.50 |
| Solgar, Folic Acid, 800 mcg, (250 tablets) | $10.80 |
| Swanson Folic Acid 800 Mcg (250 per pack) | $12 |
| Blackmores Folate 90’S (Folic Acid) | $15 |
| GNC Folic Acid 800 (100 Tablets) | $17.50 |
| Nature’s Plus Folic Acid 800 mcg (90 tablets) | $18.90 |
| GreenLife Folic Acid (100 capsules) | $19.80 |
| Holistic Means Folic Acid 1mg 100’s Tablets | $22.00 |
Iron dietary supplements – for individuals who are anaemic
In contrast to the vitamin dietary supplements listed above, iron dietary supplements are a mineral complement. Minerals are vitamins you want in very small quantities, so not many wholesome individuals truly undergo from mineral deficiencies.
Iron dietary supplements are most likely the commonest of mineral dietary supplements. Getting adequate iron is critical for regular mobile and hormonal operate, however you shouldn’t be taking iron dietary supplements until particularly ordered by a physician to take action.
Often, docs solely prescribe this to individuals recognized with anaemia and a few pregnant girls.
Overdosing on iron dietary supplements may be harmful as a result of the physique can’t eradicate it. An excessive amount of iron can injury the liver and probably the pancreas and coronary heart.
| Iron dietary supplements | Worth |
| Physician’s Greatest, Excessive Absorption Iron With Ferrochel, 27 mg (120 tablets) | $7.30 |
| Now Meals, Iron, Double Energy, 36 mg (90 Veg capsules) | $8.99 |
| Sunset Naturals Iron Ferrous Sulfate 65Mg (120 tablets) | $10.00 |
| Nature’s Plus, Chewable Iron, Cherry Taste (90 tablets) | $12.88 |
| Solgar, Mild Iron, 25 mg (180 vegetable capsules) | $15.68 |
| Swanson Iron Glycinate (Chelated Mineral) 18 Mg (180 per pack) | $15.90 |
| Holland & Barrett Iron + C 100 Tablets | $20.90 |
| Flora, Floradix Iron Tablets Complement (120 tablets) | $25.99 |
| Spatone Liquid Iron Complement Apple 28s | $26.60 |
| GNC Girls’s Iron Full 30mg (60 capsules) | $27.95 |
| Shaklee Vita-Lea® Iron System (120 tablets) | $58.80 |
Calcium dietary supplements – for bone well being
Calcium wants no introduction. From a younger age, all of us get it hammered into our heads that it’s essential for sturdy bones.
These with osteoporosis would naturally contemplate taking calcium dietary supplements. However you may additionally contemplate when you observe a vegan weight loss plan (until it’s excessive in plant-based calcium sources) or a high-protein, high-sodium weight loss plan (which can trigger the physique to excrete extra calcium).
Individuals who undergo from Crohn’s illness or inflammatory bowel illness may need calcium dietary supplements, as these situations restrict the physique’s capacity to soak up calcium.
Truly, analysis stays divided on the necessity for calcium dietary supplements. There are some indications that calcium dietary supplements could not get into the bone however to tender tissues as an alternative, rising the danger of coronary heart illness and kidney stones.
Proceed with warning as overdosing on calcium dietary supplements can lead to nausea, lack of urge for food, constipation and impaired iron absorption.
| Calcium dietary supplements | Worth |
| twenty first Century, Calcium 500 + D3 (400 caplets) | $8.49 |
| Supply Naturals, Calcium Hydroxyapatite (120 capsules) | $12.25 |
| Holland & Barrett Chewable Calcium 500mg (100 tablets) | $17.90 |
| Backyard of Life, Dwelling Calcium Superior (120 caplets) | $18.80 |
| Now Meals, Coral Calcium Plus (250 veg capsules) | $20.38 |
| Ocean Well being Calcium Plus-RX 60’s1 | $21.60 |
| Nation Life, Goal-Minutes, Calcium-Magnesium Advanced (360 tablets) | $24.30 |
| Kordel’s Natural Calcium 60s | $28.40 |
| GNC Coral Calcium (180 capsules) | $68.50 |
Collagen dietary supplements – to ease joint ache
Collagen dietary supplements are a faddish well being complement that’s well-liked for the time being. It might probably are available in powder type, bars, drinks or drugs and is claimed to enhance your pores and skin, hair and nails.
Our our bodies naturally produce collagen, a structural protein present in connective tissues, pores and skin, hair, muscle tissue, bones and blood vessels. As we age, we could produce much less of it. That’s why individuals assume they want collagen dietary supplements.
