While most people could get all the vitamins and minerals they need from a healthy and balanced diet, our modern lifestyle doesn’t always allow for it. Certain groups like children, older people, athletes or women during pregnancy also have special dietary needs for vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C or zinc to prevent infections, or, during the darker months of the year, vitamin D to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. For women during pregnancy, in addition to vitamin D, it is recommended to take folic acid, to reduce the risk of problems in the baby's development. Athletes, on the other hand, especially benefit from mineral supplements such as magnesium and calcium, helping to maintain normal nerve and muscle function, heart rhythm, blood pressure, bone integrity and blood glucose levels.