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Do you know your vitamins? 18 essential vitamins and minerals your body needs

Have a talk with your doctor about supplements, as some can interact with underlying conditions and medications.

Getting my daily dose of vitamins. (Photo: Getty)
Getting my daily dose of vitamins. (Photo: Getty)

We all know that health is wealth. But when you’re overwhelmed with work, social life and household chores, it may seem difficult to put your health as a priority. Just like how we improve efficiency at work, why not “automate” some decisions when it comes to your health? It could be as simple as taking your daily vitamins. But first, you have to figure out what your body lacks. Have a talk with your doctor about supplements, as some can interact with underlying conditions and medications.

With flu season occurring all year round - one between December and February (during the Northern Hemisphere winter) and the other between May and July (during the Southern Hemisphere winter) - it's best to start protecting your family.

Before we dive into what each vitamin does, you should know that iHerb.com has insane deals of up to 22 per cent off starting with eye and vision care.

The content on this page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek advice from a qualified healthcare provider on queries regarding a medical condition. Any action taken by you in reliance on or in connection with this content is solely at your own risk.

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ANTIOXIDANTS

California Gold Nutrition, CurcuminUP, 30 Fish Gelatin Softgels

S$20.54 at iHerb Singapore

California Gold Nutrition, CurcuminUP, 30 Fish Gelatin Softgels. (PHOTO: iHerb)
California Gold Nutrition, CurcuminUP, 30 Fish Gelatin Softgels. (PHOTO: iHerb)

NOW Foods, NAC, 1,000 mg, 120 Tablets

S$34.52 at iHerb Singapore

NOW Foods, NAC. (PHOTO: iHerb Singapore)
NOW Foods, NAC. (PHOTO: iHerb Singapore)

Doctor's Best, Alpha-Lipoic Acid 600, 600 mg, 180 Veggie Caps

S$53.94 at iHerb Singapore

Doctor's Best, Alpha-Lipoic Acid 600, 600 mg, 180 Veggie Caps. (PHOTO: iHerb Singapore)
Doctor's Best, Alpha-Lipoic Acid 600, 600 mg, 180 Veggie Caps. (PHOTO: iHerb Singapore)

EYE CARE

Natural Factors, Eye Factors with 2 mg Lutein, 90 Capsules

S$14.89 at iHerb Singapore

Natural Factors, Eye Factors with 2 mg Lutein, 90 Capsules. (PHOTO: iHerb Singapore)
Natural Factors, Eye Factors with 2 mg Lutein, 90 Capsules. (PHOTO: iHerb Singapore)

Jarrow Formulas, CarotenAll, Mixed Carotenoids Complex, 60 Softgels

S$30.83 at iHerb Singapore

Jarrow Formulas, CarotenAll, Mixed Carotenoids Complex, 60 Softgels. (PHOTO: iHerb Singapore)
Jarrow Formulas, CarotenAll, Mixed Carotenoids Complex, 60 Softgels. (PHOTO: iHerb Singapore)

VITAMIN A

Vitamin A is essential for protecting your eyes, supporting your immune system, and promoting growth and development. It is present in many foods like salmon, spinach, sweet potatoes, carrots, mangoes, milk, and eggs.

NaturesPlus, Water-Dispersible Vitamin A, 10,000 IU (3,000 mcg), 90 Tablets

S$9.64 at iHerb

NaturesPlus, Water-Dispersible Vitamin A, 10,000 IU (3,000 mcg), 90 Tablets. (Photo: iHerb.com)
NaturesPlus, Water-Dispersible Vitamin A, 10,000 IU (3,000 mcg), 90 Tablets. (Photo: iHerb.com)

Nature's Way, Vitamin A, 3,000 mcg, 100 Softgels

S$7.49 S$9.90 at iHerb

Nature's Way, Vitamin A, 3,000 mcg, 100 Softgels. (Photo: iHerb.com)
Nature's Way, Vitamin A, 3,000 mcg, 100 Softgels. (Photo: iHerb.com)

VITAMIN B

The B vitamins are slightly more complex as there are eight different types that target different body functions. Together, they are called the Vitamin B complex — no pun intended — and are often found in the same foods like salmon, milk, eggs, poultry, dark green vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

The B vitamins are used in energy production, brain function and cell metabolism. Vitamin B complex may help to reduce stress, boost mood, prevent infections, and promote proper nerve function and cardiovascular health.

