Getty Images
A bottle of nearly mummified Centrum Women Multigummies sits on my desk. The only time I remember to take the recommended two gummies is when my mother's shrill voice blasts through my phone's speaker. She's of the opinion that everyone should be taking at least a multivitamin.
I rarely think about my vitamin levels, and I suspect many people don't either. So when do our bodies need us to take our vitamins? While research suggests that they're not strictly necessary for the average person, supplements are helpful for those who need them.
Our bodies need vitamins for development and proper functioning. Most of the vitamins our bodies depend on come from our food. That means that the average American won't need to take vitamin supplements if they eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, proteins and whole grains.
However, that's not always the case. There are times when vitamin or mineral supplements are necessary. Dietary limitations or natural deficiencies can keep you from getting enough of certain vitamins. Iron, vitamin D, B12 and calcium are among the most common vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Unless you take an at-home test or get a blood analysis from your doctor, you don't know if you lack vitamins, making it harder to know when to start taking a supplement.
Being "vitamin deficient" is a broad term. In many cases, you may be lacking just one vitamin. Below you'll find the 13 essential vitamins and the common deficiency symptoms for each.
Vitamin A: Gastrointestinal diseases like Celiac disease or cirrhosis of the liver can impact the body's ability to absorb vitamin A as it should. The most common symptoms of a vitamin Adeficiency include frequent infections, skin irritation, night blindness or hazy vision.
Vitamin C: Typically, vitamin C deficiency is uncommon in developed countries. However, it does affect 7.1% of US adults. Vitamin C is crucial for collagen production in our bodies; its lack is linked to damaged skin and slow healing wounds. Easy bruising is one of the most common warning signs for this deficiency.
Vitamin D: Our bodies synthesize sunlight into vitamin D. It's essential for our immune health and has been linked to a lower risk of infection of COVID-19. A vitamin D deficiency can result in frequent illness, lower bone metabolism and muscle pain.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that protects your cells from damage. While it is rare in healthy people, a vitamin E deficiency contributes to nerve and muscle damage that can cause vision impairments or loss of feeling in your arms or legs.
Vitamin K: Vitamin K is essential for blood coagulation and cardiovascular health. It also plays a role in bone development. If you are deficient, you're at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, bleeding issues and lower bone strength. Vitamin K deficiency is generally rare in adults. Babies are at risk for vitamin K deficiency bleeding, or VKDB, though.
B Vitamins: There are eight B vitamins -- thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, biotin (B7), folate and folic acid and vitamin B12. Older adults and pregnant women tend to be more at risk for vitamin B deficiencies. Symptoms can include things like anemia, fatigue or weakness.
The vitamins our bodies need to grow and function change throughout our lives. As we age, our bodies become less effective at absorbing or producing certain vitamins. Below you can find nutritional needs by age group.
Baby formula is fortified with vitamins, so you do not need to worry about additional supplements if they have more than 500 milliliters of formula a day. In the case of vitamin D, breastfed babies do need an additional source. The Americans and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that babies who are breastfed also have a supplement of400 international units, or IU, of vitamin D each day. Vitamin D is not only essential for bone development, but it also prevents rickets.
Childhood is a time of significant physical growth and extreme cognitive development. The US government recommends supplements including vitamin A, C and D daily for children aged 6 months to 5 years old.
With increased growth and metabolism, the nutritional needs of adolescents and teens increase. Generally, the daily recommendation for kids aged 9 to 18 is at least 1,300 mg of calcium, 1.8 to 2.4 micrograms of B vitamins and 11 IU of vitamin E. The average teen can get their daily requirement from a healthy diet.
The Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board provides reference points for healthy children and adults. Remember, these numbers are based on averages. You should talk to your doctor if you suspect that your teen is experiencing a vitamin deficiency.
The National Institutes of Health suggests that the average adult needs around 1,000 milligramsof calcium each day to maintain bone density through adulthood. A supplement may be necessary during the fall and winter months when you cannot get an adequate amount of vitamin D from the sun. It's hard to get enough vitamin D from your diet.
Women and those breastfeeding are the most likely to have nutrient deficiencies when compared to other groups. Pregnancy shifts the nutritional needs of women -- more macronutrients and micronutrients are required. The CDC advises pregnant women to take 400 micrograms of folic acid each day to help prevent potential congenital disabilities.
Breastfeeding mothers have to produce enough nutrients to provide their children with what they need. As a result, the recommended vitamin A intake nearly doubles when breastfeeding to roughly 1,300 milligrams a day.
