8Jul/113
Can someone please recommend some vitamins for me?
I'm seventeen years old and I'd like to start taking some vitamins to stay healthy. I don't eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, I heard there was a vitamin for that. I'd like to concentrate on hair growth and skin conditioning mainly. What types of vitamins should I take for that? Also, what types of vitamins should 17 year old girls be taking in the first place?
July 8th, 2011 - 20:19
Technically, there’s a vitamin / supplement for just about everything. Your age doesn’t really matter so long as you adhere to the directions on the package, and there should be no problems, in general, with you taking an adult dosage.
As for the vitamins for skin and hair, you’re probably looking for vitamins A, B3 (niacin), and E.
However, these nutrients are found in other foods as well, not just fruits and vegetables:
Vitamin A can be found in pecans, eggs, sour cream, cheddar cheese
Niacin can be found in sunflower seeds, a lot of chicken, beef, and fish
Vitamin E can be found in eggs, sunflower seeds, almonds, sardines, turkey bacon
While the fruit and vegetable sources are a great way to get these nutrients, you can still get them from other foods and don’t necessarily have to take supplements to meet the recommended daily levels. In my opinion, food sources are the best way to get these nutrients because they have a lot of other nutrients along with them that help promote better nutrition.
Plus, because you’re still growing, I think you’d be doing yourself a disservice by skipping healthy foods and taking pills that simply cannot offer the range of nutritional benefits that real foods do.
July 8th, 2011 - 20:19
I find that nothing works as well as fruit and vegetables as they contain so many nutrients that are good for your hair and skin in the right amounts, in forms which are easy for your body to use – not just vitamins but also minerals and plant chemicals (called phytonutrients), some of which scientists haven’t discovered yet. They also contain fibre, which is extremey important for your body, including hair and skin, and pure water.
I have tried lots of different combinations of vitamins but at the moment I am trying to eat at least 7 or 8 portions of fruit and veg every day and I find I am starting to get complements about how well I am looking (younger, which isn’t a concern for you!), clear skin and shiny, thick hair.
I used to find it very difficult to eat F & V but find it easier when I read about how good they are for me – I often eat fruit for breakfast (eg 2 bananas, a mango and some blueberries), then maybe a whole red pepper and half a cucumber (eaten like an apple) as a snack, and then an avocado mashed with lemon and a tin of beans for lunch – its easy and quick. If you avoid sugar and most salt your taste buds will gradually change so that you can tast how delicious fruit and veg actually is.
July 8th, 2011 - 20:19
You would be better off eating more fruit and vegetables. Taking a vitamin supplement is not as good as eating a healthy, well balanced diet. A healthy 17 year old girl should not need vitamins at all.
If you feel that your hair and skin need help it may be that you are not getting all the nutrients you need and you should try adjusting your diet. At 17 you are still growing and need to eat two meals containing protein each day, you also need carbohydrates for energy, at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables for nutrients, vitamins and minerals and calcium to help build strong bones and teeth. You should avoid sweets, sugary or very fatty foods and sweet fizzy drinks as these will only add to skin problems. You should drink plenty of water and get a good nights sleep to be at your best.
Taking care of your skin properly will also improve it’s condition. You need to clean, tone and moisturise your face every morning and every night. You don’t need to buy a lot of fancy, expensive stuff. Baby lotion makes a brilliant cleanser, just apply it to your face and neck, but dont rub it in then wipe it off with cotton wool or tissue. Witchhazel, which you can buy quite cheaply from chemists, makes an excellent toner, just dab it on lightly after cleansing and let it dry on the skin. Follow it up with a good moisturiser. At night I like to use Nivea creme. It is inexpensive and very good for all skin types. In the daytime use a lighter moisturiser. Once a month or so it’s a good idea to exfoliate, this will remove any dead skin and brighten your complexion. Don’t wear makeup that is too thick and blocks your pores.
Treat your hair to a moisturising mask now and again and try to use a protector spray if you are straightening or blow drying your hair a lot. Having your hair trimmed on a regular basis will help to keep it healthy and can make it seem to grow faster as trimming reduces split ends which break off and make your hair seem to grow very slowly.
If you still think you need vitamins it is best to consult a doctor or to ask advice from a health shop whose staff are trained in such matters, like Holland and Barrett.