www.nationalgeographic.com
Open in
urlscan Pro
18.66.97.39
Public Scan
URL:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/premium/article/nutrients-vitamins-synergy-nutrition-diet
Submission: On November 06 via api from LU — Scanned from DE
Submission: On November 06 via api from LU — Scanned from DE
Form analysis
0 forms found in the DOMText Content
Skip to content * Login * * Newsletters * Subscribe * Menu > mexico * Science * Mind, Body, Wonder SOME VITAMINS AND MINERALS SIMPLY WORK BETTER WHEN EATEN TOGETHER When specific nutrients are used together in a meal, they can boost the nervous system, improve cardio health, and improve the immune response, to name a few benefits. “It’s like one plus one equals three.” A frittata with eggs, spinach, mushrooms, and parmesan cheese, contains the synergistic combo of calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K. Photograph by BDMcIntosh, Getty Images ByStacey Colino Published October 31, 2023 • 9 min read ShareTweetEmail The concept of dynamic duos like Sherlock Holmes and Watson, or trios such as The Three Musketeers, doesn’t just apply to entertainment. It’s also relevant to your diet. That’s because when certain vitamins, minerals, or phytonutrients, are consumed together, they have a more powerful effect on your health than when they’re eaten alone—a concept called nutrient synergy. In some cases, consuming certain nutrients together enhances the body’s ability to absorb one or the other; in other instances, the nutrients can have additive effects. This biochemical synergy can boost the functioning of the nervous system, and improve cardiovascular health, respiratory and musculoskeletal systems, and the immune response. “It’s always existed but we’re just discovering the importance of nutrient synergy—the idea that the whole is more impactful than the sum of its parts,” says Keith Ayoob, a dietitian in New York City and an associate professor emeritus of pediatrics at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. “With nutrient synergy, when you combine nutrients in the proper amounts, they’re more useful to the body than either one is by itself.” A study published this year in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, for example, found that when people consume a healthy fat (such as olive oil) along with foods that are rich in beta carotene—carrots or sweet potato—or lycopene which is found in tomatoes, the fat increases the bioavailability of these health-promoting phytochemicals. [Many of these power nutrient pairings occur in Mediterranean cooking. Read about why the Mediterranean diet has stood the test of time.] Other studies have found that pairing black pepper and turmeric increases the absorbability of turmeric's active ingredient, curcumin, by 2,000 percent. And research has found that when magnesium is consumed with vitamin D, the mighty mineral helps activate vitamin D in the body so that it can positively influence bone growth and maintenance. “Some nutrients are just better together,” says Wendy Bazilian, a nutritionist and a public health consultant based in San Diego. “It’s like one plus one equals three because they enhance each other.” Here’s a look at six dynamic nutrient combos that have synergistic effects. VITAMIN C AND IRON The synergistic effect: The human body easily absorbs iron present in meat, poultry, and seafood. But the iron in plant foods is more difficult to extract. “Vitamin C helps liberate iron from plant-based foods and make it more absorbable,” Ayoob says. This matters because your body requires sufficient iron for proper growth and development and because the mighty mineral is needed to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to every cell in your body and brain. Insufficient iron can trigger iron-deficiency anemia, including weariness, lethargy, and issues with concentration and memory. A shortage of iron also reduces the immune system’s ability to fight off infections. In recent years, the power of this nutrient pair has been so well supported by randomized, controlled trials that a recent review published in 2022 in the journal Nutrients concluded that women with iron-deficiency anemia should increase their intakes of iron and vitamin C. How to bring them together: For breakfast, have a bowl of iron-fortified cereal with sliced strawberries or kiwi fruit. For lunch, make a spinach salad with black beans, red pepper strips, and tomato slices. Or, stir-fry shrimp, broccoli florets, mushrooms, and sesame seeds, and call it dinner. Consuming 25 milligrams of vitamin C, the amount in ¼ cup of broccoli, will double the absorption of iron present in this vegetable, says Joan Salge Blake, a registered dietitian and nutrition professor at Boston University. CALCIUM, AND VITAMINS D AND K The synergistic effect: You probably know that calcium