Parts of the elderly population are susceptible to vitamin deficiencies due to concerns related to trouble chewing or medical issues. In addition, as we age, our bodies naturally absorb less vitamin B12 from the foods we eat. Up to 43% of older adults have a B12 deficiency. People over 50 should take a vitamin B12 supplement or integrate fortified foods into their diets. Concentrated B12 shots are also available.
Calcium is another nutrient that our gut absorbs less as we age, which may lead to weak bones or frequent fractures. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that adults over 70 intake 1,200 mg of calcium each day.
In elders, vitamin deficiencies may mount on top of each other. A lack of calcium in the body is related to a vitamin D deficiency found in older adults as our bodies are less effective at producing it. Our bodies need vitamin D to absorb calcium.
Unless you lack certain vitamins, you probably don't need to take vitamins regularly, with the caveat that you are maintaining a well-balanced diet. Vitamins have benefits, but they are not a shortcut to a healthy lifestyle. Vitamins are just a piece of the puzzle used in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Spice up your small talk with the latest tech news, products and reviews. Delivered on weekdays.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
See original here:
When Do You Need to Start Taking Vitamins? - CNET
- Creatine and Caffeine: Benefits, Risks, Dosage - Health.com - April 16th, 2024 [April 16th, 2024]
- Fiber Supplements Are Once Again Popular But Pick The Right One | mindbodygreen - mindbodygreen - April 16th, 2024 [April 16th, 2024]
- The Ministry of Health Warns the Public Against Use of Food Supplements Manufactured by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical ... - Gov.il - April 16th, 2024 [April 16th, 2024]
- Study: Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements May Reduce Cancer Risk - Prevention Magazine - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Magnesium for Sleep: The Best Type, When to Take It and More - Good Housekeeping - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Food ingredients drive growth in beauty supplements - IngredientsNetwork.com - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Best Ozempic Weight Loss Alternative Supplements Money Can Buy (Top OTC Semaglutide Alternatives) - Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Can Fiber Help with Ozempic, Wegovy Side Effects? - Health.com - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Vitamin B12 and Magnesium: Benefits, Risks, Dosage - Health.com - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Taking a Daily Fiber Supplement Might Help Boost Brain Function in Older Adults - Health.com - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Moringa: Benefits, Side Effects And Risks Forbes Health - Forbes - October 22nd, 2023 [October 22nd, 2023]
- What to Know About California's New Law Banning Food Additives ... - Smithsonian Magazine - October 18th, 2023 [October 18th, 2023]
- How to Treat Iron Deficiency - The New York Times - October 18th, 2023 [October 18th, 2023]
- The Importance of Micronutrients for Optimal Health - Everyday Health - September 11th, 2023 [September 11th, 2023]
- How can companies stand out in the immune health category in 2023? - Nutritional Outlook - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- Kemin's BetaVia Pure immune and gut health ingredient gains ... - Nutritional Outlook - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- Steadfast Nutrition expands its portfolio with four supplements - Asia Food Journal - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- Martyn Ford Reveals Food & Supplements of 10000 Calorie Diet for ... - Fitness Volt - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- Nutrition & Longevity Experts Love This Metabolism Supplement ... - mindbodygreen - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- Ric Flair Reveals Diet, Training & Supplements to Stay Jacked at 74 ... - Fitness Volt - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- ADM licenses gut-health ingredient from Gnubiotics for pet food ... - Nutritional Outlook - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Global Sorbitol Market Report 2023: Increasing Demand for Non-medical Dietary Supplements Drives Growth - Yahoo Finance - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Fat-Soluble Vitamins: What They Are and How To Get the Most Out of Them - Health Essentials - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Six of the Best... food, treats & supplements - Dogs Today Magazine - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- 9 Anti-Inflammatory Supplements Backed By Science Forbes Health - Forbes - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Dietary Supplements Market Size to Reach Globally with Growing ... - Digital Journal - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- These 11 Vegan Vitamins Are Made With Fruits and Vegetables - VegNews - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Hemptown's Kirkman Subsidiary Named One of the 50 Most Admired Companies to Watch in 2023 - Yahoo Finance - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- What is biotin? Foods to eat and if you should take it every day - USA TODAY - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Best vitamins to be taking as seasons change, according to health expert - Daily Record - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- KITTEN YOGA RETURNS TO EAST BANK REGIONAL LIBRARY ... - Jefferson Parish - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- 8 Best Fiber Supplements of 2023, Tested by Experts - Good Housekeeping - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- FDA Passes the Buck (Back) to Congress for Legislative Solution on ... - JD Supra - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- The Wellness Trap: Break Free from Diet Culture, Disinformation, and Dubious Diagnoses, and Find Your True Well-Being - Next Big Idea Club Magazine - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Fruit