Vitamins are essential nutrients required for many bodily functions. They can be found in various foods, but some people may not get enough vitamins from their diet alone and may need to take supplements. Vitamins allow people to make up for any deficits in their diet and ensure they get the nutrients they need for good health.
Vitamins are important for many things, including bone health, immune function, blood cell production, and more. Some vitamins are even involved in energy metabolism or regulating hormone levels. While we usually think of vitamins as beneficial, too much of certain vitamins can be harmful.
Most people can get the vitamins they need by eating a varied and balanced diet. However, some people may have difficulty absorbing nutrients from food or may have special needs that require them to take supplements.
Benefits of Vitamin Supplements
Vitamin supplements provide many benefits for people who may not get enough vitamins.
- Improved Health: Vitamin supplements can help to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to stay strong and healthy. Many people turn to vitamin supplements when they are not getting enough of certain key vitamins and minerals from their regular diet.
- Boosted Energy: Vitamins are necessary for energy production in our bodies. Taking a multivitamin can give you an extra energy boost throughout your day, allowing you to stay productive and alert.
- Improved Mood: Vitamins such as B vitamins have been known to help improve moods and reduce stress levels. Many people find that taking a vitamin supplement helps them cope better with anxiety and depression and feel better mentally.
- Balanced Nutrition: It is often difficult for many of us to get all the nutrients we need from our diet alone due to busy lifestyles or dietary restrictions. So, taking a multivitamin helps provide the balanced nutrition your body needs for optimal nutrition.
- Improved Immune System: Vitamin C is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. A multivitamin supplement helps ensure your optimum levels even if you don’t get enough from food alone.
- Reduced Health Risks: Vitamins A, C, and E are known as antioxidants and help to protect against cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other illnesses by warding off free radicals in the body. Taking a vitamin supplement can reduce your risk of developing these conditions.
Common Vitamin Supplements Chosen
Many different vitamin supplements are available on the market, and knowing which one to choose can be unclear. Here are some of the most common vitamin supplements chosen by people:
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, and leafy green vegetables. It is also found in supplements. Vitamin C forms collagen for healthy skin, bones, and blood vessels. It also helps the body absorb iron from food.
- Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin in fortified milk and fatty fish such as salmon and eggs. It is also found in supplements. Vitamin D is important for strong bones and teeth, as well as for proper immune system function.
- Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin found naturally in animal products such as meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. It is also found in fortified foods such as cereal and energy drinks.
- Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and fortified cereals. It is also found in supplements. Vitamin E helps protect cell membranes from damage caused by free radicals.
- Multivitamins: A multivitamin is a combined supplement containing multiple vitamins and minerals. They are designed to give the body all the essential nutrients to stay healthy.
- Omega-3: Omega-3 fatty acids are found naturally in oily fish such as salmon and sardines and some vegetables and nuts. They are also found in supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain a healthy heart and brain.