What We Need and Why
Understanding the role of vitamins in our body leads us to understand what we need and why. Vitamins are fat-soluble organic substances that play a vital role in our life. They can be found in food and derived from both animals and plants. Vitamins also regulate metabolic processes, control cellular functions and prevent various diseases.
Despite not being produced in our bodies, essential vitamins and minerals can easily be acquired by eating a balanced diet. But since most people in today’s world don’t have time to eat nutritious food, it is important that we include vitamin supplements instead. Pills can be a better option, especially that it is difficult to obtain necessary vitamins and minerals from food because of the global problem of mineral deficient soil. Several vitamin deficiencies can result in various illnesses. Plus, each individual vitamin has a specific role in metabolism. Even a modest deficiency can result in deep illness. The following are some of the essential vitamins and minerals needed in our diet:
- Vitamin A – Vitamin A is important for a healthy vision as well as the growth of immune system. The lack of Vitamin A can lead to infection in cornea and conjunctivitis. It can also cause night-blindness. In its severe form, the lack of Vitamin A can lead to permanent blindness. Vitamin A can be obtained from several sources such as butter, milk, egg yolk, green vegetables and carrots.
- B Vitamins – The class of Vitamin B promotes the health of the nervous system, helps in the digestion of proteins and carbohydrates, and prevents skin diseases effectively. Nutrients in this class are considered as anti-stress compounds that give relieve from migraines. Deficiency of Vitamin B can lead to memory loss, abnormalities in tissue function, tingling in feet and toes as well as difficulties in maintaining balance.
- Vitamin C – This essential vitamin is an antioxidant that protects from viruses and bacteria, and helps heal wounds and the immune defense system. It is also called the anti-stress vitamin because it gives off some calming effects. Deficiency in Vitamin C can lead to scurvy and defects in connective tissues. Symptoms that indicate less vitamin C in the body include weakness, fatigue and bleeding of gums and tissues.
- Vitamin D – Vitamin D is an essential vitamin for bones and teeth. It maintains high serum levels by increasing the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D can also be generated in the body after sun exposure. Deficiency of vitamin D can lead to rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, the latter which is the case of weakness in bones.
- Vitamin E – Vitamin E is a powerful oxidant that protects lipids in the body and helps fight toxins. Deficiency in Vitamin E can result in weak muscles and fertility problems. When deficiency occurs, the primary symptom is peripheral neuropathy. High intakes of vitamin E can prevent chronic diseases, especially heart diseases.
- Calcium – Calcium is an important mineral which is used for muscle contraction and nerve transmission. Calcium deficiency can result in the reduction of bone mass and the development of osteoporosis.
- Iron – Iron is an essential mineral that is needed to transport oxygen to tissue of the body. Deficiency in iron can lead to anemia and cognitive impairment. If you do not take enough of this nutrient, the performance of your physical work will be affected.
Because of the benefits they provide to us, the aforementioned vitamins and minerals are considered as some of the most frequently consumed dietary supplements. Unlike other dietary supplements, they are believed to be essential minerals and vitamins for which standards of adequacy are needed.
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