Benefits of Taking Vitamins
Josie Johnson & Haley Venema
Deciding whether to take vitamins usually isn’t a priority in most people’s minds. Depending on each person, vitamins can be very beneficial. Typically, vitamins are helpful to those who have a nutritional deficiency.
According to an online survey, by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Osteopathic Association, they found that “More than 4 in 5 American adults (86 percent) take vitamins or supplements” (Media Team, 2019).
The survey also reported that out of all the individuals taking vitamins, only 24 percent tested for a nutritional deficiency. It is always important to consult your primary physician because even though vitamins can be a great benefit to you, they could also harm you if used incorrectly. Especially since some vitamins are known to decrease the effectiveness of common medications like warfarin, insulin, and alprazolam (Media Team, 2019).
There are thirteen essential vitamins that our bodies need to work properly. These vitamins are Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic acid, Biotin, and Folic acid. The vitamins listed benefit our bodies in different ways. When you don’t get enough of a certain vitamin you then experience vitamin deficiency, which can cause different health problems. This is why some people will take over-the-counter vitamins when they aren’t getting enough in their diet.
The bulletin points listed below explains how each vitamin benefits our bodies. This list was obtained from the MedLine Plus website (Plus, 2021). They explain each benefit perfectly. You can visit this website https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002399.htm to read more.
Vitamin A helps form and maintain healthy teeth, bones, soft tissue, mucous membranes, and skin.
Vitamin B6 is also called pyridoxine. Vitamin B6 helps form red blood cells and maintain brain function. This vitamin also plays an important role in the proteins that are part of many chemical reactions in the body. The more protein you eat the more pyridoxine your body requires.
Vitamin B12, like the other B vitamins, is important for metabolism. It also helps form red blood cells and maintain the central nervous system.
Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is an antioxidant that promotes healthy teeth and gums. It helps the body absorb iron and maintain healthy tissue. It is also essential for wound healing.
Vitamin D is also known as the "sunshine vitamin," since it is made by the body after being in the sun. Ten to 15 minutes of sunshine 3 times a week is enough to produce the body's requirement of vitamin D for most people at most latitudes. People who do not live in sunny places may not make enough vitamin D. It is very hard to get enough vitamin D from food sources alone. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. You need calcium for the normal development and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones. It also helps maintain proper blood levels of calcium and phosphorus.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant also known as tocopherol. It helps the body form red blood cells and use vitamin K.
Vitamin K is needed because without it, blood would not stick together (coagulate). Some studies suggest that it is important for bone health.
Biotin is essential for the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates, and in the production of hormones and cholesterol.
Niacin is a B vitamin that helps maintain healthy skin and nerves. It also has cholesterol-lowering effects at higher doses.
Folate works with vitamin B12 to help form red blood cells. It is needed for the production of DNA, which controls tissue growth and cell function. Any woman who is pregnant should be sure to get enough folate. Low levels of folate are linked to birth defects such as spina bifida. Many foods are now fortified with folate in the form of folic acid.
Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is essential for the metabolism of food. It also plays a role in the production of hormones and cholesterol.
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) works with the other B vitamins. It is important for body growth and the production of red blood cells.
Thiamine (vitamin B1) helps the body cells change carbohydrates into energy. Getting enough carbohydrates is very important during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is also essential for heart function and healthy nerve cells.
We can get these vitamins daily through our diet. The easiest way would be to add variety to meals. Get creative and have fun with your food. If you feel like you aren’t getting enough and your body starts to feel off, visit your primary care physician. They will be able to help guide you in the right direction. Since over-the-counter vitamins aren’t regulated as much as they should be, always be cautious of what you buy and talk with your doctor if you are unsure.
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Rexburg Free Clinic
References
Media Team, A. O. A. (2019, July 19). Poll finds 86% of Americans take vitamins or Supplements yet only 21% have a confirmed nutritional deficiency. American Osteopathic Association. Retrieved September 14, 2021, from https://osteopathic.org/2019/01/16/poll-finds-86-of-americans-take-vitamins-or-supplements-yet-only-21-have-a-confirmed-nutritional-deficiency/.
Plus, M. (2021, March 11). Vitamins: Medlineplus medical encyclopedia. MedlinePlus. Retrieved September 15, 2021, from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002399.htm.