and vitamin D are important for building and maintaining strong bones. But you may not realize how they interact or how vitamin K contributes to this mission. “Vitamin D helps you absorb calcium from your diet and vitamin K helps lay calcium down in the bone,” explains Bazilian. The positive trio can help protect people from osteoporosis and reduce their risk of fracturing a bone. And because vitamin K helps direct calcium to where it belongs in the bones, it helps keep it from accumulating in the arteries where it can lead to blood clots. How to bring them together: Make an omelet with eggs, spinach, mushrooms, milk, and cheese, or a smoothie with plain yogurt, fortified oat milk, blueberries, and a tablespoon of tahini. Prepare a salad with raw kale, roasted soybeans, and canned sardines, and lightly drizzle it with soybean oil before tossing it. [Read more about why you probably aren't getting enough vitamin D.] VITAMINS C AND E The synergistic effect: Both vitamins have strong antioxidant properties which means they help protect cells from damage caused by pollutants, exposure to ultraviolet rays, and other sources of unstable molecules called free radicals. But they do so in different ways. Vitamin E neutralizes free radicals and vitamin C removes them before they can damage cells. In other words, "they tag-team each other as antioxidants,” says Bazilian. In addition, a study in a 2020 issue of the journal Nutrients found that boosting intake of vitamins C and E reduced pain in people with fibromyalgia. How to bring them together: Have a bowl of sliced strawberries and kiwi fruit, topped with sunflower seeds and chopped almonds. Make a salad with raw spinach leaves, tomato slices, red pepper slices, and a vinaigrette dressing. Stir-fry broccoli and cauliflower florets with peanuts and sunflower oil. VITAMINS B6, B12, AND FOLATE (B9) The synergistic effect: This trio of B vitamins plays a vital role in reducing high levels of homocysteine, which are associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease. In a study in a 2023 issue of JAMA Network, researchers tracked the intake and blood levels of folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 and the incidence of metabolic syndrome—a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol levels, and excess belly fat that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes—among 4,414 adults. Those with the highest intake of these three B vitamins had a significantly lower incidence of developing metabolic syndrome over a 30-year period. Together this threesome also helps protect brain health and proper neurological function. “If you get enough of these together, it seems to slow down cognitive decline—it’s a long game,” Ayoob says. How to bring them together: Have a bowl of fortified cereal with sliced banana and low-fat milk. Make a big salad with spinach, avocado, chickpeas, cooked bulgur, and a sprinkling of nutritional yeast. Or, have broiled sockeye salmon with asparagus and baked winter squash. POTASSIUM, MAGNESIUM, AND CALCIUM The synergistic effect: Together these three minerals lower blood pressure, dilate blood vessels, and “help with electrolyte balance, which is hugely important for proper nerve function,” Ayoob says. In a study involving 16,684 adults, published in a 2022 issue of Nutrition Research and Practice, researchers found that people who had a higher intake of potassium, magnesium, and calcium had a lower risk of developing high blood pressure over a seven-year period—which in turn reduced the risk for heart disease, stroke, and even a particular eye disease. The three minerals also help regulate heart rhythm and fluid balance in the body. An additional perk, according to a 2023 study in PLOS One, found that getting enough calcium, potassium, and magnesium, may help protect adults ages 40 and older from developing glaucoma. How to bring them together: Make a pot of oatmeal, using milk instead of water, and top it with pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and banana slices. Add chopped spinach to your lentil soup and grate some cheese on it. Have a baked potato topped with plain yogurt or cottage cheese and cooked broccoli florets. VITAMIN E AND SELENIUM The synergistic effect: While this is a newly discovered combo, mounting research supports the ability of these nutrients to work together as potent antioxidants to protect cells from damage. “They help support immune cells and the function of immune cells—and they appear to enhance one another but the mechanism isn’t clear,” says Lona Sandon, an associate professor of clinical nutrition at the UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. What is clear, “Vitamin E can help regenerate selenium as it gets used as an antioxidant.” What’s more, a 2021 study found that when they’re consumed