Much like we adapt our wardrobes, skincare and likely fragrance to the changing weather, our supplement needs change with the seasons too. As you’d switch out rich, heavy moisturisers for lighter formulations, our dietary add-ons should adapt to our changing lifestyle as the mercury rises or falls. The need for moisturiser is always there, as is our need for fundamental nutrition; there is just tweaking that should take place.
Vogue’s top seasonal supplements at a glance:
Bare Biology Omega-3 Fish Oil Daily Capsules
Nutritional therapist Lucy Miller confirms, “Our nutritional requirements don’t actually fundamentally change throughout the year, but our lifestyles, diets, environment and exposure to sunlight do.” She explains, “During the winter months, we spend more time inside and are exposed to less daylight and often eat a narrower variety of foods, which can influence nutrient status.” The opposite is true as the temperature increases. “In summer, we tend to be more active, sweat more, travel more and have greater access to fresh local produce. Supplements should ideally be used to fill genuine gaps rather than follow seasonal trends, but there are certainly times of year when certain nutrients become more relevant.”
Supplements may be most beneficial at seasonal transitions, but should always be paired with the foundations of health: sleep, stress management, exercise and social interaction, the latter of which is emphasised by wellness specialists as the key to happiness. But when it comes to immune system support, a nutrient-dense diet is the not-so secret solution to resilience. “I encourage people to focus on dietary diversity, aiming for a wide range of colourful plant foods each week,” says Miller. “This provides fibre, polyphenols and micronutrients that support both immune and gut health. Look for local in-season foods – citrus fruits, apples and strawberries, asparagus and beans in summer and heartier options like sweet potatoes, parsnips and carrots in winter”.
Below, with the help of the nutrition expert, we decode the essential supplements for each season, the ones that should always have pride of place and how to support the body during seasonal transitions.