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The Essential Nutrients Guide

The Essential Nutrients Guide

The Essential Nutrients Guide

Vitamin A (Retinol)

Essential for healthy skin and eyes. It protects the body's cells against attack and builds up resistance to infections. Pregnant women should limit their intake.

Good Food Sources:

Calves' / Lamb's Liver; Carrots; Cheese; Egg Yolks; Fish; Fish Liver Oils; Mangoes

RDA 
Women 600mg | Men 700mg

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)

Essential for the digestion and nervous systems. It helps us cope better with stress, stabilises the appetite and promotes growth and good muscle tone.

Good Food Sources:

Hazelnuts; Marmite; Oats; Pork; Wheatgerm; Wholemeal Bread 

RDA 
Women 0.4mg | Men 0.4mg

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Promotes good health and is necessary for maintaining good vision, nails, skin and hair.

Good Food Sources:

Calves' / Lamb's Liver; Dark Green Leafy Vegetables; Eggs

RDA 
Women 0.4mg | Men 0.4mg

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Improves circulation and reduces high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Helps to maintain healthy skin, mouth and digestive system.

Good Food Sources:

Chicken; Dried Beans & Peas (cooked); Fish; Liver; Marmite; Peanuts; Potatoes; Raisins

RDA 
Women 13mg  | Preg 15mg | Men 17mg

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic)

Known as the 'anti-stress' vitamin as it improves the body's resistance to stress. It also helps to make antibodies to fight invading germs and bacteria.

Good Food Sources:

Beef Steak; Bran; Broccoli; Chicken; Dairy Products; Eggs; Milk; Mushrooms; Peanuts; Pig's Liver; Sweet Potatoes 

RDA 
n/a

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)

Works with Vitamin B12 for the growth and reproduction of new cells. It is essential for the development of the foetus and it helps to prevent Spina Bifida. It also can help to regulate moods, sleep and the appetite.

Good Food Sources:

Avocados; Bananas; Dark Green Leafy Vegetables; Lentils; Oranges; Pig's Liver; Watercress; Wholemeal Bread

RDA 
Women 200mcg  | Preg 300mcg  |   Feed 360mcg | Men 200mcg

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Works with Folic Acid and is essential for the formation and regulation of red blood cells and therefore prevents anaemia. It is necessary for metabolism and to maintain a healthy nervous system.

Good Food Sources:

Cheese; Eggs; Fish; Full-fat Milk; Shellfish; Pig's Liver

RDA 
Women 1.2mg  |   Feed 2mg | Men 1.2mg

Vitamin C

Needed for the fat metabolism and helps with the absorption of iron. It is essential to the health of the skin, hair, teeth, eyes, gum, bones and ligaments. It helps to keep the immune system in order, protecting against colds

Good Food Sources:

Baked Potatoes with skin; Broccoli; Cabbage; Fresh Fruit (especially Citrus Fruits); Peppers; Pumpkin; Tomatoes

RDA 
Women 40mg  | Preg 50mg  |   Feed 70mg | Men 40mg

Vitamin D

Works with Calcium to keep the blood and bones healthy and strong. It helps to maintain a stable nervous system and normal heart action

Good Food Sources:

Butter; Egg Yolks; Liver; Milk; Oily Fish

RDA 
Women - Preg / Br Feed / 65+ 10mcg  | Men 65+ 10mcg

Vitamin E

Helps to protect against diseases associated with ageing, cancer and heart disease. It helps maintain healthy circulation and normal levels of cholesterol. It is needed for cell formation especially the skin.

Good Food Sources:

Asparagus; Cereals; Dark Green Leafy Vegetables; Nuts; Soya Beans; Vegetable Oils; Wholegrains

RDA 
n/a

Beta-Carotene

Carotenoids, the best known of which is Beta-Carotene decreases the risk of most cancers.

Good Food Sources:

Apricots; Avocado; Broccoli; Carrots; Dark Green Leafy Vegetables; Kale; Peaches; Spinach; Spring Greens; Tomatoes; Watercress

RDA 
n/a

Calcium

Creates and maintains healthy bones and teeth. It regulates the heart beating and may be important in preventing and treating high blood pressure.

Good Food Sources:

Baked Beans; Bread; Dairy Products (except butter); Dark Green Leafy Vegetables; Dried Fruit; Eggs; Nuts; Rhubarb

RDA 
Women: 365mg  | Men: 470mg

Copper

Copper is an essential nutrient for bone synthesis. It also makes sure that iron in the body is in the right form to be used in the manufacture of haemoglobin.

Good Food Sources:

Beans; Calves' Liver; Carrots; Chocolate; Lentils; Nuts; Olives; Shellfish; Wholemeal Bread

RDA 
Women 1.2mg  |   Feed 1.5mg  | Men 1.2mg

Iron

Iron is used to make haemoglobin which transports oxygen from the lungs around the body.

Good Food Sources:

Beans; Beef; Broccoli; Calves' Liver; Dried Fruit; Fish; Nuts; Poultry; Soya Beans; Spinach; Whole Grains; Wholemeal Bread

RDA 
Women 14.8mg  | 50+ 8.7mg | Men 8.7mg

Lycopene

An antioxidant which helps to prevent cell damage and repairs damaged cells. It may lower the risk of heart disease and some cancers.

Good Food Sources:

Guava; Pink Grapefruit; Tomatoes and Tomato Products (ie. sauce, juice, ketchup); Watermelon

RDA 
n/a

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

These acids reduce the stickiness of the blood making it less liable to clot and cause thrombosis. It reduces blood pressure and promotes a healthy cardiovascular system.

Good Food Sources:

Oily Fish like Herring, Tuna and Mackerel

RDA 
n/a

Omega 6 Fatty Acids

These acids regulate hormone production and stimulate skin and hair growth.

Good Food Sources:

Oils from cereals; Pulses; Vegetables

RDA 
n/a

Selenium

An antioxidant, Selenium boosts the immune system and combats the ageing process.

Good Food Sources:

Cod; Crab; Dairy Products; Eggs; Garlic; Meat (especially Liver and Kidney); Seeds; Wholemeal Bread

RDA 
Women 60mcg  |   Feed 75mcg  | Men 75mcg

Zinc

Zinc, an essential nutrient, is used by the body for the growth and repair of tissue.

Good Food Sources:

Beef; Canned Fish; Chicken; Eggs; Hard Cheese; Mushrooms; Nuts; Oysters; Pulses; Shellfish

RDA 
Women 7mg  |   Feed 13mg  | Men 9.5mg
RDA - World Health Organisation Recommended Daily Allowance