Nevertheless, any collagen you eat will merely be digested like some other protein. There isn’t a approach to make it go to hassle spots like wrinkled pores and skin or brittle hair and nails. Some research present collagen dietary supplements could assist joint ache, whereas advantages to pores and skin, hair and nails are typically anecdotal.
Regardless of the dearth of proof of its efficacy, collagen dietary supplements are nonetheless expensive:
| Collagen dietary supplements | Worth |
| Neocell, Marine Collagen (120 capsules) | $17.23 |
| AFC Hanamai Collagen Powder (Porcine) 30 Sachets | $23.00 |
| TruLife Collagen Cell Renew 10 x 50 ml | $37.60 |
| New Moon Interior Radiance Collagen Drink 10 x 50 ml | $39.50 |
| GreenLife Collagen 500mg (60caps) | $55.00 |
| Kinohimitsu Marine Collagen Powder 180g | $59.90 |
| Holistic Means Joint Collagen (60) | $65.00 |
| Kinohimitsu Collagen Diamond Drink 16 x 50ml | $69.90 |
| Holland and Barrett Marine Collagen (60 capsules) | $70.90 |
Omega-3 fatty acids – for coronary heart illness
Omega-3 fatty acids are a gaggle of polyunsaturated fatty acids that are a part of your cell membranes.Your physique can’t produce them. As a substitute, most individuals get these from meals wealthy in them, comparable to fatty fish and flaxseed.
They’re important for hormone manufacturing, and promote coronary heart well being, enhance pores and skin and hair and may improve mind improvement and reminiscence. There’s a little bit of hype round Omega-3 fatty acids with the ability to maintain coronary heart issues and stroke at bay. Nevertheless, they could also be appropriate for individuals who have just lately suffered a coronary heart failure or who have already got coronary heart illness.
Choose Omega-3 fatty acids dietary supplements with DHA and EPA, the important thing fatty acids within the group.
| Omega-3 fatty acids dietary supplements | Worth |
| California Gold Vitamin, Omega-3, Premium Fish Oil (100 fish gelatin softgels) | $6.95 |
| twenty first Century, Fish Oil, Omega-3, 1000 mg (300 softgels) | $12.74 |
| Ocean Well being Omega 3 Fish Oil 1000mg (60) | $21.60 |
| Now Meals, Extremely Omega-3, 500 EPA/250 DHA (180 softgels) | $26.39 |
| Holistic Means Omega-3 Premium Fish Oil 1000mg (150 softgels) | $48.00 |
| GreenLife Vita-Omega 3·6·9 (210 Mini softgels) | $55.00 |
| Holland & Barrett Omega 3 Fish Oil Focus 350 Capsules 1000mg | $54.90 |
| GNC DHA 600 (60 Softgels) | $62.50 |
Glucosamine dietary supplements – for joint ache
Glucosamine is an amino sugar that performs an necessary position in constructing cartilage. It happens naturally within the fluid round joints, in animal bones and bone marrow, shellfish and fungi.
That is for individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) or arthritis searching for reduction from joint ache. Nevertheless, studies present that the advantages are nonetheless small and require extra analysis. These with shellfish allergy symptoms ought to keep away from this complement as some glucosamine is derived from shellfish.
| Glucosamine dietary supplements | Worth |
| Now Meals, Glucosamine & Chondroitin with MSM, (90 capsules) | $14.38 |
| 21st Century Glucosamine & Chondroitin Plus (60) | $20.00 |
| MRM, Glucosamine Chondroitin (180) Capsules | $21.10 |
| Now Meals, Glucosamine & Chondroitin with MSM, (180 capsules) | $26.38 |
| Physician’s Greatest, Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM with OptiMSM (240 Veggie Caps) | $26.45 |
| Solgar, Glucosamine Hyaluronic Acid Chondroitin MSM (120 tablets) | $39.68 |
| Holland & Barrett Glucosamine Sulphate 1000mg (60 caplets) | $40.90 |
| Glucosamine Sulfate 1500 (90 tablets) | $69.00 |
| GNC Glucosamine 750 Chondroitin 600 (60 tablets) | $82.50 |
| Blackmores Glucosamine Sulphate 1500mg (180 tablets) | $116.00 |
Probiotics – for intestine well being and wholesome digestion
Probiotics are the nice micro organism that promote wholesome digestive features. Sure, these are the stay cultures which are present in yoghurt and different fermented meals like kimchi too.
In case your weight loss plan lacks fruits, greens, complete grains, legumes and fermented meals, and also you have poor intestine well being (e.g. diarrhoea, vomiting, irritable bowel syndrome), you would possibly contemplate taking probiotics. That mentioned, getting probiotics from meals sources isn’t tough both.