together, vitamin E and selenium can control allergy symptoms and reduce airway inflammation from asthma in mice. How to bring them together: Make your own trail mix with almonds, dried fruits, and Brazil nuts. Bake or roast halibut and serve it with cooked broccoli and brown rice. Make a smoothie with spinach, plain yogurt, kiwi slices, green grapes, and a drop of sunflower oil. REAL FOOD. NOT SUPPLEMENTS. Keep in mind that all of these pairings relate to the presence of these nutrients in foods, not supplements. Think of it this way: “It’s like going to the symphony—the first violinist is magnificent but when you put the whole orchestra behind the first violinist, it makes something magical,” Salge Blake says. “They work well by themselves but when they’re combined, the effect is even better.” [Read more about how certain foods lower your risk of disease.] ShareTweetEmail -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- READ THIS NEXT Multiple COVID infections can lead to chronic health issues * Science * Coronavirus Coverage MULTIPLE COVID INFECTIONS CAN LEAD TO CHRONIC HEALTH I… A previous SARS-CoV-2 infection can protect you for a little while, but the immunity wanes—and each new infection, no matter how mild, takes a t… There are actually 4 types of pneumonia. These are the differences. * Science * Mind, Body, Wonder THERE ARE ACTUALLY 4 TYPES OF PNEUMONIA. THESE ARE THE DIFFERENCES. With recent news of American gymnast Mary Lou Retton’s hospitalization, National Geographic talked with experts about the different types of pneumonia, the risks, and treatments. Probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics. What’s the difference? * Science PROBIOTICS, PREBIOTICS, POSTBIOTICS. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? These beneficial microbes and molecules are critical to our gut health—and could help treat everything from obesity to depression to sleep disorders. Not everyone should be taking a multivitamin * Science NOT EVERYONE SHOULD BE TAKING A MULTIVITAMIN In some situations, they can be helpful. In others, they can lead to dangerous nutrient deficiencies or imbalances. Experts weigh in on how to make an informed decision. GO FURTHER ANIMALS * Inside our two-year investigation of the captive tiger industry * Animals * Through the Lens Inside our two-year investigation of the captive tiger industry * Orcas are killing porpoises—but not eating them. Why? * Animals Orcas are killing porpoises—but not eating them. Why? * How Siamese cats change their colors * Animals * Domesticated How Siamese cats change their colors * Humans are no longer the only primates that go through menopause * Animals Humans are no longer the only primates that go through menopause * They rely on this lizard to heal their pain. Now it’s endangered. * Animals * Wildlife Watch They rely on this lizard to heal their pain. Now it’s endangered. * These tortoises are in jeopardy as good luck charms. Here's what we know. * Animals * Wildlife Watch These tortoises are in jeopardy as good luck charms. Here's what we know. ENVIRONMENT * Hurricanes are escalating more quickly than ever. Here’s why. * Environment Hurricanes are escalating more quickly than ever. Here’s why. * These tortoises are in jeopardy as good luck charms. Here's what we know. * Animals * Wildlife Watch These tortoises are in jeopardy as good luck charms. Here's what we know. * A tsunami could destroy this town. Why isn’t everyone leaving? * Environment A tsunami could destroy this town. Why isn’t everyone leaving? * Could billions of oysters protect us from the next big storm? * Environment Could billions of oysters protect us from the next big storm? * Which leafy greens are healthiest—and which might make you sick? * Environment Which leafy greens are healthiest—and which might make you sick? * Can we put carbon back where we found it? It just might work. * Environment Can we put carbon back where we found it? It just might work. HISTORY & CULTURE * Why Jackie was already mourning before JFK's visit to Dallas * History & Culture Why Jackie was already mourning before JFK's visit to Dallas * The original Pokémon? A visual (ancient) history of trading cards * History & Culture The original Pokémon? A visual (ancient) history of trading cards * This French king took men’s hair to new heights * History Magazine This French king took men’s hair to new heights * The 30 most exciting destinations to visit in 2024 * Travel The 30 most exciting destinations to visit in 2024 * This Osage dancer was also America’s first prima ballerina * History & Culture This Osage dancer was also America’s first prima ballerina * Inside Britain's grim body-snatching trade * History Magazine Inside Britain's grim body-snatching trade SCIENCE * Moon-forming collision may have left chunks deep within Earth * Science Moon-forming