And Vegetable Supplements: A 2023 Guide Forbes Health - Forbes - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- FDA: SARMs not worth the health risk 'for a few extra likes' - NutraIngredients-usa.com - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Are Melatonin Gummies Safe? Here's What (Kinda Scary) New Research Says - POPSUGAR - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- New paper discusses the rationale for proprietary blends in ... - Nutritional Outlook - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- The Best Brain Supplements For Cognitive Health Forbes Health - Forbes - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Protein powders: Are they bad for your health? - BBC - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- New Regulation on Turkish Food Codex Nutrition Claims Has Just ... - Lexology - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Selenium: Benefits, Side Effects, and More - Verywell Health - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- FDA Warns of Use of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators ... - FDA.gov - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Probiotic supplements may do the opposite of boosting Gut Health ... - WholeFoods Magazine - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- Do hangover supplements actually work? - Nutritional Outlook - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- Common Sense Health: Fish oil is the superhero of supplements - The Independent - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- Red yeast rice nutritional supplements health benefits, risks ... - Chicago Sun-Times - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- From forest to fork - All About Feed - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- Could Certain Foods Help With Hot Flashes? - The New York Times - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- Consumer interest in cognitive, immune health rising - Food Business News - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- 15 Best Vitamin Brands of 2022: A Dietitians Picks - February 24th, 2023 [February 24th, 2023]
- Dietary supplements for weight loss - Mayo Clinic - February 24th, 2023 [February 24th, 2023]
- Emergency Food Supplements | DSHS - Washington - December 28th, 2022 [December 28th, 2022]
- Guidance & Regulation (Food and Dietary Supplements) | FDA - December 25th, 2022 [December 25th, 2022]
- Food Labeling & Nutrition | FDA - December 25th, 2022 [December 25th, 2022]
- Health & Food Supplements Information Service - HSIS - November 21st, 2022 [November 21st, 2022]
- Food Security Community Food Security Coalition - November 21st, 2022 [November 21st, 2022]
- Expert Voices: Diet and Nutrition for People With Parkinson's... - Parkinson's News Today - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- The regulatory state of play of the sports and active nutrition sector - NutraIngredients.com - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- The Digestive Health Supplements Market Is Set To Grow At A More Than 9% Rate Due To Rising Cases Of Digestive Diseases As Per The Business Research... - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- FSAI highlights incidents, recalls and fraud in its annual report - Food Safety News - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- Global Cannabidiol Legalization Trend to Shape the CBD Market's Future Growth - PR Newswire - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- The FoodNavigator Podcast: Mood food for mental wellbeing how can the industry capitalise? - FoodNavigator.com - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- 6 Ways to Find Relief from Your Menopause Symptoms - Health Essentials - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- NutraCast: How amendments in the 2023 Farm Bill could shape the hemp industry - NutraIngredients-usa.com - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- South Korea starts year-long inspection of probiotics imported from US, Europe - NutraIngredients-Asia - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- Nveda employs a variety of dietary supplements made of natural ingredients for a fit and healthy life - The Hindu - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- Vitamin C Market to See Healthy Growth of USD 1,899.69 Million with Excellent Compound Annual Growth Rate of 7.60% by 2029, Size, Opportunities,... - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- Global Microalgae Market to Reach $1.3 Billion by 2027 - GlobeNewswire - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- Dietary supplements that are safe to take, which to avoid: experts - Insider - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- 6 Best Fiber Supplements That Will Keep Your Gut Happy - CNET - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Do You Actually Need To Take A Multivitamin? The Answer May Surprise You - The Zoe Report - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Global overview for probiotics: Trends, markets, and harmonization - Regulatory Focus - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Combining Your Medication With This May Have "Life-Threatening Effects" - Best Life - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Aroma-Zone opens a new store in Paris and prepares to grow abroad - Premium beauty - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Fertility Supplements And Vitamins For Women: What You Need To Know - Forbes - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- ITA offers webinar focusing on supplements and informed decision-making (part 1) - IHF - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Awards recognize the latest innovative pet food products - Pet Food Processing - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- On-mind and on-trend: formulating products for cognitive well-being - Nutraceutical Business Review - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- The #1 Sign You're Taking "Too Many Vitamins" Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That - September 7th, 2022 [September 7th, 2022]