The Facts about Multivitamins

Submitted by Loring A. Windblad on December 23, 2009

Multivitamins Means Multi-Nutrition

In order to stay healthy and function well, the body requires a certain amount of vitamins every day. Vitamins are essentially chemical compounds that are present in various foods. They aid in the regulation of chemical reactions that are necessary for the conversion of food into energy. They also help the body in the proper utilization of nutrients and in the maintenance of body tissue. Vitamins form an important part of a balanced diet and if the vitamin requirements of the body are not met, serious conditions can develop.

Vitamin deficiencies occur when the body severely lacks vitamins.

Such deficiencies are caused due to improper dietary habits, insufficient exposure to the sun, stress and unhealthy habits such as the excessive consumption of alcohol. Disorders that affect the body’s absorption of vitamins such as liver and intestinal conditions can also result in deficiencies.

The intake of certain medication can also interfere with the proper absorption of vitamins. Chronic health disruptions and a constant feeling of sluggishness are most likely to occur when vitamin deficiencies develop. In the absence of sufficient vitamins, the body is ill-equipped to combat infection.

In addition, muscle and bone damage cannot be repaired without vitamins.

There are thirteen vitamins that are required by the body. Few of these are produced by the body itself such as biotin and vitamin K, while the rest are acquired through the diet.

Vitamin A helps in the health of the skin and mucus membranes, aids in good vision and protects the skin from sunburn and infection. It is contained in foods such as milk, carrots, pumpkin and dark green vegetables. Vitamin B1 helps in encouraging appetite and digestion. It is obtained from meat, fish, eggs, poultry and leafy vegetables. Vitamin B2 is essential for health of the skin, lips and tongue. It is present in eggs, poultry, cod liver oil and milk.

Lack of the vitamin B3 can result in pellagra. Vitamin C is necessary for proper development of the tissues, blood vessels, teeth and bones. It can be derived from foods such as lemon, oranges, grapefruit, lettuce, cauliflower and tomatoes. Vitamin D is required for healthy bones, teeth and muscles and is formed when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin E aids in proper formation of red blood cells. It is contained in peanuts, coconut, whole grain cereals and soya beans. Vitamin K aids in blood coagulation and is absorbed from foods such as dark green vegetables, lettuce and spinach.