The 6 Best Supplement Stocking Stuffers

The holiday season is a perfect time to show those you love how much you care about them. What better way than getting someone gifts that help improve their health and meet their fitness goals? Pick up a few of these supplements to stuff your family and friends' stockings with this holiday season, and it'll be quite the surprise. 

What Are the Best Supplement Stocking Stuffers?

When you are considering what the best supplement stocking stuffers to buy are, you have to think about a few things. First off, who are you buying them for, and second, what are their health and fitness needs? For instance, if someone works outside all day, they won't need vitamin D, but if they are hitting the gym every day, protein powder is a must. Be the best supplement Santa you can when you are considering which supplements to purchase.

1. Protein Powder

Protein powder is the perfect way to supplement your diet with the extra protein you need to build muscle. There are three main types of protein powders: casein, soy, and whey. Numerous other types of protein powder made from things like hemp, peas, and rice exist as well. Whey protein is the most common type used in protein powder, and for good reasons. It digests easily, absorbs quickly, and is full of branch-chain amino acids (BCAAs). BCAAs are the building blocks of muscle tissue and may even prevent muscle loss. 

The average serving of protein powder is 25-50g a day. Consume it right after a workout for maximum benefits.

• Who is it best for? Everyone can benefit from some additional protein in their diet, but the number one benefactor is those trying to build muscle. It is also beneficial for those trying to lose weight. 

2. Vitamin D

The body produces Vitamin D when the sun's UV rays make contact with the skin. Since vitamin D isn't found in too many foods, you may be lacking unless you have a good amount of time in the sun. The human body needs vitamin D to regulate the levels of both calcium and phosphorus. These minerals are then used to maintain the strength of your bones. Vitamin D is even linked to immune health.

The daily recommended dosage of vitamin D is 400-800 IU, with a maximum limit of 4,000 IU. The dosage depends on age, weight, and sun exposure.

• Who is it best for? Most people can benefit from a vitamin D supplement in the winter due to a lack of sun exposure, especially to help ward off seasonal affective disorder. Otherwise, those who suffer from osteoporosis and other bone diseases are the primary users.

3. Fish Oil

Fish oil supplements are capsules filled with oil from fatty fish like anchovies, herring, mackerel, and tuna. These capsules come loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The body can't produce EPA and DHA, so they are either acquired by consuming fish or from these supplements. There have been links established between EPA and DHA and overall brain, eye, and heart health. They may also reduce inflammation and strengthen bones.

The recommended daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids is 1,100–1,600 mg from a supplement that contains a minimum of 500 mg of EPA and DHA per 1,000 mg of fish oil.

• Who is it best for? Fish oil supplements are perfect for those who don't consume fish on a regular basis. They may benefit those with joint inflammation, heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

4. Multivitamins

Multivitamins are a one-stop shop for the most basic of vitamins that the body requires to function correctly. While every brand of multivitamins is different, most contain the 13 essential vitamins along with additional nutrients. These include vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, C, D, E, K, and minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium. 

It is important to get a blood test before starting to take a multivitamin to see exactly what you are lacking. This will help you decide exactly which type of multivitamin you'll need, along with the dosage. 

• Who is it best for? Multivitamins are perfect for those who don't eat a varied diet. Likewise, if you are getting older, are pregnant, or suffer from a malabsorption condition, you could use a daily multivitamin.

5. Immune Support Stacks

Immune support stacks are elixirs composed of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients you need to keep your immune system in top shape. While every brand of stack is different, they are commonly comprised of vitamins B6, C, and D and minerals like magnesium and zinc. Some even include your daily servings of fruit and vegetables for an additional wellness boost. 

• Who is it best for? Anyone who feels like they need a boost to their immune health, especially during cold and flu season. 

6. Supplement Snacks

While fitness fanatics won't get upset about receiving a stocking full of supplements, some extra snacks are a nice treat. There are numerous snacks on the market that provide you with the protein and vitamins you need while tasting great. If you need a protein boost, look for snacks like protein bars, cheese balls, cookies, bee jerky, or any other relatively healthy treat that contain full servings of protein. You can even buy gummy bears that will boost your immune system

• Who is it best for? People looking for the same health benefits as other supplements but in more unique forms that are both delicious and easy to snack on.

Stuff Your Stockings with These Supplement Gifts

Nothing beats waking up to a stocking full of supplements on Christmas morning. The sight of the supplements might even inspire you to skip the celebrations and head straight to the gym. If you need to pick up any additional supplements that weren't in your stocking or need that new workout outfit that Santa forgot, check out TigerFitness.com. In addition to clothing and supplements, we provide everything else you need to work out, including fitness articles and workout plans.