You may additionally need to contemplate taking probiotics when you’ve just lately taken a course of antibiotics. Antibiotics wipe out your intestine flora, so probiotics will help restore your digestive well being extra successfully.
| Probiotics | Worth |
| Nature’s Bounty, Acidophilus Probiotic (120 tablets) | $6.72 |
| Natrol, Acidophilus Probiotic (150 capsules) | $6.80 |
| Blackmores Youngsters Probiotics Powder (20 per pack) | $19.50 |
| PNKids Probiotics (60 per pack) | $34.90 |
| twenty first Century 50 Billion Probiotics (30 per pack) | $34.95 |
| BIOGAIA (30) Probiotic Chewable Tablets | $45.00 |
| GNC Probiotic Quick Stix Combined Berry (30 packets) | $59.95 |
| LACTOGG Probiotic Lactobacillus GG (30 per pack) | $62.01 |
Ginkgo dietary supplements – for the aged
That is the leaf of the ginkgo biloba tree. Research present that gingko dietary supplements can enhance blood circulation, which could assist the mind, eyes, ears, and legs operate higher; and should decelerate Alzheimer’s and dementia (although not forestall them). So it’s generally beneficial for the aged.
| Gingko dietary supplements | Worth |
| California Gold Vitamin, Ginkgo Biloba Extract, EuroHerbs, 120 mg (60 veggie caps) | $7.95 |
| Nature’s Reply, Ginkgo, Alcohol-Free, 500 mg, 2 fl oz (60 ml) | $16.24 |
| Eu Yan Sang EOC with Gingko Nut Extract | $25.50 |
| Guardian Gingko 3000Mg + Brahmi (60 tablets) | $28.90 |
| Ocean Well being Ginkgo Omega Alertness System (60) | $29.90 |
| Nature’s Means, Ginkgold, Reminiscence & Focus, 60 mg (150 tablets) | $33.03 |
| Inexperienced Life Gingko 5000 Plus (60 caps) | $50 |
Well being dietary supplements you most likely don’t want
If you happen to’re questioning why among the extra widespread well being dietary supplements aren’t featured on this article, listed below are the notable exceptions we’ve left off the checklist…
Vitamin C: Analysis has revealed that Vitamin C, the preferred of particular person vitamin dietary supplements, could not truly forestall a chilly or assist you recover from one sooner. Sleeping and consuming properly, staying hydrated and conserving clear are boring however most likely higher methods to maintain your immune system working.
Multivitamins: Whereas seemingly your best option as a result of it covers all of the necessary nutritional vitamins and extra, could not even have a lot profit as a result of they have an inclination to include nutritional vitamins you might not be poor in, whereas on the identical time having too low a dose of these it’s essential be useful.
Immunity boosters: The immune system is a posh factor as a result of it isn’t a single entity however a complete system, so once more, persist with practising good wholesome habits fairly than attempting to get a fast repair. Additionally, docs aren’t fully positive if one thing that raises antibody ranges truly advantages the general system.
Vitality boosters: Not obligatory as meals is your greatest supply of vitality. Consuming complete grains and nuts in addition to loads of vegetables and fruit are nature’s repair for fatigue.
Dietary supplements for eye well being: These dietary supplements are a mixture of Vitamin C, E, beta carotene and zinc, and are often prescribed by docs just for those who already expertise imaginative and prescient loss. There’s no proof that such dietary supplements can forestall imaginative and prescient issues.
The place to purchase inexpensive well being dietary supplements in Singapore
Earlier than you click on “purchase” on that dodgy Qoo10 itemizing, listed below are another choices so that you can purchase inexpensive well being dietary supplements.
iHerb: An enormous vary of low-cost well being dietary supplements – nearly each kind – on this worldwide web site. iHerb often has the perfect costs, however to keep away from costly delivery prices, you would possibly need to mix orders with your pals.
Redmart: Surprisingly, Singapore’s on-line grocery store has vary of well being dietary supplements at affordable costs. It’s not fairly iHerb, however it’s a adequate choice, and every thing is shipped from Singapore so that you don’t want to attend ages for the cargo.
Pharmacies: Guardian, Watsons and Unity Pharmacy all promote dietary supplements, when you’d like to examine the product in retailer. Nevertheless, these are often pricier than these purchased on-line.
Complement shops: Shops like GNC and Holland & Barrett specialize in dietary supplements of all sorts, and carry extra of the atas manufacturers. However these are additionally the most costly locations to purchase well being dietary supplements.
Do you are taking any well being dietary supplements? Share your experiences with us within the feedback!
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