UK Google searches for ‘what supplements lower cortisol?’ are up 661% finds Saga Health Insurance, with Brits caught up over their cortisol levels being the root cause of their health problems. Similarly, TikTok searches for ‘how to fix cortisol levels’ are up 41% this past week.
| Search Query | 2023 | 2024 | Change |
| What supplements lower cortisol? | 5,860 | 44,600 | 661% |
Too much of the stress hormone is undoubtedly disruptive for your body, however how certain can we be that high cortisol levels can be fixed with supplements?
Saga Health Insurance put it to registered GP Dr Hana Patel to explain the relationship.
She says, “though there are no specific supplements to reduce or change cortisol levels, there is evidence that high levels of cortisol have been linked to low levels of omega-3” TikTok searches for omega-3 rose last year by 289%, suggesting people are looking to increase their intake.
However, Dr Patel adds that, “if there is an underlying medical condition that is causing high levels of cortisol in your body, then a doctor will prescribe medication – i.e. steroids.”
Dr Patel recommends incorporating natural sources of omega-3 may help reduce high levels of the stress hormone. She says:
“You should eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, lean proteins and healthy fats to provide all the micronutrients required to deal with stress. The Mediterranean diet has some evidence suggesting it could lower cortisol levels. However, to be sure, before eating these foods, you could get a blood test to check your vitamin and mineral and hormone levels first.”
With the Winter season well underway, a new survey has highlighted that three-quarters (73%) of Brits look to optimise their health with vitamins and minerals, to help avoid common winter illnesses.
Find the research here: https://www.saga.co.uk/health-insurance/vitamins-and-minerals-explained
The study of 1,500 individuals carried out by Saga Health Insurance revealed the most common supplements Britons take as well as the reasons why. Saga also partnered with registered GP Dr Hana Patel who explains why vitamins and supplements help us stay healthy.
The study uncovered that two-thirds (65%) of Brits take supplements to help support their immune system. Meanwhile, a quarter (28%) take supplements to support their mental wellbeing and manage their everyday stress levels.
Overview of the top 10 vitamins and minerals
| Supplement | What it supports | Best natural sources |
| Vitamin A | Vision and immune health in children and adults over 50+. | Dairy products and oily fish. |
| B Vitamins | Red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. | Meat, fish, and dairy products. |
| Vitamin C | Immune system, collagen production, and antioxidant function. | Citrus fruits and vegetables. |
| Vitamin D | Bone health, immune function, and calcium absorption. | Red meats, oily fish, and egg yolks. |
| Vitamin E | Protects cells from damage and supports immune function. | Plant oils, nuts, seeds, and wheat germ. |
| Calcium | Bone health and muscle contraction. | Dairy, leafy green vegetables, bread, and fish. |
| Zinc | Immune function supports wound healing and DNA synthesis. | Cheese, shellfish, bread, and cereal. |
| Iron | Red blood cells and oxygen transport in the body. | Red meat, dried fruit, nuts, and beans. |
| Magnesium | Muscle function, bone health, and energy production. | Spinach, various nuts, and wholemeal bread. |
| Potassium | Regulates fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions. | Bananas, meats, and vegetables. |
The research uncovered that 44% take a multivitamin each day, making this the most popular supplement choice among the nation.
However, some Brits do take targeted vitamin supplements: Over two in five (41%) take Vitamin D supplements, and nearly a quarter (23%) Vitamin C supplements. 21% also take Vitamin B12 according to the research.
Some Brits are also trying to increase their mineral levels. Iron was the most popular mineral supplement, with 17% taking iron supplements, followed closely by 16% taking magnesium. 8% also take calcium supplements.
To optimise immune system support, vitamin A is recommended to help fight off infection and illness. The study reveals that 65% of Brits take vitamins for their immune system health, but only 14% take vitamin A specifically.
Health expert answers the most asked questions
Saga also uncovered the most asked questions on Google year-on-year surrounding vitamins and minerals and presented these to Dr Patel for some expert insights.
What vitamins or supplements should I take?
| Search Query | 2023 | 2024 | Change |
| What vitamins should I take? | 68,100 | 80,800 | 19% |
| What supplements should I take? | 28,900 | 41,800 | 45% |
She said: “Vitamins and minerals are nutrients that help the body to function correctly and stay healthy. Most of us should get all the nutrients we need from having a balanced diet, although sometimes we may need to take extra supplements depending on our lifestyle.
“This might include those who follow a specific diet, such as vegans and vegetarians, as well as those experiencing increased needs like during pregnancy or illness recovery.”
What foods are rich in specific vitamins?
| Search Query | 2023 | 2024 | Change |
| What foods have Vitamin D? | 30,300 | 36,900 | 22% |
| What foods have Vitamin C? | 15,100 | 18,200 | 21% |
“There is no one specific food that is rich in all vitamins and nutrients. That’s why having a balanced and varied diet is so important for our health.
“A good, varied diet should be made up of different food groups, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and beans, meats including poultry and fish, and dairy products such as milk, cheese, and eggs.”
How do vitamins affect specific health concerns?
| Search Query | 2023 | 2024 | Change |
| What supplements lower cortisol? | 5,860 | 44,600 | 661% |
| What vitamin helps hair growth? | 9,660 | 15,900 | 65% |
“Different types of vitamins and minerals support different bodily functions and health. These can range from helping to fight off illness and infections to regulating hormones and aiding circulation and digestive health.
“If there is a specific health concern you want to focus on, through some personal research or consultation with your doctor, you can find the most suitable individual supplement to help.”
Do vitamins and supplements actually work?
| Search Query | 2023 | 2024 | Change |
| Do vitamins work? | 7,160 | 6,330 | -12% |
| Do supplements work? | 4,640 | 5,810 | 25% |
“The main reason for taking supplements is to support and reduce any nutritional gaps in our diet or lifestyle. If you want to start taking supplements to maintain overall health and provide your body with additional nutrition, multivitamins might be the better option. However, individual vitamins may help you combat specific deficiencies, providing you with the optimal nutrients.”
The different requirements of vitamins and minerals
For men, Vitamin D is a powerful vitamin. It boosts energy and supports the immune system, but it also plays a role in testosterone production and sperm health. It is recommended that men take 10 mg of vitamin D daily.
Iron is a crucial mineral for women to enable their blood to carry oxygen throughout the body, especially during menstruation when women experience blood loss. 14.8mg is the recommended intake for women daily.
As Dr Hana Patel explains: “Our nutritional needs change as we age as the way our bodies digest and use these nutrients subsides.
“Vitamin D and calcium are both great choices to assist with bone health and bone strength, helping to reduce the risks of fractures and injury as well as lessening any joint pains or discomfort.
“Vitamin C is crucial for immune system support, helping to fight off illnesses, while zinc helps with vision support and eye health. Potassium can also help relieve high blood pressure and reduce the risks of strokes or osteoporosis.”
The essential vitamins and minerals to include in your meals
Dr Patel highlights that when combined with a balanced and varied diet, supplements function as support to our nutrition and should not replace our daily nutrition levels.
“The word supplement itself means ‘add to’, so we shouldn’t be wholeheartedly depending on them to get our daily levels of nutrients.”
Eager to find out which vitamins will benefit you?
For those interested in researching the right vitamins to take over the winter, a short consultation with a medical professional should provide all the answers.
For more information, the full study can be found on the Saga Health website: https://www.saga.co.uk/health-insurance/vitamins-and-minerals-explained