Vitamin Supplements for Optimum Health

Vitamins are vital for our health. There is a range of essential vitamins which our bodies need for best performance and health.

   

Most of these vitamins are found in our food, however with the busy lifestyles many of us have today, balanced nutrients are often in short supply especially during periods of physical stress or convalescence, or in a diet consisting largely of processed foods.

Vitamin supplements  can be a good way to ensure that our body is getting all the nutrition it needs, even when our diet may lack a little.

Here is a list of the role of some vitamins in our health especially in our current situation:

Vitamin A

is an antioxidant and is important for your vision, bone growth, reproductive system, cell function and immune system. People who suffer from some liver diseases, cystic fibrosis, and Crohn’s disease may need vitamin A supplements.

B vitamins

help your body to process food into energy, form red blood cells and prevent disease. The B vitamins are B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6, B7 (biotin), B12 and Folic Acid. You can get these from fish, poultry, meat, eggs, dairy products, leafy vegetables, beans, and peas. A lack of B12 or B6 can cause anemia, and vitamin B12 is recommended as an energy booster.

Vitamin C (or Ascorbic Acid)

is important for skin, bones, and connective tissue. It promotes healing and helps the body absorb iron. Good sources include citrus fruits, red and green peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, and greens. Vitamin C supplements are recommended for pregnant women, and people recovering from surgery; vitamin C is also reputed to reduce cravings when quitting smoking.

Vitamin D

helps your body absorb calcium to develop bones, and has a role in your nerve, muscle, and immune systems. You can get vitamin D from the sun, from foods including egg yolks, fish, liver, and from supplements. Vitamin D may be recommended for people with liver diseases, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease.

Vitamin E

is an antioxidant which plays a role in your immune system and metabolic processes. Good sources of vitamin E are vegetable oils, margarine, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens. Vitamin E may help with some medical conditions, and is great for your skin and healing scar tissue. People who take blood thinners should consult a health professional before taking vitamin E supplements.

Calcium

is a mineral which is important to grow and maintain healthy bones and teeth. You need calcium for your muscles and blood vessels and to send messages through the nervous system. Foods rich in calcium include dairy products and green leafy vegetables. Young people and older women in particular need plenty of calcium.

Multivitamins are a great way to get a full dosage of nutrients to supplement your diet. There are vitamin and mineral combinations which can help with hair and nails, boost energy, assist with sleep and relaxation, menopause and other conditions. Women’s and men’s multivitamins provide a balanced nutrient supply for different bodily needs and a one-a-day supplement can boost your overall wellbeing. 

This article is provided by healthchemist.co.nz , providing you with up-to-date health and nutritional advice and products.