collision may have left chunks deep within Earth * Why are so many children being diagnosed with myopia? * Science * Mind, Body, Wonder Why are so many children being diagnosed with myopia? * Can ending inflammation help against depression? * Science Can ending inflammation help against depression? * This 160-million-year-old fish gouged out its victims’ flesh * Science This 160-million-year-old fish gouged out its victims’ flesh * Some vitamins and minerals work better when eaten together * Science * Mind, Body, Wonder Some vitamins and minerals work better when eaten together * How going sober for even a month can improve your health * Science How going sober for even a month can improve your health TRAVEL * 7 of the best autumn walks in Britain * Travel 7 of the best autumn walks in Britain * On a road trip along North Queensland's Cassowary Coast * Travel On a road trip along North Queensland's Cassowary Coast * How to plan a teetotal tour of NYC * Travel How to plan a teetotal tour of NYC * Here's what a family meal looks like in Buenos Aires * Travel Here's what a family meal looks like in Buenos Aires * Where to stay in Nagoya, home to the new Ghibli Park * Travel Where to stay in Nagoya, home to the new Ghibli Park * A gastronomic guide to Lyon * Paid Content for Advertiser A gastronomic guide to Lyon LEGAL * Terms of Use * Privacy Policy * Interest-Based Ads * EU Privacy Rights * Cookie Policy * Manage Privacy Preferences OUR SITES * Nat Geo Home * Attend a Live Event * Book a Trip * Buy Maps * Inspire Your Kids * Shop Nat Geo * Visit the D.C. Museum * Watch TV * Learn About Our Impact * Support Our Mission * Masthead * Press Room * Advertise With Us JOIN US * Subscribe * Customer Service * Renew Subscription * Manage Your Subscription * Work at Nat Geo * Sign Up for Our Newsletters * Contribute to Protect the Planet FOLLOW US National Geographic FacebookNational Geographic TwitterNational Geographic Instagram United States (Change) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright © 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved YOUR PRIVACY SETTINGS We and our partners store and/or access information on a device, such as unique IDs in cookies to process personal data. We work with 742 partners. You may accept or manage your choices by clicking below, including your right to object where legitimate interest is used, or at any time through the “Manage Privacy Preferences” link on each page. These choices will be signaled to our partners and will not affect browsing data. For additional information, please visit our Privacy Policy. WE AND OUR PARTNERS PROCESS DATA TO: Store and/or access information on a device. Precise geolocation data, and identification through device scanning. Personalised advertising and content, advertising and content measurement, audience research and services development. List of Partners (vendors) I Accept Show Purposes Continue without Accepting PRIVACY PREFERENCE CENTER We process your data to deliver content or advertisements and measure the delivery of such content or advertisements to extract insights about our website. We share this information with our partners on the basis of consent and legitimate interest. You may exercise your right to consent or object to a legitimate interest, based on a specific purpose below or at a partner level in the link under each purpose. These choices will be signaled to our vendors participating in the Transparency and Consent Framework. More information Allow All MANAGE CONSENT PREFERENCES TECHNICALLY NECESSARY Always Active These cookies are necessary for our services to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in, accessing, searching, or discovering content, or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block, or alert you about, these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work. PERFORMANCE & ANALYTICS Always Active These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. FUNCTIONAL Always Active These cookies are used by us to detect or remember choices you make to customise your experience, such as language, location or other settings. Disabling these cookies may impact performance. TARGETING & ADVERTISING COOKIES Always Active These cookies may be set through our site by us and/or by our advertising partners. They may be used to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertising on this and on other sites. They may not store directly personal information, but instead may be based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. You can choose to allow these cookies or to opt out at any time. SOCIAL MEDIA COOKIES Always Active These cookies are set by a range of social media services that we have added to the site to enable you to share our content with your friends and networks. They are capable of tracking your browser