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We often tend to ignore signals and attribute them to stress or a change of season. But in reality, our body is trying to say something more specific: there could be a nutrient deficiency. The point is not to panic, but to learn to listen to yourself. It's about understanding when nutrition alone is no longer enough and extra support with supplements can make all the difference....
The most common (and underestimated) nutritional deficiencies
Even those who eat a varied diet can still have too low values of certain micronutrients. Daily life - high workload, quick meals, long hours of cooking - contributes to what we put on the table losing value. Among the most common deficiencies in the population are those of vitamin D, iron, magnesium and B vitamins.
Vitamin D, for example, is often insufficient, even for those who live in a sunny country, because as humans we spend most of our time indoors. Magnesium, on the other hand, is easily lost through perspiration and stress, even though it's involved in more than three hundred enzymatic reactions in the body. Iron is a common problem, especially in women of childbearing age, while B vitamins are essential for energy, metabolism and proper functioning of the nervous system.
When nutrition is not enough: the role of supplements
Let's make one thing clear right away: a dietary supplement does not replace a balanced diet. However, there are situations when the body's needs become greater than what nutrition can provide. Periods of heavy physical and mental stress, regular sports practice, a pregnancy, recovery from illness or simply aging may make it necessary to take certain nutrients extra.
In such cases, choosing a high-quality supplement, preferably based on natural ingredients and with transparent compositions, can provide valuable support. Forms such as sachets, tablets or powders allow the intake to be tailored to one's habits, making supplement use part of a simple and maintainable daily routine.
Those who practice sports: a case in point
Those who exercise regularly know all too well the feeling of fatigue after exercise. The loss of minerals through sweat - potassium, magnesium, sodium - can cause cramps, energy dips and longer recovery times. That's why mineral supplementation is among the most recommended forms of supplementation for both recreational and competitive athletes. But it's not just about sports: those going through extremely busy days, physically or mentally, can also benefit from targeted supplementation.
How do you make an informed choice?
The supplements market is large and it's not always easy to distinguish an effective product from an unnecessary one. A few criteria can help you choose more consciously: check for the Ministry of Health logo, read the label carefully to know the ingredients and dosages, prefer formulas with active ingredients of natural origin and, above all, consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting any supplement.
Listening to your body is already a form of self-care
There is no one-size-fits-all supplement, just as there is no one-size-fits-all nutritional deficiency. What we can do is pay attention to the signals our bodies are giving us - persistent fatigue, brittle nails and hair, difficulty concentrating, frequent cramps - and work with a professional to assess whether targeted supplementation can help.
At a time when there is a lot of talk about wellness, real change starts with a simple gesture: learning to listen to yourself before reaching for solutions. And when the right solution turns out to be a good supplement, a thoughtful choice makes all the difference.
(©GreenMe.it 2026/Managing Editor: Julie Morgan - The Press Junction/Picture: ©picture alliance/dpa/dpa-POOL | Peter Kneffel)