Trying a New Supplement: My Thoughts on Vitamin C, VITAMIN D & Zinc

If you're familiar with my posts, you'll know I'm not a huge fan of supplements. Since I eat a whole food diet, I should, in theory, be getting all the vitamins and nutrients my body needs. That being said, there’s nothing wrong with giving your body a little extra support, especially if there’s a chance of being deficient in something. Recently, I decided to start taking vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc—not because I’ve been diagnosed as lacking in them, but because my lifestyle, age, and environment suggest I could be.

Vitamin D was the first one I considered, mainly because I don’t get much sunlight. Unlike some vitamins, vitamin D isn’t easily obtained through food; the primary source is sun exposure. Living in the UK, particularly at this time of year, it’s often overcast, and daylight hours are short. On top of that, I don’t spend a huge amount of time outdoors, meaning my body isn’t producing as much vitamin D as it could be. This vitamin is crucial for bone health, immune function, and overall mood regulation. A deficiency can lead to fatigue, weakened immunity, and even lower testosterone levels in men. Given how little natural sunlight I get, supplementing with vitamin D seemed like a sensible move to ensure I’m not running low.

Vitamin C was another addition, though for slightly different reasons. Unlike vitamin D, which the body can store, vitamin C is water-soluble, meaning it needs to be consumed regularly. It’s well known for supporting the immune system, but it also plays a role in collagen production, iron absorption, and overall tissue repair. Since I eat a good variety of whole foods, I probably get a decent amount from my diet, but supplementing ensures I always have enough, especially during the colder months when colds and flu are more common.

Zinc, on the other hand, was a choice based on my age and gender. As a 39-year-old male, testosterone levels naturally begin to decline, and zinc is essential for maintaining them. It plays a role in hormone production, muscle recovery, and even energy levels. Deficiency in zinc has been linked to lower testosterone, which can result in fatigue, reduced strength, and even a dip in mood. While I eat foods rich in zinc—like beef, eggs, and nuts—I figured a small supplement would help ensure I’m getting enough to support my body’s needs as I get older.

Beyond testosterone, zinc is also crucial for immune function, wound healing, and cognitive health. It aids in protein synthesis and cell division, which makes it particularly useful for anyone who trains regularly, as it helps with muscle repair. Since the body doesn’t store large amounts of zinc, it needs to be consumed regularly, whether through food or supplementation.
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I don’t expect to see any drastic changes from taking these supplements, but I do believe in making small adjustments to support my body where needed. A balanced diet is still my priority, but given my lifestyle and environment, adding vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc seemed like a simple way to ensure I’m not falling short. I’ll see how I feel after a few months, but for now, it’s an easy addition to my routine that could make a real difference in the long run.