Life Extension, BioActive Complete B-Complex, 60 Vegetarian Capsules

S$14.25 at iherb

Life Extension, BioActive Complete B-Complex, 60 Vegetarian Capsules. (Photo: iHerb.com)
Life Extension, BioActive Complete B-Complex, 60 Vegetarian Capsules. (Photo: iHerb.com)

NaturesPlus, Vitamin B12, 2,000 mcg, 60 Tablets

S$19.75 S$26.10 at iHerb

NaturesPlus, Vitamin B12, 2,000 mcg, 60 Tablets. (Photo: iHerb.com)
NaturesPlus, Vitamin B12, 2,000 mcg, 60 Tablets. (Photo: iHerb.com)

VITAMIN C

Vitamin C contributes to collagen production, wound healing, and the maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth. It also helps in iron absorption, strengthens blood vessels and supports the immune system.

It is present in citruses like orange and kiwi, tomatoes, and bell peppers. The problem, though, is that cooking destroys Vitamin C.

Lake Avenue Nutrition, Vitamin C, Quali-C, 1,000 mg, 60 Veggie Capsules

S$1.39 S$10.08 at iHerb

Lake Avenue Nutrition, Vitamin C, Quali-C, 1,000 mg, 60 Veggie Capsules. (PHOTO: iHerb)
Lake Avenue Nutrition, Vitamin C, Quali-C, 1,000 mg, 60 Veggie Capsules. (PHOTO: iHerb)

California Gold Nutrition, Gold C, 1,000 mg, 60 Veggie Capsules

S$4.09 S$7.92 at iHerb

California Gold Nutrition, Gold C, 1,000 mg, 60 Veggie Capsules. (Photo: iHerb.com)
California Gold Nutrition, Gold C, 1,000 mg, 60 Veggie Capsules. (Photo: iHerb.com)

21st Century, Vitamin C, 1,000 mg, 60 Tablets

S$5.75 at iHerb

21st Century, Vitamin C, 1,000 mg, 60 Tablets. (PHOTO: iHerb)
21st Century, Vitamin C, 1,000 mg, 60 Tablets. (PHOTO: iHerb)

NOW Foods, C-1000 with Bioflavonoids, 100 Veg Capsules

S$14.05 at iHerb

NOW Foods, C-1000 with Bioflavonoids, 100 Veg Capsules. (PHOTO: iHerb)
NOW Foods, C-1000 with Bioflavonoids, 100 Veg Capsules. (PHOTO: iHerb)

VITAMIN D

Necessary for absorbing and retaining calcium and phosphorus, thus aiding in bone building, Vitamin D is easily obtainable through exposure to UVB rays from the sun. It can also be found in fatty fish, eggs, and mushrooms.

California Gold Nutrition, Vitamin D3, 125 mcg (5,000 IU), 90 Fish Gelatin Softgels

S$7.95 at iHerb

California Gold Nutrition, Vitamin D3, 125 mcg (5,000 IU), 90 Fish Gelatin Softgels. (Photo: iHerb.com)
California Gold Nutrition, Vitamin D3, 125 mcg (5,000 IU), 90 Fish Gelatin Softgels. (Photo: iHerb.com)

NOW Foods, Vitamin D-3, 50 mcg (2,000 IU), 120 Softgels

S$7.10 at iHerb

NOW Foods, Vitamin D-3, 50 mcg (2,000 IU), 120 Softgels. (Photo: iHerb.com)
NOW Foods, Vitamin D-3, 50 mcg (2,000 IU), 120 Softgels. (Photo: iHerb.com)

VITAMIN E

Present in eggs, nuts, and leafy greens, Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant essential for immune and cellular health. Deficiency is rare as it usually occurs due to certain genetic disorders and in very low-weight premature newborns.

Swanson, Vitamin E, 400 IU, 250 Softgels

S$39.36 at iHerb

Swanson, Vitamin E, 400 IU, 250 Softgels. (Photo: iHerb.com)
Swanson, Vitamin E, 400 IU, 250 Softgels. (Photo: iHerb.com)

Nature's Way, Vitamin E, 400 IU, 100 Softgels

S$34.56 at iHerb

Nature's Way, Vitamin E, 400 IU, 100 Softgels. (Photo: iHerb.com)
Nature's Way, Vitamin E, 400 IU, 100 Softgels. (Photo: iHerb.com)

VITAMIN K

Vitamin K is important in blood clotting and bone-building. It can be found in leafy greens, pumpkins, and soybeans.

Life Extension, Super K, 90 Softgels

S$26.42 at iHerb

Life Extension, Super K, 90 Softgels. (Photo: iHerb.com)
Life Extension, Super K, 90 Softgels. (Photo: iHerb.com)