Vitamins and Your Health

Vitamin is an important nutrient that the body needs to stay healthy. What are vitamins, what are the different types of vitamins, how important is vitamins for our body; this is something that everybody likes to know. Don’t run to the doctor every time you fall slightly ill, actually you might be suffering from vitamin deficiency. Vitamins cannot be manufactured by the human body, so you should intake the appropriate supply of vitamins through the food you consume, or by vitamin supplements, to prevent yourself from falling ill and maintain a healthy body. After all, prevention is better than cure.

Now what are vitamins? Vitamins are natural substances found in plants and animals. The human body makes use of these vitamins for proper function of its various organs and for staying healthy. Once you include vitamins in your everyday diet, then you will remain healthy, because your body’s metabolism also depends on your vitamin intake. But remember, if there is a deficit of any particular vitamin, than you have to take vitamin supplements for some time.

Classification of vitamins:

Vitamins are classified into two types; Water soluble vitamins and fat soluble vitamins. Water soluble vitamins like B complex vitamins and vitamin C cannot be stored in the body. So you have to consume them everyday from the food you eat. Since these vitamins get eliminated in urine easily, you have to continuously supply your body with them.

Fat soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E and K, as the name suggests, are soluble in fat and are absorbed and stored in the body for being used later. But these vitamins should not be consumed in excess. Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins. If you consume then daily, your body will get the sufficient source of multivitamins.

Harmful effects of vitamins:

Too much dose of vitamins can also cause harmful effects. Eg. Excess of vitamin A can aggregate liver problems. Vitamin B6 can cause nerve damage if in excess. Too much consumption of vitamin C can cause diarrhea. High dose of calcium can lead to kidney stones and also cause constipation. But that does not mean vitamin is harmful. You should eat a balanced diet consisting of essential vitamins, in the required quantity. You can also consume supplements, but choose the right one. You should always consult a doctor before you start on supplements.

Pregnant women:

It is very important that pregnant women consume appropriate vitamins in the appropriate quantity, for safe delivery and safety of the baby. A deficiency in vitamin can prove to be harmful. Anyway consult a doctor who can advise you about the proper supplements you should take. Vitamin A should be avoided by pregnant women. Studies have proved that excess of vitamin A during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Pregnant should also take iron to prevent iron deficiency.

People with medical conditions:

People with medical problems should consult a doctor before taking vitamins as it can worsen your conditions. People with diabetes should use vitamin B6, niacin, chromium and vitamin C only under the supervision of a physician, as these vitamins can affect your sugar level. People with asthma should not use tryptophan. Omega-6 fatty acids should be avoided by people with temporal-lobe epilepsy.

A well balanced diet consisting of vitamins, nutrients and minerals, will help you to remain fit and healthy.