In this article we will be discussing a very common question: vitamins function in the human body.
Are You Getting What You Need?
What Are Vitamins?
It is also an essential nutrient that the body may need to get from food. There are currently 13 recognized vitamins.
Fat-Soluble And Water-Soluble Vitamins
We describe both types below: Fat-soluble vitamins Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble.
The body stores fat-soluble vitamins in fatty tissue and the liver, and reserves of these vitamins can stay in the body for days and sometimes months. Water-soluble vitamins Water-soluble vitamins do not stay in the body for long and cannot be stored. Because of this, people need a more regular supply of water-soluble vitamins than fat-soluble ones.
Vitamin C and all the B vitamins are water-soluble . Vitamin supplements Many people in the United States take multivitamins and other supplements, though these may not be necessary or helpful, according to research . A balanced, varied diet that contains plenty of fruits and vegetables should be the primary source of vitamins.
The Department of Health and Human Services provide up-to-date guidelines detailing the best ways to get enough nutrients from the diet. Fortified foods and supplements may be appropriate in some cases, however, such as during pregnancy, for people with restricted diets, and for people with specific health issues. Anyone taking supplements should be careful not to exceed the maximum dose, as research shows that taking too much of any vitamin can lead to health problems.
Also, some medications can interact with vitamin supplements. Overall, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before trying any supplement.
When Is The Best Time To Take Supplements?
Function
There are 13 essential vitamins. This means that these vitamins are required for the body to work properly. The four fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins A, D, E, and K. These vitamins are absorbed more easily by the body in the presence of dietary fat.
Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body. Any leftover or excess amounts of these leave the body through the urine. They have to be consumed on a regular basis to prevent shortages or deficiencies in the body.
The exception to this is vitamin B12, which can be stored in the liver for many years. Some vitamin-like nutrients are also needed by the body such a.