Today’s article promises to be a fun one, and very likely the last one I’ll publish this year.
In order to best understand consumer health trends, I frequently monitor Amazon Canada’s top selling supplements list.
This is an imperfect but serviceable way to understand which types of supplements are being purchased with high frequency in Canada.
So what I’m going to do next is as follows:
- Identify The Four Supplements Which Most Frequently Occupied The Top 5 Spots On The List
- Comment On Whether The Supplement “Works” And Link To My Writing/Commentary On It
Let’s get to the good stuff!
Vitamin D3
Given that fish is the only truly robust source of Vitamin D3 and that a significant portion of the Canadian population has suboptimal blood levels of this elusive nutrient, it should come as no surprise that Vitamin D3 perpetually remains on the Amazon.ca top 5 list.
If you’d like to learn more about the role fish intake has to play to boost your Vitamin D3 status, please do read my article on the subject which can be accessed by clicking through the graphic below.
Vitamin D Supplements – Who Needs & How Much? – Andy The RD
Collagen Peptides
My regular readers will know that I pay an incredible deal of attention to the role that nutrition and supplementation has to play in modulating skin health and skin aging.
I do this, above all else, because I know its a topic that generates a great deal of curiosity.
Keep in mind as well that food has a massive role to play in maintaining skin vitality, you can read blogs from my website on both topics – linked below via the images.
Magnesium
Magnesium, wow….
This is one POPULAR mineral.
Magnesium is found in important foods that tend to be under consumed or under appreciated, which is why nearly half of the adults in Canada do not consume enough.
Supplementing magnesium, for example, may help individuals who suffer from migraine.
The reality is, however, that strategic dietary enhancements ( see below, and click through to learn more) should reduce the need for broad magnesium supplementation in otherwise healthy people.
Creatine
Creatine is one of the most popular and well studied supplements for use in enhancing athletic performance in specific contexts.
For a introductory level overview of creatine, please read the piece I wrote on the subject for Nutrioso.
If you are more scientifically inclined I instead recommend you read the 2017 position statement provided by the International Society Of Sports Nutrition to learn more about how it helps, and how to use it most effectively – it’s much more robust than my piece.
On a personal note, I intend to write an article in the New Year on the suitability/practicality of creatine supplementation in soccer players.
Lion’s Mane
Interest around cognition and brain health is at an all time high, can Lion’s Mane Mushroom help?
Omega-3
Omega-3 Fatty acids are the most important supplement, in my opinion, that aren’t in the top 5 sellers list – read the article below to understand why.
Is Your Omega 6:3 Ratio Worth Caring About? (foodguides.com)
Wishing You A Happy, Healthy 2023
And a friendly reminder that if you feel the support, guidance and wisdom of a health professional would be a positive contributor to your goal of demystifying the world of nutrition and supplementation – look no further, I’d be thrilled to help.
Until next time,
Andy De Santis RD MPH