across other sites and building up a profile of your interests. This may impact the content and messages you see on other websites you visit. If you do not allow these cookies you may not be able to use or see these sharing tools. STORE AND/OR ACCESS INFORMATION ON A DEVICE 607 PARTNERS CAN USE THIS PURPOSE Store and/or access information on a device Cookies, device or similar online identifiers (e.g. login-based identifiers, randomly assigned identifiers, network based identifiers) together with other information (e.g. browser type and information, language, screen size, supported technologies etc.) can be stored or read on your device to recognise it each time it connects to an app or to a website, for one or several of the purposes presented here. List of Partners (vendors) | View Illustrations PRECISE GEOLOCATION DATA, AND IDENTIFICATION THROUGH DEVICE SCANNING 291 PARTNERS CAN USE THIS PURPOSE Precise geolocation data, and identification through device scanning * USE PRECISE GEOLOCATION DATA 238 PARTNERS CAN USE THIS PURPOSE Switch Label With your acceptance, your precise location (within a radius of less than 500 metres) may be used in support of the purposes explained in this notice. * ACTIVELY SCAN DEVICE CHARACTERISTICS FOR IDENTIFICATION 117 PARTNERS CAN USE THIS PURPOSE Switch Label With your acceptance, certain characteristics specific to your device might be requested and used to distinguish it from other devices (such as the installed fonts or plugins, the resolution of your screen) in support of the purposes explained in this notice. List of Partners (vendors) PERSONALISED ADVERTISING AND CONTENT, ADVERTISING AND CONTENT MEASUREMENT, AUDIENCE RESEARCH AND SERVICES DEVELOPMENT 712 PARTNERS CAN USE THIS PURPOSE Personalised advertising and content, advertising and content measurement, audience research and services development * USE LIMITED DATA TO SELECT ADVERTISING 549 PARTNERS CAN USE THIS PURPOSE Switch Label Advertising presented to you on this service can be based on limited data, such as the website or app you are using, your non-precise location, your device type or which content you are (or have been) interacting with (for example, to limit the number of times an ad is presented to you). View Illustrations Object to Legitimate Interests Remove Objection * CREATE PROFILES FOR PERSONALISED ADVERTISING 450 PARTNERS CAN USE THIS PURPOSE Switch Label Information about your activity on this service (such as forms you submit, content you look at) can be stored and combined with other information about you (for example, information from your previous activity on this service and other websites or apps) or similar users. This is then used to build or improve a profile about you (that might include possible interests and personal aspects). Your profile can be used (also later) to present advertising that appears more relevant based on your possible interests by this and other entities. View Illustrations * USE PROFILES TO SELECT PERSONALISED ADVERTISING 447 PARTNERS CAN USE THIS PURPOSE Switch Label Advertising presented to you on this service can be based on your advertising profiles, which can reflect your activity on this service or other websites or apps (like the forms you submit, content you look at), possible interests and personal aspects. View Illustrations * CREATE PROFILES TO PERSONALISE CONTENT 206 PARTNERS CAN USE THIS PURPOSE Switch Label Information about your activity on this service (for instance, forms you submit, non-advertising content you look at) can be stored and combined with other information about you (such as your previous activity on this service or other websites or apps) or similar users. This is then used to build or improve a profile about you (which might for example include possible interests and personal aspects). Your profile can be used (also later) to present content that appears more relevant based on your possible interests, such as by adapting the order in which content is shown to you, so that it is even easier for you to find content that matches your interests. View Illustrations * USE PROFILES TO SELECT PERSONALISED CONTENT 183 PARTNERS CAN USE THIS PURPOSE Switch Label Content presented to you on this service can be based on your content personalisation profiles, which can reflect your activity on this or other services (for instance, the forms you submit, content you look at), possible interests and personal aspects, such as by adapting the order in which content is shown to you, so that it is even easier for you to find (non-advertising) content that matches your interests. View Illustrations * MEASURE ADVERTISING PERFORMANCE 635 PARTNERS CAN USE THIS PURPOSE Switch Label Information regarding which advertising is presented to you and how you interact with it can be used to determine how well an advert has worked