Vitamins are carbon or organic compounds gained from certain food eaten by individuals. The human body requires these compounds for proper functioning. Thus, vitamin deficiencies can increase the body’s vulnerability to certain health conditions and diseases. A nutrient-rich meal plan can mostly take care of the body’s requirements; however, in some cases, one needs an additional nutrient boost via supplements. This article discusses four things you should know about vitamins and vitamin supplements. Things to know about vitamins and supplements There are 13 recognized vitamins, and all of them have numerous supplements. The names, benefits, and deficiencies are as mentioned below:   Vitamin A/Retinol Good for the eyes, this fat-soluble vitamin comes from veggies like carrots, pumpkins, cheese, milk, etc. Its deficiency can cause night blindness. The Adequate Intake (AI) daily value is 700 mcg.   Vitamin B1 or Thiamine The water-soluble vitamin boosts energy. Cereal grains, oranges, cauliflower, and asparagus are rich sources of it. A deficiency of vitamin B1 can cause diseases like beriberi. The daily AI is 1.1 mg.   Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin This water-soluble vitamin plays a significant role in metabolism. Foods like bananas, milk, yogurt, and green beans are rich sources. A deficiency of vitamin B2 inflames the lips and causes fissures.

Rationale Influenza is a disease caused by a virus. The flu is unlike other illness in that antibiotics will not cure it. The treatment of influenza is mainly symptomatic, meaning that the medications given are only to reduce the symptoms caused by the illness, not to treat the cause of the illness. If you have a fever, then medicine to lower the temperature will be given; if you experience muscular and joint pain, then medicine to relieve the pain will be given. There are antiviral medications that can be given within the first 48 hours of exposure to the flu to reduce flu duration. However, the main treatment will center on bed rest and intake of adequate fluids. If the management of your flu is inadequate or if your bodily resistance is decreased your flu could lead to pneumonia, which is a fatal disease. Thus, it is urgent and essential that you receive the flu vaccination. Generic and brand names The generic name is Quadrivalent influenza vaccine (split virion, inactivated). The brand name is Fluarix Tetra. Composition of the vaccine This vaccine contains the antigens for the following types and subtypes of viruses: A/Michigan/45/2015 (H1N1)pdm09 – like strain (A/Singapore/GP1908/2015, IVR-180) A/Hong Kong/4801/2014 (H3N2) – like strain (A/Hong Kong/4801/2014, NYMC X-2638) B/Brisbane/60/2008 – like strain (B/Brisbane/60/2008, wild-type) B/Phuket/3073/2013 – like strain (B/Phuket/3073/2013, wild-type) Each 0.5 ml vaccine dose contains 15 ug haemagglutinin of each of the recommended strains.

Snacking is one of the most effective ways or perhaps the only way to curb hunger pangs between meals. Depending on what you eat your snacks can make snacking a healthy or a completely unhealthy habit. This is especially true for kids, who tend to suffer from random hunger pangs. Kids tend to feel hungry more often than adults. It not only affects their mood but can also affect their overall health. Healthy snack options for kids are not that difficult to make. Making them eat those healthy snacks can be a bit perturbing.  However, with a few creative ideas, you can turn the dullest healthy snack options for kids into something that looks appealing. It is all about the presentation and how you plate the food. To make your work easier, here are a few simple, healthy snack options for kids. These snacks are not only nutritious but look and taste good too. Yogurt dip with cherry tomatoes: This is one of the easiest and most vibrant healthy snack options for kids. Found abundantly in summer, cherry tomatoes are a rich source of antioxidants and vitamin C. They are also great immune system boosters. Pair them up with unsweetened Greek yogurt dip, you have a great sweet and savory snack at hand.