The Impact Of Vitamins And Minerals On The Human Body?

Vitamins and minerals are the nutrients that feed the cells, blood, muscles, and organs within the body. These nutrients give the body strength to perform basic and necessary functions like pumping blood to the heart. The body collects vitamins and nutrients through food and water. However, many people do not have a well-balanced diet and don’t receive the right amount of daily nutrients. Dietary supplements provide an alternative source of vitamins and minerals for people who need additional nutrition.

The difference between fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins

Fat-soluble and water-soluble refer to the process of storing and metabolizing different types of vitamins. The body stockpiles fat-soluble vitamins within fatty tissue and organs like the liver. These vitamins, such as D and E, are found in the natural fats and oils present in foods. The body can store fat-soluble vitamins for long periods. Water-soluble vitamins get absorbed into the bloodstream, and excess vitamins are expelled through bodily waste. These vitamins do not stay in the body for long and must be replenished daily. Dietary supplements help the body consistently receive and store these nutrients.

Can dietary supplements improve a person’s health?

Usually, people take dietary supplements as a health aid. These people need nutritional help due to a lack of vitamins and minerals from food. These people may also have certain health conditions that affect the body’s ability to process certain foods and retain nutrition. Dietary supplements are also helpful during pregnancy when women need extra nutrients to feed a growing fetus. Therefore, dietary supplements provide people with essential nutrients that help the body perform basic functions.

Essential supplements that anyone can take

Patients interested in taking supplements may not be sure where to start. Some basic supplements to get started with are fish oil, folic acid, vitamin D, and magnesium. Most of these supplements are available in pill form. Supplements like fish oil are available in capsule form and should be taken with meals to limit side effects. Fish oil can also be added to smoothies and juice or applied topically.

What are some of the benefits of vitamin D, folic acid, and magnesium supplements?

Vitamin D is a vitamin and hormone that directly impacts bone development and health. People receive vitamin D through dairy products and exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D helps the human body process the mineral calcium, which is a building block of bones, teeth, and muscle. Folic acid is crucial to fetal development and important for women during pregnancy. The mineral magnesium helps to regulate the immune system, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and nerve and muscle function. Magnesium also contributes to bone health.

Discussing supplements with a professional

Before adding supplements to a daily routine, speak to a medical professional. A healthcare provider will be able to educate the patient on dietary supplements as well as identify any vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Pharmacists can also evaluate a patient to determine what supplements should be taken and how these supplements will impact the patient’s overall health.