Overview

A vitamin is an organic compound required as a nutrient in tiny amounts by an organism. A compound is called a vitamin when it cannot be synthesized in sufficient quantities by an organism, and must be obtained from the diet. Thus, the term is conditional both on the circumstances and the particular organism. For example, ascorbic acid functions as vitamin C for some animals but not others, and vitamins D and K are required in the human diet only in certain circumstances.

Vitamins are classified by their biological and chemical activity, not their structure. Thus, each "vitamin" actually refers to a number of vitamer compounds, which form a set of distinct chemical compounds that show the biological activity of a particular vitamin. Such a set of chemicals are grouped under an alphabetized vitamin "generic descriptor" title, such as "vitamin A," which (for example) includes retinal, retinol, and many carotenoids. Vitamers are often inter-convertible in the body. The term vitamin does not include other essential nutrients such as dietary minerals, essential fatty acids, or essential amino acids, nor does it encompass the large number of other nutrients that promote health but are otherwise required less often.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

How to Know if You Need Vitamin Supplements

Taking vitamin and mineral supplements is probably one of the most controversial issues in connection with a healthy way of life. The lack of vitamins in your diet can be unhealthy, but too many vitamins can also use your health at risk. So, how do you know if the vitamin and mineral supplements is necessary for you? Ask yourself the following questions to determine whether you may need vitamin supplements for a healthier lifestyle:



  1. Am I much stress? If you are constantly stressed by work, relationships, family or in a different situation, your adrenal glands can be overtime. This may lead to fatigue and headaches.

    treatment: vitamin B complex, vitamin E and vitamin C can help with this added problem.

  2. Is My Immune System Up to Par? You find yourself constantly the Fang of colds and flu more frequently than others? You may need to strengthen your immune system with vitamins and minerals, the nutrients needed to combat this viruses.

    treatment: vitamin C supplement, zinc and manganese, the trick.

  3. Do I smoke? I am sure that you are aware that this habit is unhealthy, but the smoke consumed vitamin C and puts you at a higher risk of osteoporosis.

    treatment: vitamin C and calcium Added surcharges will help reduce your chances of osteoporosis and provide you with adequate amount of vitamin C.

  4. Am I pregnant? and hormonal pregnant women are often not in vitamin B - 6 If you do not get enough of this vitamin may be harmful to you and your baby.

    treatment: Take a vitamin B-6 supplement, but make sure not to take doses of more than 500mg per day without a doctor recommendation.

  5. Am I on a diet? If you are on a low-carb, low fat or any form of food will probably not receiving the vitamins necessary for a healthy life. Individuals on the dietary habits very rarely eat foods from all major groups of food, and if they do, they do not usually eat the necessary amounts.

    treatment: Depending on the type of feed and food, you eat, you may request that a multi-vitamin supplements or special supplements of vitamin A, B, C, D, E and K.

Answering yes to any of the above questions does not necessarily mean that vitamins and minerals are essential for a healthy lifestyle. The above situations are only a guideline to help individuals who already feel as if they are lacking the vitamins and minerals in their diet. It is important to remember that vitamin supplements are to accompany food and are in no way meant as a substitute for a healthy diet.

Health-related information changes frequently, and during each attempt has been made to the content in this Article is up to date and accurate, you should always check with a doctor or nutrition expert, before any substantial change in diet or lifestyle.

 

Jeff Matson is an avid health enthusiast who owned and operated his own natural health food store. Now retired, Jeff spends his time keeping fit, walking marathons and writing articles as a contributing editor for http://www.vitamin-insight.com – a site that offers information on vitamins like Vitamin C.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Matson

1 comments:

Kim Gail said...

What a nice overview!! I have come to know various new facts about health supplements through your post!!