Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services organized the “Vitamins and Minerals” program, where Solar Pharmaceutical Company Training Specialist Neval Durmuş Ünlüer stated that minerals and vitamins, whose use increased during the pandemic, have no calories.
Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Sultan Mehtap Büyüker, Head of Üsküdar University Pharmacy Services Program, who moderated the program, stated that the Covid-19 pandemic experienced in the last year increased the use of vitamins and minerals. Büyüker, emphasizing the importance of vitamin and mineral use, also pointed out that unconscious use has become more common during this period.
“Vitamins and minerals have no calories”
Neval Durmuş Ünlüer, Training Specialist at Solar Pharmaceutical Company, stated that the use of supplementary foods increased during the pandemic; “With the increase in vitamin and mineral use during this period, people had questions. One of the most wondered topics was whether vitamins and minerals cause weight gain. Vitamins and minerals have no calories. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies occur when not eating healthily, due to nutrient losses during food storage, and as a result of malabsorption.”
“Vitamin D supports the immune system the most”
Durmuş, stating that the word 'vitamin' is derived from the Latin word 'vita', meaning 'life'; “Vitamins are divided into two types: fat-soluble and water-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins are those that need to be taken every day. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble substance that shows biological activity. Vitamin A is called Retinol. Its deficiency affects eye functions and the immune system. It can manifest as night blindness and growth deficiency in children. Today, one of the most important supporters of the immune system is vitamin D. Its intake through food is limited. Its effect occurs with direct exposure to the sun. The sun is only one of the sources that supports synthesis. It is absorbed into the body with animal products. Vitamin D is being researched for its role in hypertension and even increased cancer risk. One of the biggest reasons for vitamin D deficiency is that people living in the north cannot get enough sunlight and spend too much time indoors. Additionally, vitamin D deficiency can also cause conditions such as diabetes, depression, weak immunity, and hormonal imbalance.”
“B-group vitamins are vital”
Neval Durmuş Ünlüer stated that B-group vitamins are vital in the body, from energy production to liver health; “When vitamin B is deficient, it causes impairments in the nervous system and memory loss. Since B vitamins are energy-producing vitamins, they increase a person's energy needs, and if the person cannot control themselves, they may gain weight. Vitamin B2 is very important for eye health. Its deficiency causes itching in the eyes. Migraine treatment. Biotin is known as vitamin B7. It is generally used in hair and nail care. Its deficiency can occur after pregnancy and with nutritional problems. It can also occur in people who consume raw eggs. Vitamin B12 is transferred to the intestines via a protein in the stomach, ensuring its absorption. In some patients, absorption is not possible, so it is absorbed sublingually. B12 can be used for mental and nervous problems and anemia.”
“Minerals are supporting substances for vitamins”
Durmuş, stating that minerals have many functions in the body; “Minerals are used in healthy teeth and bone structure. They are substances with no caloric value. Solar has varieties of calcium, magnesium, iron, selenium, chromium, and zinc. Minerals are inorganic in structure. For this reason, our body may experience some difficulties in absorption.”