With a culture of fast foods taking over, people are taken to deteriorating diets and nutrition. Over 60-70% of the human population is dependent on supplements to retain healthy vitamin and mineral levels in their bodies. With such alarming statistics, one needs to know which essential vitamins to take.
While most people acquire essential minerals from foods, others rely on supplements to treat their disorders. Companies like Viridian formulate multivitamin blends to cater to busy consumers. With a range of vitamins on the market, deciding which ones you need is difficult. Worry not because this guide helps you figure out exactly which vitamins you may need to aid with specific body functions.
Vitamin D
Bone strength and health are among the first to deteriorate with age, and it can be difficult to peg weak bones on a Vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D is crucial in calcium absorption from Ca-rich foods, and without it, one does not have enough calcium in the blood for the mineralisation of bones.
Knee and shin pain are the first signs of mild Vitamin D deficiency. As the disorder progresses, one may deal with osteoporosis and frequent broken bones due to bone weakness.
Vitamin B-12
B-12 plays an integral role in multiple body processes ranging from DNA replication to muscle health. A deficiency in B-12 can have far-reaching and disconnected symptoms. Fatigue, depression, yellowish skin, mouth inflammation, and pain are signs of a lack of B-12.
Vegans are susceptible to contracting deficiency disorders since most sources of B-12 are meat and poultry-based.
Most of these symptoms are unrelated, and the disorder is relatively difficult to diagnose. Fortunately, most multivitamin blends contain B-12.
Vitamin A
Night-blindless and frequent respiratory infections all point to a Vitamin A deficiency. The vitamin is responsible for eye and skin health and plays an integral role in strengthening the immune system. Without it, a barrage of health complications follows.
However, it is relatively easy to notice and rectify a Vitamin A deficiency. Issues related to eyesight usually call for higher Vitamin A intake, and the symptoms are related to the vitamin’s functions.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential player in blood sugar regulation and muscle control. Experts also believe that it helps in reducing stress and sleep disorders. When the body has low Magnesium levels, it presents with tremors, muscle spasms, and poor coordination. Moreover, patients also lose their appetite, making it difficult to regain normal Mg levels. As an essential mineral, it is present in most multivitamin blends, like those by Viridian.
Iron
An iron deficiency can lead to anaemia or the lack of a healthy amount of red blood cells. Red blood cells are the main components of blood that help in oxygen transfer throughout the body. Without an adequate number of RBCs, the body and its organs do not receive sufficient oxygen.
The lack of adequate oxygen leaves patients feeling weak and disoriented. Most people with iron deficiencies also faint frequently.
Anaemia has different root causes, and it is advisable to visit a medical professional to determine if an iron deficiency is a cause.
Zinc
A zinc deficiency is relatively critical. The mineral is crucial in aiding growth and development. When a body is deficient in zinc, one notices growth retardation, impotence, and delayed sexual maturation. Moreover, these deficiencies can cause skin and especially painful eye lesions.
Fortunately, zinc is present in several multivitamin blends, and one can obtain them from spinach.
Conclusion
While milder deficiency disorders are treatable with supplements, others require additional treatment. It is advisable to visit a medical professional if symptoms are severe.
Supplements may interfere with medications, and it is advisable to never exceed the recommended dosage on labels.
Alison Lurie is a farmer of words in the field of creativity. She is an experienced independent content writer with a demonstrated history of working in the writing and editing industry. She is a multi-niche content chef who loves cooking new things.