Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1309486
11 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 15 NOVEMBER 2020 NEWS levels." She adds that if other mem- bers of the family suffered from low Vitamin D, it is something worth checking out, and per- haps supplementing. Other vitamins that people should make sure they are con- suming is Vitamin C, which can be found in citrus fruit, as well as other fruit and vegetables. "Then there is the B complex, which is B6, 9 and 12, that are important for mental health, es- pecially during this period, it is something people should con- sider." Porter adds fatty acids are al- so essential – such as Omega-3, 6 and 9, which can be found in fish, as well as seasoned nuts. "Then, besides vitamins and minerals, there are other prod- ucts that speed up the immu- nity, such and pre- and probi- otics, which provide protection around our gut, and prevent germs from entering our sys- tem," she said. Porter says there are also herb- al supplements – "you will find opinions in favour and against, but they're not going to cause any harm. In fact, some studies have shown that they do have an impact," she says. Propolis, which is produced by bees, is also proclaimed to have positive effects by those who consume honey daily. Howev- er, Porter says one also needed to be careful not to consume too much honey because the amount of propolis in a portion will be small, and the sugar in- take is high. "Instead, I would recommend taking propolis supplements because it would be a concentrated dose." Porter also points out that studies have shown, even in the case of COVID-19, that those who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk for infec- tions and complications. "I don't think it's a simple case of whether we should supplement or not – I think first we should be making sure that our diet is providing us with the nutrients we need, and then we should ask ourselves whether we need to supplement. Are there rea- sons? Am I excluding certain foods? Do I need to make up for it? Because while under-supple- mentation can be dangerous, people may also run the risk of over-supplementation, which has its dangers." Worry over elderly persons Porter said it was important even during this challenging time when elderly persons may not be seeing their family, that they maintain a well-balanced diet. "What's happening right now, due to the current climate, is that some are not even meet- ing their relatives. This could be where they were getting their meals from, and in their cases, meals may have been brought to them. Now they may opt to eat just bread – and it's one thing to eat bread once a day, it's an- other when it's your breakfast, lunch and dinner," she said. Porter said because of this there is a chance that some el- derly people could be malnour- ished. "This could be the case, especially for nutrients, because they are not consuming a bal- anced meal. We also have a sit- uation where because they may not be seeing family, children, grandchildren, they may be feeling down, and that can sup- press appetite. In that case, sup- plementation may be required. However, in this age group, one should not just pop a pill with- out consultation because they may have other medical condi- tions." lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt Fatty acids are essential – such as Omega-3, 6 and 9, which can be found in fish, as well as seasoned nuts. it is important for persons to make sure they are getting enough vitamin D, by being more exposed to sunlight, and to make sure they are consuming enogh Vitamin C It is important that even during this challenging time when elderly persons may not be seeing their family, they maintain a well-balanced diet "We have a situation where the elderly are not seeing family, and they may be feeling down, and that can suppress appetite. In that case, supplementation may be required."