Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation

Vitamin and mineral supplements are sometimes needed for overall nutrition.Vitamins are organic compounds that our bodies use, in very small amounts, for a variety of metabolic processes. It is best to get vitamins and minerals from eating a variety of healthy unprocessed foods. People who may need vitamin supplements include pregnant and lactating women, some vegetarians, people who drink large quantities of alcohol, drug users and the elderly. Vitamins and minerals are substances your body needs in small but steady amounts for normal growth, function and health.

Vitamin A helps to produce and preserve system tissues such as ivory and rind; it too helps the system’s imagination, anxious structure functioning, replica, and increase. The B vitamins are accountable for increasing the output of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates as easily as assisting with metabolism, construction crimson blood cells, and maintaining the overprotective coating of the anxious structure. Vitamin C helps organize tissues, cells, bones and teeth; heals wounds; and improves the exempt structure’s operation. Vitamin E protects the outer cubicle membranes from damage, therefore assisting the exempt structure in fighting away diseases.

Vitamin K helps the body’s blood clot in wounded areas. Minerals also have a broad extensive of functions. As many as 20 minerals play significant roles in the body. “Microminerals,” or minerals that the body only needs traces of, can fight off serious illness. These include copper, iodine, chromium, iron, fluorine, tin, zinc, nickel, vanadium, manganese, silicon, molybdenum, and selenium. Zinc is responsible for helping metabolize proteins and keeping enzymes functioning. Copper is needed by enzymes for metabolizing. Iodine assists the thyroid gland in working properly. Calcium and phosphorus build bones and teeth.

Iron delivers oxygen to the body’s cells. Potassium helps muscle contraction, maintains the fluid balance of cells, helps transmit messages through the body’s nerves, and keeps the kidneys and heart working correctly. Each vitamin has specific jobs. If you have low levels of certain vitamins, you may develop a deficiency disease. Vitamin A prevents night blindness. The best way to get enough vitamins is to eat a balanced diet with a variety of foods. In some cases, you may need to take a daily multivitamin for optimal health. However, high doses of some vitamins can make you sick.