You probably know that eating a balanced diet is vital to living a healthy life. However, there are also many different vitamins that our bodies need in order to function properly. Some of these vitamins can be found in the food that we eat, but others may be easier to get by taking supplements. Vitamins are essential for growth, development, and overall health. This article will discuss which vitamins you should be taking daily in order to stay healthy as well as why each of these vitamins is essential for your body and mind!
Contents
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins that you should take on a daily basis. Vitamin C helps to boost your immune system, which is important for warding off illnesses and infections. It also helps your body to heal wounds and repair damaged tissue. Vitamin C is found in many different fruits and vegetables, so it’s easy to get your daily dose of this essential nutrient. Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes are all great sources of vitamin C.
Other fruits and vegetables that contain high levels of vitamin C include broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, and strawberries. You can also take a supplement in order to ensure that you’re getting enough vitamin C each day. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, but a daily dose of vitamin C is generally considered to be safe for most people.
Vitamin D
The next vitamin on this list is vitamin D. You need vitamin D for a number of reasons, but most importantly, it helps your body absorb calcium. Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth. It’s recommended that adults get 600 IU (international units) of vitamin D each day. You can get vitamin D in a few ways.
The best way to get it is by spending time in the sun. Just make sure you don’t overdo it and put on sunscreen! You can also get vitamin D from certain foods, like fatty fish, eggs, and fortified milk. If you don’t think you’re getting enough vitamin D from food or sunlight, you can also take a supplement; many times, multi-vitamins include enough vitamin D.
Vitamin A
While you might not think you need Vitamin A, it actually plays a vital role in keeping your eyes and skin healthy, as well as boosting your immune system. The recommended daily dose for adults is 700-900mcg. You can find Vitamin A in foods like sweet potatoes, carrots, dark leafy greens, and eggs. Vitamin A is also available in supplement form; however, it’s always best to get your vitamins and minerals from whole foods whenever possible. You should also be aware that too much Vitamin A can be toxic, so it’s important not to overdo it.
Vitamin K
This vitamin is important for blood clotting, and without it, we would bleed excessively from even the smallest wounds. Vitamin K is found in leafy green vegetables, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. It can also be found in oils from these plants. You only need a small amount of vitamin K each day – just one microgram for every kilogram of body weight.
Most people get enough vitamin K from their diet, but some groups of people are at risk for deficiency. These groups include; infants who are born prematurely, people with malabsorption disorders like celiac disease or Crohn’s disease, and people taking certain medications, like antibiotics or anticoagulants. If you are at risk for vitamin K deficiency, speak to your doctor about whether or not you need to supplement your diet with this important vitamin.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect your cells from damage. It can also help improve your skin’s appearance and keep your eyes healthy. Vitamin E is found in many foods, including nuts, seeds, and leafy green vegetables. You can also take vitamin E supplements.
Most people need about 15 milligrams (mg) of vitamin E each day. If you take more than the recommended amount, you may have an increased risk of bleeding, so its best to only take what you need. If you have a health condition that makes it hard for your body to absorb fat, you may need to take a higher dose of vitamin E. Talk to your doctor about how much vitamin E you need each day; they will be able to give you suggestions on how to get the proper amount.
Vitamin B12
Also known as cobalamin, vitamin B12 is a nutrient that’s essential for good health. Your body needs vitamin B12 to make red blood cells and construct your DNA. Vitamin B12 also helps prevent a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia that makes people tired and weak. You can get vitamin B12 in animal foods, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and milk.
If you don’t eat animal products or enough of them, you may be at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency. If you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, you should talk to your doctor about taking a vitamin B12 supplement. You may also need a vitamin B12 supplement if you have certain medical conditions, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease, that make it hard for your body to absorb this nutrient.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is important for energy metabolism. It’s also involved in the breakdown of glycogen (sugar) in muscles, which is why it’s often taken by athletes before physical activity. Vitamin B6 can be found in meat, poultry, fish, and whole grains. Most people get enough vitamin B6 from their diet, but like with vitamin B12, if you don’t eat meat or poultry, you may want to consider taking a supplement. Vitamin B6 is water-soluble, which means your body doesn’t store it. This means you need to take it every day to maintain adequate levels in your body.
Conclusion
While there are many vitamins and minerals that are important for good health, the vitamins on this list should be taken daily to ensure you’re getting what you need. Of course, always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medication. They will be able to give you personalized advice on which vitamins and minerals you need and in what quantities. And remember, the best way to get any vitamins or minerals is through eating a well-balanced diet!
