The role of supplements in everyday wellness

Even with the best intentions, modern life doesn’t always allow for perfect nutrition. Busy schedules, dietary preferences, and stress can leave nutritional gaps that impact energy, immunity, and overall wellbeing. This is where nutritional supplements can play a valuable role — not as replacements for food, but as partners in balanced health.

1. Understanding supplements

Supplements include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and herbal extracts designed to complement your diet. When used correctly, they can:

• Support immune function;
• Enhance energy and mental focus;
• Promote bone, heart, and joint health;
• Fill nutrient gaps caused by restricted or unbalanced diets.

However, supplements should always be seen as part of a holistic approach to wellness — not a quick fix.

2. Common deficiencies in South Africans

Several national studies have shown that many South Africans fall short on key nutrients such as:

• Vitamin D – due to limited sun exposure and indoor lifestyles;
• Iron – particularly among women and children;
• Magnesium and Zinc – linked to fatigue and immune dysfunction;
• B Vitamins – essential for metabolism and nerve health.

These deficiencies can lead to subtle but cumulative effects — low energy, poor concentration, and weakened immunity.

3. Choosing quality supplements

Not all supplements are created equal. Quality and formulation determine both effectiveness and safety. When selecting products, look for:

• Reputable manufacturers with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification;
• Transparent labelling with active ingredient amounts;
• Evidence-based formulations rather than exaggerated claims.

Brunel’s approach to product development emphasises scientifically supported ingredients, precision in formulation, and compliance with SAHPRA standards — ensuring consumers receive reliable, effective health support.

4. The power of herbal and nutritional synergy

Certain herbal ingredients have centuries of traditional use and growing scientific backing:

• Ginseng – supports energy and resilience against fatigue;
• Echinacea – assists in immune modulation;
• Turmeric (Curcumin) – helps reduce inflammation;
• Sceletium tortuosum (Kanna) – aids stress reduction and vitality.

Combined with key micronutrients like vitamin C, magnesium, and zinc, these can form a comprehensive wellness foundation.

5. Safety first: when to seek guidance

Always consult a healthcare professional or pharmacist before starting a new supplement, especially if:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding;
• You take prescription medication;
• You have chronic health conditions.

More isn’t always better — some nutrients can interact with medications or become toxic in high doses.

Conclusion

Supplements are tools for prevention and maintenance — not shortcuts to health. When chosen wisely and used as part of a healthy lifestyle, they can help you feel more energised, focused, and resilient. At Brunel, we believe that informed self-care — guided by science and supported by quality products — empowers individuals to live their healthiest lives every day.

References:

National Institutes of Health (no date) Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know. Available at: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/WYNTK-Consumer/ (Accessed: 10 October 2025).

South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (2023) Complementary Medicines – Health Supplements Safety and Efficacy. Available at: https://www.sahpra.org.za/document/complementary-medicines-health-supplements-safety-and-efficacy/ (Accessed: 10 October 2025).

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