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Vitamins are not medicines.
It has no calories and is not a meal replacement. It has no nutritional value and is not a food or meal replacement. It’s also not a diet pill. These are not stimulants or energizing drugs. They are not used as building blocks for muscles.
Vitamins are carbon-containing chemicals that are necessary for life and are required in small amounts. These help promote biochemical reactions in the human body. They regulate metabolism, convert food into energy, and assist in enzymatic reactions. It also helps form bones and other tissues in the body.
There are at least 14 different vitamins, named alphabetically. They are further classified based on solubility. Some of them are water-soluble and can be easily mixed with water. Others are fat-soluble and mix only with fats and oils.
Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamin A or beta-carotene, vitamin D or calciferol, vitamin E or tocopherol, and vitamin K or menadione.
Water-soluble vitamins include vitamin B1 or thiamin, vitamin B2 or riboflavin, vitamin B3 or niacin, vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid, vitamin B6 or pyridoxine, vitamin B7 or biotin, vitamin B8 or inositol, vitamin B9 or folic acid, vitamin B12 or Cobalamin, vitamin C or ascorbic acid, and vitamin P or bioflavonoids.
Minerals and inorganic chemicals do not contain carbon. They are needed in small to moderate amounts in the body. Minerals are present in body fluids such as blood and lymph. They help regulate enzyme function, regulate electrolyte balance, maintain proper function of nerves and muscles, and serve as building blocks for bones and other tissues.
At least 22 different minerals are used in the body. Depending on the amount needed, they are classified as macrominerals or microminerals. Macrominerals are required in large quantities and are measured in grams. Trace minerals are needed in small amounts and are measured in micrograms.
Macrominerals include calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and sulfur.
Trace minerals include boron, cobalt, chromium, copper, fluoride, iodine, iron, lithium, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, silicon, tin, vanadium, and zinc.
Vitamin A deficiency can lead to poor vision and poor nighttime adaptation. Vitamin B1, sore tongue, soreness. Vitamin B2, rash on the corners of the mouth. Vitamin B3, high in fat. Vitamin B6, carpal tunnel symptoms, premenstrual symptoms, dandruff. Vitamin B12, fatigue, numbness, tingling; folic acid, cervical dysplasia, biotin, poor hair growth. Vitamin C, scurvy. Vitamin D, osteoporosis, and vitamin K deficiency can lead to easy bruising.
Signs of mineral deficiency include weak bones, osteoporosis, and muscle spasms (calcium). Abnormal blood sugar levels (chromium). Thyroid (iodine) is low. Fatigue (iron). Fatigue, lack of sleep, muscle spasms (magnesium). A potassium deficiency can lead to high blood pressure and abnormal heartbeats, as well as low sodium, blood pressure, muscle spasms and weakness. A lack of zinc can lead to a weakened immune system, frequent colds and flu, and prostate problems.
Assessing the status of vitamins and minerals in the human body can be simple or complex. Methods to measure these levels include dietary analysis, blood levels, or other tissue sampling such as hair testing.
Measuring the levels of electrolytes such as vitamin B12, iron, sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium in the blood is fairly accurate and easy. However, the blood is usually tightly regulated and does not accurately reflect the true levels in other tissues, and deficiencies will only appear in the blood if the concentrations in other tissues have decreased for some time.
Measuring levels of some vitamins and minerals is not cost-effective.
Vitamins and minerals are generally taken during or immediately after meals. Fat-soluble vitamins are best ingested when eating fatty foods. Water-soluble vitamins are best taken with a liquid such as water. Minerals are best absorbed when taken with protein foods. Take the supplement 1 to 3 times a day. If taken once a day, take with your largest meal.
Store vitamins and minerals in a closed, opaque container in a cool place. Cotton or silica inserts prevent moisture damage. Generally, vitamins can be stored for up to two years and minerals for up to 10 years.
People who have increased requirements for certain vitamins and minerals include those with poor diets and nutrition, infants, adolescents, and teenagers, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, smokers, dieters, and alcohol drinkers. , vegetarians, people under stress, the elderly, and people who are sick. and people with weakened immune systems.
Vitamins and minerals can be toxic if taken in large amounts. Although considered rare, some people have allergies or sensitivities to certain vitamins and minerals. Generally, water-soluble vitamins are less toxic than fat-soluble vitamins.
Some people are sensitive to high doses of B vitamins, especially vitamin B3.
Fat-soluble vitamins, especially vitamin A, can also have harmful side effects. Minerals can cause side effects if taken in large amounts beyond dietary requirements. However, vitamins and minerals are generally safe when taken in appropriate amounts.
The information provided in this article does not constitute, and is not intended to constitute, medical advice. All information and content is for general information purposes only.
This article was written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
