Vitamins are essential nutrients to that should be incorporated into every diet. They are crucial for survival especially those that cannot be produced independently by the body (which includes most of them). Vitamins are absolutely required in regulating biochemical reactions that our bodies carry out every second. It is easy to see how a diet deficient in vitamins can leave an individual feeling tired easily, sick from mild environmental insults and having little or no motivation to lead an active life.
Fair enough, vitamins are required in very small amounts but still, many individuals walk the street with relative deficiencies in the different classes of these micronutrients. We require primarily 13 vitamins; these are non-negotiable for the healthy productive life we all thrive to achieve.
Good news, you should be confident getting all your vitamins from your daily diet, provided you are not strict on a particular class of diet. As evolution will have it, your body prefers to make its own vitamin D and to an extent K; two very essential vitamins for body function. Strict vegetarians may need to supplement on some vitamin B, like B12 to maintain adequate renewal of destroyed body genetic material and cells. Vitamin B12 and B9 deficiencies during pregnancies have been implicated in the development of spinal abnormalities in the new born.
All the vitamins come with different functions so, an individual having a deficiency in one vitamin will present with a specific complain which the vitamin is responsible. Deficiencies in vitamin D presents with malformed and dysfunctional bones as it regulates the absorption of calcium from meals and sunlight, further directing the calcium to bones leaving a few circulating round the body to assist other functions like muscle contraction and activation of enzymes. Vitamin C deficiencies characteristically comes with gum challenges, this is as a result of its role in the production of proper collagen (the most abundant protein in the body needed for structural support of tissues).
Deficiencies in Vitamin A can predispose an individual to visual challenges and skin cell dividing problems. Vitamin E is an antioxidant; it donates atoms to stabilize free radicals constantly produced in our bodies. Deficiencies in vitamin E can result in uncontrolled destruction of cells and tissues, showing signs of abnormal aging and suffering from diseases favored by constant damage to the body by oxidative injuries; cancers etc. Vitamins also contribute to the production of hormones; chemical messengers that send messages and control many characteristics we exhibit on a regular basis.
Simply put, the most assured way to put your daily vitamin requirements in check is to a embrace a balanced diet. Multivitamin supplements are available for some of us that may not be able to meet up with our daily dose of vitamins. However, you should see a doctor or dietician if you feel you may be lacking one or two vitamins for proper evaluation and prescription. Vitamins are essential but, too much of them or taking the wrong supplements than you need can pose some harm to good health. This is why you should be obliged to get a prescription from a health care provider on exactly which you need before going on a dosing spree of vitamin supplements.
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