Hidden Hunger (otherwise known as The Nutrition Gap)

Hidden hunger is unlike the hunger that comes from a lack of food.

It is a chronic lack of vitamins and minerals that often has no visible warning signs, so that sufferers may not even be aware of it.

Its consequences are nevertheless disastrous: Hidden hunger can lead to mental impairment, poor health and productivity, or even death.

This is a global problem, but even in the affluent UK population, 1 in 3 people are affected.

In 2009 exhaustive work by The Government’s Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) identified a number of deficiencies in key nutrients in every group of the population.

Yet there is still a widely held belief that we can get all we need from a balanced diet. Read more Nutrition: Discover the truth (Part 1) ›

Going vegan can be a positive change for your diet and lifestyle.

But cutting out animal products also means you need to think differently about certain nutrients.

That doesn’t mean a vegan diet is automatically lacking.

A well-planned vegan diet can provide plenty of protein, fibre, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.

The key is variety.

Beans. Lentils. Whole grains. Nuts. Seeds. Fruit. Vegetables. Fortified foods. And, in some cases, supplements.

If you’re looking for supplements for vegan lifestyle, the most important thing isn’t finding a huge collection of bottles.

It’s understanding which nutrients deserve attention and why. Read more The Best Supplements for a Vegan Lifestyle: A Practical UK Guide ›

Calcium and vitamin D often appear together on supplement labels.

You’ll see them in multivitamins, bone health formulas and everyday nutritional supplements.

But why?

What does vitamin D have to do with calcium? And if you’re already getting calcium from your diet, do you need vitamin D too?

The relationship between calcium and vitamin D is actually quite straightforward.

Both nutrients have important jobs in the body. Vitamin D helps your body absorb and use calcium, while calcium plays a key role in maintaining normal bones and teeth.

They work together, but they aren’t interchangeable. Read more Calcium and Vitamin D: How Do These Two Nutrients Work Together? ›

Your bones might not be something you think about every day.

You walk. You climb stairs. You exercise. You get on with life. But your bones are working quietly in the background through all of it.

As we get older, looking after them becomes increasingly important. That doesn’t mean you need a complicated supplement routine or a cupboard full of vitamins.

It starts with the basics.

A balanced diet, regular movement and getting enough of certain vitamins and minerals can all form part of a healthy lifestyle.

So, if you’re thinking about bone health after 50, which nutrients are worth knowing about?

Let’s look at the key ones. Read more Bone Health After 50: Key Vitamins and Minerals to Know About ›

Your joints do a lot of work.

They help you walk, climb stairs, bend, stretch, exercise and get through everyday life.

You probably don’t think about them much when everything feels normal.

But as the years go by, or when you’re particularly active, joint health can become something you pay more attention to.

That’s where nutrition comes in.

A balanced diet provides a range of nutrients that help support normal bones, muscles and connective tissues. Some vitamins and minerals have specific roles in maintaining normal bone or muscle function.

So, when people search for vitamins for joint support, what should they actually be looking for?

Let’s explore some of the key nutrients and how they fit into a healthy, active lifestyle. Read more Vitamins for Joint Support: Key Nutrients for Active and Ageing Adults ›

Running is wonderfully simple.

All you really need is a decent pair of shoes, somewhere to run and the motivation to get out the door.

But once you start running regularly, nutrition becomes more important.

Longer runs. More training sessions. Early mornings. Weekend miles. Recovery days.

Your body needs enough food and fluids to support all of that activity.

Your everyday diet, hydration, sleep and training plan all matter first. then supplements for runners can  fit into the picture. Read more Supplements for Runners: Nutrients to Consider Around Your Training Routine ›

Being active isn’t just about what happens in the gym.

It’s the morning walk. The cycle to work. A weekend hike. Playing with the kids. Gardening. Going for a swim. Even keeping up with a busy day when you’ve already been on your feet for hours.

When you’re moving regularly, nutrition matters.

Your body needs a range of vitamins and minerals to support normal energy-yielding metabolism, muscle function, bones and immune function. That doesn’t mean you automatically need a cupboard full of supplements.

A varied, balanced diet should come first.

But understanding the role of vitamins for active adults can help you make more informed choices about your nutrition and decide where supplements might fit into your routine. Read more Vitamins for Active Adults: Nutritional Support for Exercise and Everyday Life ›

Protein isn’t just for gym enthusiasts.

It’s not something you only need when you’re trying to build muscle or recover after a tough workout.

Protein is part of everyday nutrition. And as you get older, making sure you get enough can become even more important.

If you’re finding it harder to get enough protein from your usual meals, protein supplements for over 50s can offer a simple and convenient option. Read more Protein Supplements for Over 50s: Why Protein Still Matters as You Age ›

Protein is having a moment.

Walk into any supermarket or browse a fitness website and you’ll see protein everywhere. Shakes, bars, powders, snacks and fortified foods all promise an easy way to get more.

But if you follow a plant-based diet, you might have questions. Read more Plant Based Protein: How Much Do You Need Every Day? ›

If you’re new to plant-based nutrition, protein can feel like one of the first things you need to figure out.

How much do you need? Which plant protein should you choose? And does vegan protein actually provide what your body needs?

The good news is that choosing a plant-based protein doesn’t have to be complicated.

There are plenty of options available. From pea and rice protein to blends made from several plant sources, you can find a product to suit different diets, tastes and routines.

This guide to vegan protein for beginners covers the basics, so you can make your next choice with more confidence. Read more Vegan Protein for Beginners: How to Choose the Right Plant-Based Protein ›