Vitamins play a huge role in keeping you healthy. They can help with things like your immune system, digestion, and even your skin. And while some vitamins you don’t need to be receiving every day, other vitamins you need to be getting your fill constantly. From Vitamin C to Vitamin D, this article will take a look at some of the different vitamins you need to take daily and why they’re essential for your health. That way, you can ensure you get all the nutrients your body needs!
Contents
Why Vitamins Differ From Other Nutrients
Unlike other nutrients, such as carbohydrates and fats, the body cannot synthesize vitamins, and you must obtain them through diet or supplements. Vitamins are classified according to their solubility, with water-soluble vitamins (such as vitamin C) and fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamin A). Each type of vitamin has different bodily roles, which are essential for good health. Vitamins are necessary for metabolism, cell growth and repair, and many other vital functions.
While most people can get all the vitamins they need from a healthy diet, some groups may be at risk for vitamin deficiency. These include people with certain medical conditions (such as Crohn’s disease), vegans and vegetarians, pregnant women, and the elderly. Supplementation may be necessary for these groups to ensure an adequate intake of essential vitamins.
Vitamins You Need To Take Daily
If you are curious about which vitamins stand out as being the most important to take daily, here is a list of vitamins that you need to be sure to include in your diet:
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause cell damage and several health conditions. Vitamin C is essential for supporting the immune system, and it also helps to promote healthy skin and connective tissue.
As you age, your body becomes less efficient at producing vitamin C, so it is essential to ensure that you get enough from your diet. Citrus fruits, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts are all good sources of vitamin C, so be sure to include them in your daily diet.
Vitamin A
You need vitamin A every day for a number of reasons. It helps to keep vision sharp, strengthens the immune system, and maintains healthy skin. The body does not produce vitamin A on its own, so it is essential to include it in your diet. Foods high in vitamin A include egg yolks, dairy products, liver, and dark leafy greens. Vitamin A can also be in supplements.
While getting too much vitamin A from supplements is possible, it is tough to reach toxic levels through diet alone. As a result, most people need not worry about consuming too much vitamin A. So long as you include a variety of foods in your diet, you are likely getting enough vitamin A.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is one of the essential vitamins for human health. It plays a role in bone health, immune function, and cell growth. The body produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, but many people don’t get enough sun exposure to meet their needs. As a result, vitamin D deficiency is common, especially in people who live in northern climates or who have dark skin.
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to many health problems, including osteoporosis, muscle weakness, and an increased risk of infections. Taking a vitamin D supplement can help to prevent these problems. The good news is most people only need a small amount of vitamin D each day to maintain health, so it’s easy to get enough through dietary supplements or fortified foods.
Vitamin B6
You might not realize it, but vitamin B6 is essential for keeping your body functioning correctly. It helps to produce hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in your blood and plays a role in immune function and brain development. Vitamin B6 is also necessary for metabolizing carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Unfortunately, your body cannot store vitamin B6, so you must ensure you get enough of it daily.
The good news is that vitamin B6 is in various foods, including meat, poultry, fish, potatoes, and bananas. So as long as you’re eating a balanced diet, you’re likely getting the vitamin B6 you need. If you’re concerned you’re not getting enough vitamin B6, talk to your doctor about taking a supplement.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage. Vitamin E also helps to boost the immune system and has been shown to help prevent heart disease and cancer. While many people get enough vitamin E from their food, some may need to take supplements to ensure that they get enough of this critical nutrient. Many different vitamin E supplements are available, so it is important to speak with a doctor or nutritionist before taking any supplements.
However, getting enough vitamin E from food sources is the best way to ensure overall good health. Foods rich in vitamin E include nuts, seeds, and leafy green vegetables. Including these foods in your diet can help you to get the nutrients you need.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is in leafy green vegetables, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and other foods. Not as commonly discussed as other vitamins on this list, Vitamin K plays a role in blood clotting, bone health, and heart health. Most people get enough vitamin K from their diet or the bacteria in their intestines. However, some people may need to take a supplement, which includes people with absorption problems, such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease.
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin, so it is essential to take it with food. People who take anticoagulants or antibiotics may also need to take a supplement. Speak with a doctor before taking any supplements, as too much vitamin K can be dangerous.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 helps to support many important functions in the body. It helps to produce red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. It also helps to support the nervous system and is needed for DNA production. Because of these crucial roles, a deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, mood changes, and problems with memory and concentration. Luckily, like other B vitamins, vitamin B12 is found in various foods, including meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products.
Getting enough vitamin B12 from their diet is not a problem for most people. However, some groups of people are at risk of developing a vitamin B12 deficiency. These include vegetarians and vegans, older adults, and people with certain medical conditions. If you think you may be at risk of a vitamin B12 deficiency, speak to your doctor about getting a blood test. They may recommend taking a supplement or eating foods fortified with vitamin B12.
Be Mindful Of The Vitamins You Need To Take Daily!
Vitamins are essential nutrients that play a role in many different functions in the body. While you can get most vitamins from the food you eat, some people may need to take supplements to ensure they get enough of these critical nutrients. Speak with a doctor or nutritionist if you are concerned about your vitamin intake. They can help you to determine if you need to take supplements and can recommend the best type of supplement for you. That way, you can create a plan for getting the vitamins you need to take daily.
