The need for vitamins and minerals

Posted under General Health by Don

Vitamins are natural substances occurring in plants and animals. They are needed by the body for several vital functions and are essential for normal body functioning. There are 13 vitamins that are vital for humans which include Vitamins A, C, D, E and K along with the B vitamins group which include Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, and folate. Vitamins are of two types, fat-soluble and water-soluble.

Fat soluble vitamins are digested by the body using bile fluids (used to digest fat). They are stored in body fat after being digested, which is why these vitamins are dangerous to take in excessive amounts. Water soluble vitamins are easily absorbed, not needing the use of bile fluids. They are not stored by the body; quantities in excess of what the body needs are excreted by the kidneys in urine.

Each vitamin has a specific use in the body. Some prevent the onset of disease while others are needed for various body functions. For example, a deficiency of Vitamin A can lead to night blindness, while inadequate amounts of vitamin D can lead to rickets.

Similarly, minerals are found in water or the earth and are absorbed by plants. Minerals are involved in thousands of enzymatic reactions within the body, making them absolutely essential for humans. Some of the important minerals we are all familiar with are: calcium, essential for healthy bones and teeth; iron for haemoglobin formation and the prevention of anaemia and zinc for protein synthesis, insulin storage and wound healing. There are many other minerals in the body, each having their own function, much like vitamins. A balanced level of minerals in the body is essential, since excessive quantities of one mineral can lead to a deficiency of others.

Ideally, sufficient quantities of vitamins and minerals should be obtained from the diet. However, this is often not by modern lifestyles, hence the need for vitamin and mineral formulations. Vitamin and mineral supplements, or vitaminer / mineraler, are also prescribed for people with specialty needs, such as the following:

• You might need vitamins if you are pregnant or lactating or trying to get pregnant. A deficiency of folic acid in pregnant women could lead to neural defects in the baby. Pregnant or lactating women benefit from added calcium for healthy bones and folic acid and iron to guard against anemia.

• If you are a vegetarian or on a vegan diet, your doctor might prescribe a vitamin B12 supplement, since you could be lacking nutrients found mostly in animal products.

• If you suffer from certain health conditions e.g. anemia, an appropriate vitamin/mineral preparation could be prescribed.

Although vitamins and minerals are essential for the body, they can be harmful if taken in excessive amounts. They may also interfere with certain medical tests or with the action of certain drugs. Always consult a medical practitioner before use. If your doctor does recommend you vitamin pills, have a look at our wide range of multivitamins and minerals online at gymnordic.com which include Multi Mineral and several others. We’re sure to have some to fit each of your health requirements.