Vitamins for Health and Well Being


by Valerie Alanati - Date: 2007-02-11 - Word Count: 478 Share This!

As people are becoming more health conscious, taking vitamins are an easy and rewarding thing to do to improve our health. Vitamins and minerals are chemical substances found naturally in foods that are necessary for proper bodily function. Getting adequate amounts of the vitamins and minerals our body needs can prevent illnesses and the unpleasant effects of a deficiency. There are 13 vitamins and 15 minerals that our body requires.

With the fast paced lifestyle of many people, fast foods and junk foods are common and too many people are not getting the proper nutrition they need. Many people are not getting their daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Vitamins can be taken to make up for a diet low in nutrition. With all of the vitamins and minerals that are missing in poor diets, taking supplemental vitamins are crucial to staying healthy for anyone who doesn't eat well.

Even for those who eat healthy, a multi-vitamin can be taken to make sure they are getting an adequate amount of all the vitamins and minerals their body needs. Just because someone eats healthy, doesn't mean they are getting every single vitamin and mineral they need.

There are general multi-vitamins which contain all of the vitamins and minerals and specific vitamins for specific functions. For example, there are vitamins to boost the immune system, to give energy, to help with digestion, and to improve skin. For someone interested in losing weight, vitamins to aid in metabolism and energy would be helpful.

A deficiency in vitamins can make one ill which is a good enough reason in itself to take vitamins. Fatigue, dry skin, weakness, vision problems, diarrhea, and depression can all be symptoms of a body not getting enough vitamins.

Many people have problems maintaining the energy they need during the day which could be a vitamin deficiency problem. Regardless of the cause, taking a vitamin supplement can boost the energy level

This is an example of 2 vitamins, their functions, and the effects of a deficiency:

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin which works with folate to make red blood cells. It also serves in body cells as a vital part of many body chemicals and helps the body use fatty acids and some amino acids.

A deficiency in vitamin B12 causes anemia, fatigue, nerve damage, a smooth tongue, very sensitive skin.

Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin which helps all body cells produce energy. It also helps metabolize protein, fat and carbohydrates in food.

A deficiency in biotin causes heart abnormalities, appetite loss, fatigue, depression and dry skin.

The major minerals we need are calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.

.All pregnant women are encouraged to take pre-natal vitamins and women that are trying to conceive are urged to take folic acid everday, which can prevent birth defects such as spina bifida in the fetus.

Supplements can be bought over the counter at many stores and online from the comfort of your home.


Related Tags: health, vitamins, lifestyle, healthy, minerals, multi vitamins

I recommend Rachel's site for health and well being info. Rachel is a trained nurse who specializes in family health and diet. She offers a variety of vitamins and health products on her website.

http://www.vitamin-health.co.uk

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