It’s been a long day. So you’re curled up on the couch with the fluffiest blanket and the fluffiest dog. I come across one of the commercials that says vitamins they are taking. What are these vitamins, why are they important, and how should you include them in your diet? We spoke with experts to break down everything you need to know.
Benefits of vitamins
Vitamins and minerals are nutrients, small molecules that are essential for our bodies to function.
said Pedro R. Rodriguez Guggiali, Ph.D., Internal Medicine Specialist and Chief Staff at Banner Dell E. Webb Medical Center in Sun City West, Arizona. They perform a variety of functions that keep the body functioning properly, help rebuild tissue, fight infections, support nerve function, manage energy, and even aid in life-saving events such as blood clotting. .
Ellis Heaney, clinical nutritionist at Banner Dell E. Webb Medical Center, describes three of the vitamin’s primary functions.
- They support metabolism.
- They support immune function.
- They help promote growth and development.
Heeney also adds that minerals are important in making enzymes and hormones.
Which vitamin is most important and why?
Rodriguez Guggiali says that some are not more important than others because everything is important for the body to function properly. No, but they are all important. He adds that there are 13 essential vitamins: vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, B6, B12, and folic acid).
daily vitamin intake
Eat a balanced diet!
“The best way to get all the vitamins and minerals our bodies need is through a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, lean protein, and low-fat dairy products,” says Heaney. is to eat a meal a balanced dish every meal. ”
Do over-the-counter vitamins work? Understand supplements.
Both Rodriguez Guggiari and Heeney say over-the-counter supplements work, but you should beware of aggressive and sometimes inaccurate marketing.
Heeney says supplements aren’t regulated (for safety and efficacy) by the FDA like other drugs. “When choosing a supplement,” she says, “look for one that has been quality tested to ensure it’s manufactured properly, contains the ingredients listed on the label, and is free of harmful levels of contaminants. is best.
She adds that there are several independent organizations that provide quality testing for supplements, including ConsumerLab.com, NSF International, and US Pharmacopeia.
Ultimately, supplements are most effective when a health care provider discovers a deficiency. If already in range, excess vitamins Water-soluble (dissolves in water) can be washed out in urine. Fat-soluble (insoluble in water) vitamins are retained in the body and (mostly) stored in the liver.this is potentially poison.
If you’re considering taking a supplement, it’s best to talk to your healthcare provider to determine if it’s a good option for you.
Click here for more information on vitamins and supplements.
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