There are 13 different vitamins, and they’re vital micronutrients. You can divide them into two groups: fat-soluble and water-soluble. Vitamins A, D, E and K are all fat-soluble. They require fat to be absorbed, and they are stored for a long time in your liver and body fat. The rest are water-soluble vitamins, which travel more readily through the bloodstream. Your urine contains the ones that you don’t use quickly. Let’s learn how to get the vitamins your body needs.
Vitamins are Necessary for Every
Function in Your Body
Your heart needs them to beat and your lungs need them in order to expand and contract. If specific vitamins aren’t present in large enough quantities, these vital functions are adversely affected or even stop.
Think of your body as a house that needs constant, ongoing maintenance. The walls, foundation, and roof of the house are the macronutrients that provide the structure. Vitamins are the individual nails that hold everything together, the grout that keeps the floor tiles in place, and the paint that protects the walls. When you run out of nails, the house falls apart. When the grout crumbles and isn’t repaired, the floor tiles separate, and when paint chips and flakes, the walls are more likely to decay.
When Your Body Runs Out of a Specific Vitamin
If your body runs out of a vitamin that it needs, it can’t function correctly. For example, when you don’t get enough vitamin C, your gums start to bleed, wounds don’t heal, and severe joint pain develops. This is because vitamin C plays a vital role in maintaining the health of ligaments, skin, tendons, and blood vessels. It’s necessary to heal wounds and to repair and maintain bones and teeth.
Getting the Right Amount of Vitamins
Moderation is key. When it comes to vitamins, too much can be just as bad as too little. Vitamins are like Goldilocks and the three bears: too little can lead to deficiency disease and too much can cause imbalances or health problems. The correct amount is just right.
Choose Nutrient-dense Foods
The best way to get the vitamins your body needs is by choosing nutrient-dense foods. Eat vegetables, fruit, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat milk and yogurt, and a variety of lean protein foods. A nutrient-poor diet that is high in processed foods contains too few vitamins. A vitamin supplement is not a substitute for a healthful diet.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Water-Soluble Vitamins
This information is for educational purposes only. The statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your physician if you have any question regarding a medical condition
