In many cases, people can get all the nutrients they need from a balanced diet containing a variety of fruits and vegetables along with meat and dairy products. However, there are certain circumstances where vitamin supplements are routinely recommended. Here are a few basic guidelines for anyone wondering, 'What vitamins should I take to stay healthy?'
If you live in a region where winter days are short, consider taking a vitamin D supplement in the colder, darker months. Your body needs bright sunlight in order to produce vitamin D. Although this nutrient is found in eggs and oily fish, the amounts normally consumed are insufficient for optimal health.
If you are a vegan or a vegetarian who eats limited amounts of dairy, you should take a vitamin B12 supplement. Vitamin B12 is essential for making red blood cells and the only natural source is animal products. Without supplementation, vegans are prone to develop vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia.
If you are trying to conceive or in the first three months of pregnancy, you should take a folic acid supplement. Folate is vital for the formation of cells and the fetus requires a constant supply as it develops. If the mother's diet is deficient, the child could be born with congenital heart disease, spina bifida or other birth defects.
If you smoke cigarettes, a vitamin C supplement could enhance your health. Vitamin C is required for tissue growth and repair. While most people get a sufficient supply from popular fruits and vegetables, smokers are at higher risk for a deficiency because smoking lowers levels of vitamin C within the body.
For the best answer to the question, 'what vitamins should I take?, ' ask your doctor. There are many conditions that can inhibit your body's ability to absorb certain vitamins from food. If you have one of these, your physician will advise you about supplementation for optimal health.
If you live in a region where winter days are short, consider taking a vitamin D supplement in the colder, darker months. Your body needs bright sunlight in order to produce vitamin D. Although this nutrient is found in eggs and oily fish, the amounts normally consumed are insufficient for optimal health.
If you are a vegan or a vegetarian who eats limited amounts of dairy, you should take a vitamin B12 supplement. Vitamin B12 is essential for making red blood cells and the only natural source is animal products. Without supplementation, vegans are prone to develop vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia.
If you are trying to conceive or in the first three months of pregnancy, you should take a folic acid supplement. Folate is vital for the formation of cells and the fetus requires a constant supply as it develops. If the mother's diet is deficient, the child could be born with congenital heart disease, spina bifida or other birth defects.
If you smoke cigarettes, a vitamin C supplement could enhance your health. Vitamin C is required for tissue growth and repair. While most people get a sufficient supply from popular fruits and vegetables, smokers are at higher risk for a deficiency because smoking lowers levels of vitamin C within the body.
For the best answer to the question, 'what vitamins should I take?, ' ask your doctor. There are many conditions that can inhibit your body's ability to absorb certain vitamins from food. If you have one of these, your physician will advise you about supplementation for optimal health.