Ageing, overweight, and respiratory infections can impair your sense of smell. However, a sufficiently high zinc intake from dietary sources or supplements can support or even improve the sense of smell – especially in older people and those who are overweight. This was shown in a study that is published in Rhinology. Unfortunately, zinc deficiencies are common due to poor diets and the use of various medical drugs that impair the body’s utilization of zinc.

The widespread selenium deficiency in Europe increases the risk of infections, inflammatory bowel disorders, and abnormal cell development. In a new review article published in Nutrients, the authors look at selenium’s role in the highly developed immune defense. This includes the immune defense’s communication, which is vital for our ability to fight off viruses and germs swiftly and directly, and for avoiding unwanted inflammation that can become potentially life-threatening. Selenium also serves as a very effective antioxidant that protects cells and their DNA against oxidative damage. In addition, selenium has a number of anti-cancer mechanisms.

The condition of our skin means a lot to our appearance and health, and being deficient in one or several nutrients can cause premature skin ageing. Also, things like poor wound healing, acne, herpes infections, yeast infections, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin disorders may occur. In a review article published in Medicina, scientists have looked at the role of vitamins A, C, E, D, and biotin plus omega-3 fatty acids in skin health. Studies suggest that selenium and zinc may also be important for healthy skin and anti-ageing. If you don’t get enough of these nutrients or if you simply have an increased need for them, you may consider taking a supplement.

Active vitamin protects us against virus infections in a number of different ways. Vitamin D also controls the inflammatory processes and prevents them from becoming complicated. In a review article published in World Journal of Virology, scientists have pored over multiple meta-analyses and placebo-controlled studies that show a clear relation between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of respiratory viruses such as COVID-19 and influenza. Being vitamin D-deficient can also increase the risk of these infections turning into SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) that can result in potentially life-threatening circulatory failure and organ failure. Apparently, vitamin D plays an important and overlooked role in the prevention of virus infections.

Lack of vitamin D is a global health problem. The same is the case with overweight and hypertension, a combination that results in millions of deaths. Apparently, supplementing with vitamin D can lower blood pressure in people who are overweight, according to a study that is published in Journal of Endrocrine Society. It is important to be aware of the interactions between vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium.

Vitamin D is important for the hormone system and our sleep, but certain environmental toxins like phthalates, bisphenol A, and triclosan can disrupt our hormone balance and sleep quality. Lack of vitamin D can even exacerbate the harmful effect of the hormone disruptors and, according to a study published in Nutrients, this may have a negative impact on our sleep.

Cholesterol-lowering statins are associated with side effects such as aching muscles, fatigue, memory problems, diabetes, and poor sleep. At a molecular level, these drugs interfere with the body’s synthesis of Q10, which we need for cellular energy turnover. Moreover, Q10 is a powerful antioxidant that protects the cells against free radical damage. According to a review article published in the journal Cureus, Q10 supplements may lower side effects such as muscle pain.

Vitamin D is important for calcium uptake and bone health. According to a placebo-controlled follow-up study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, children whose mothers supplemented with vitamin D during their pregnancy continue to have stronger bones, even at the age of seven years.
The pregnant women in the study took 25 micrograms of vitamin D, which is more than twice the officially recommended intake. It is generally important for the child’s health that its mother has optimal vitamin D levels in the blood during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.