for you or other users and whether the goals of the advertising were reached. For instance, whether you saw an ad, whether you clicked on it, whether it led you to buy a product or visit a website, etc. This is very helpful to understand the relevance of advertising campaigns. View Illustrations Object to Legitimate Interests Remove Objection * MEASURE CONTENT PERFORMANCE 324 PARTNERS CAN USE THIS PURPOSE Switch Label Information regarding which content is presented to you and how you interact with it can be used to determine whether the (non-advertising) content e.g. reached its intended audience and matched your interests. For instance, whether you read an article, watch a video, listen to a podcast or look at a product description, how long you spent on this service and the web pages you visit etc. This is very helpful to understand the relevance of (non-advertising) content that is shown to you. View Illustrations Object to Legitimate Interests Remove Objection * UNDERSTAND AUDIENCES THROUGH STATISTICS OR COMBINATIONS OF DATA FROM DIFFERENT SOURCES 398 PARTNERS CAN USE THIS PURPOSE Switch Label Reports can be generated based on the combination of data sets (like user profiles, statistics, market research, analytics data) regarding your interactions and those of other users with advertising or (non-advertising) content to identify common characteristics (for instance, to determine which target audiences are more receptive to an ad campaign or to certain contents). View Illustrations Object to Legitimate Interests Remove Objection * DEVELOP AND IMPROVE SERVICES 484 PARTNERS CAN USE THIS PURPOSE Switch Label Information about your activity on this service, such as your interaction with ads or content, can be very helpful to improve products and services and to build new products and services based on user interactions, the type of audience, etc. This specific purpose does not include the development or improvement of user profiles and identifiers. View Illustrations Object to Legitimate Interests Remove Objection * USE LIMITED DATA TO SELECT CONTENT 98 PARTNERS CAN USE THIS PURPOSE Switch Label Content presented to you on this service can be based on limited data, such as the website or app you are using, your non-precise location, your device type, or which content you are (or have been) interacting with (for example, to limit the number of times a video or an article is presented to you). View Illustrations Object to Legitimate Interests Remove Objection List of Partners (vendors) SPECIAL PURPOSES & FEATURES Always Active * ENSURE SECURITY, PREVENT AND DETECT FRAUD, AND FIX ERRORS 467 PARTNERS CAN USE THIS PURPOSE Switch Label label Your data can be used to monitor for and prevent unusual and possibly fraudulent activity (for example, regarding advertising, ad clicks by bots), and ensure systems and processes work properly and securely. It can also be used to correct any problems you, the publisher or the advertiser may encounter in the delivery of content and ads and in your interaction with them. View Illustrations * DELIVER AND PRESENT ADVERTISING AND CONTENT 452 PARTNERS CAN USE THIS PURPOSE Switch Label label Certain information (like an IP address or device capabilities) is used to ensure the technical compatibility of the content or advertising, and to facilitate the transmission of the content or ad to your device. View Illustrations * MATCH AND COMBINE DATA FROM OTHER DATA SOURCES 310 PARTNERS CAN USE THIS PURPOSE Switch Label label Information about your activity on this service may be matched and combined with other information relating to you and originating from various sources (for instance your activity on a separate online service, your use of a loyalty card in-store, or your answers to a survey), in support of the purposes explained in this notice. * LINK DIFFERENT DEVICES 303 PARTNERS CAN USE THIS PURPOSE Switch Label label In support of the purposes explained in this notice, your device might be considered as likely linked to other devices that belong to you or your household (for instance because you are logged in to the same service on both your phone and your computer, or because you may use the same Internet connection on both devices). * IDENTIFY DEVICES BASED ON INFORMATION TRANSMITTED AUTOMATICALLY 435 PARTNERS CAN USE THIS PURPOSE Switch Label label Your device might be distinguished from other devices based on information it automatically sends when accessing the Internet (for instance, the IP address of your Internet connection or the type of browser you are using) in support of the purposes exposed in this notice. List of Partners (vendors) Back Button COOKIE LIST Search Icon Filter Icon Clear checkbox label label Apply Cancel Consent Leg.Interest checkbox label label checkbox label label checkbox label label Reject All Confirm My Choices