Vitamins and minerals not only help the body function, but they work to strengthen each other. The body absorbs iron through the help of vitamin C. Vitamin D helps the body absorb phosphorus and calcium. Vitamins D and K are the only vitamins the body can supply for itself.
The skin creates vitamin D when it’s exposed to sunlight. Vitamin K produced by intestinal bacteria. Supplemental sources must supply the body with all the other vitamins. These supplements interrelate
Vitamins are divided into two categories by the substance that carries them throughout the body.
- Water-soluble vitamins carry and store all through the body by water. These vitamins need daily replacement because they expel in body fluids like sweat and urine. Water-soluble vitamins include vitamin C, folacin (folic acid), biotin, pantothenic acid, thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), and cyanocobalamin (B12).
- Fat-soluble vitamins: These vitamins, like A (retinol), D (calciferol), E (d-alpha-tocopherol), and K (menaquinone), carries by fats located in the bloodstream. Since fat stores better than water, it’s less critical when the intake of these vitamins interrupt, than when water-soluble vitamin intake interrupt. Only when extreme amounts of these vitamins are taken, do toxic levels become present in the body. Vital supplements interrelate
Vitamins should not be used as a substitute for eating healthy food, but only as supplementation.
Most people don’t eat balanced diets. According to a national survey, over half of all Americans don’t drink a glass of juice, eat one serving of vegetables, or eat a piece of fruit daily. Only 40% eat 3 to 5 servings of vegetables daily, the recommended amount.
Only 20% eat the recommend 2 to 4 servings of fruit each day. For those not eating and getting the nutrition they need, supplementation is better than nothing.
© Copyright – Hector Sectzer
