Vitamins are a crucial part of healthy living. But if you take more than your body needs, it can be dangerous.
When we spend less time in the sun, people tend to replenish their vitamin levels with vitamin supplements. And even though sometimes supplements can be helpful, you have to be careful with how many you take.
Apparently it?s too much of a good thing
A great deal of effort goes into creating a supplement that is effective, but it can be easy to get caught up in the hype and miss out on what are actually good for you. The best way to start is with a good multivitamin, but don’t rule out the more complex supplements that contain ingredients like zinc and selenium.
Taking your vitamins is important for many reasons, including the fact that they are an inexpensive and convenient way to ensure that you’re getting all of the nutrients your body needs. Plus, it’s a great way to boost your immune system and improve your overall health.
One of the most impressive things about a vitamin is that it can be found in a variety of foods and beverages, from fruits and vegetables to cereals and dairy products. Despite their popularity, many people find it difficult to include vitamins in their diets. The key is to find a daily supplement that works with your lifestyle and dietary habits.
Water-Soluble Vitamins
Vitamins are essential nutrients that play a role in a variety of body systems. They are found in foods and are needed in very small amounts for good health.
Some of the vitamins that are water-soluble include thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. They also belong to the group of B complex vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folate).
Water-soluble B vitamins are used as coenzymes for synthesis of specific proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and lipids in the body. They also help produce energy and provide other metabolic functions in the body.
One of the most important water-soluble vitamins is vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, which helps prevent many diseases and illnesses. It is a vital nutrient that can be found in fruits and vegetables such as peppers, strawberries, and cabbage family vegetables.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
If you eat a healthy diet filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, meats, fish, lean protein and a variety of other foods, you’re likely getting all the vitamins your body needs. But you may be consuming too much of certain types of vitamins, and that can have negative consequences.
Fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin E, dissolve in fats and are absorbed by fat globules that travel through the small intestine and into the bloodstream. They can’t be excreted through the urine, so excesses build up in the body and can be toxic.
Vitamin A is a pro-vitamin that contributes to immune and cellular function, helps form bones and teeth, and keeps the intestines working properly. Vitamin D is important for bone health, while vitamin E helps fight infection and maintains red blood cells. And vitamin K is essential for blood clotting. These four nutrients are vital for good health, and if you don’t get enough, you might experience symptoms such as poor bone or tooth formation, a weak immune system, and a greater risk of certain diseases.
Mega-Doses
While vitamins can be toxic in large amounts, they’re typically safe when taken in the right doses. However, you shouldn’t take megadoses of some of them without a doctor’s supervision.
Vitamin C, for example, is a water-soluble antioxidant that can be beneficial to your immune system. It can prevent viral respiratory infections by reducing the damage that infection causes to your cells.
In addition, high doses of vitamin C can help you burn fat and reduce inflammation. It can also ease arthritis and improve your mood.
The only exception is vitamin A, which can be a bit toxic in large amounts. People who eat liver or fish liver oil have been known to become sick from taking too much vitamin A, so it’s best to avoid these sources.
