Are you getting
all your vitamins?
by Jeff Lakie
Far from the Flintstones shapes
many of us chewed as kids, adult vitamins provide nutrients needed
by a full-grown body. While vitamins are abundant in many foods,
many adults do not follow diets that provide all of the vitamins
and nutrients needed; a supplement can help augment our daily
intake.
Like children, adults need certain vitamins to help our bodies
function properly. Vitamins can also help prevent certain types
of diseases. For example, vitamin D helps strengthen bones and
reduce risk of osteoporosis. Vitamin A enhances vision, and vitamin
C helps fight colds. Vitamin B can give us energy, which is certainly
necessary in today's busy world. And vitamin E helps skin stay
taut, which is definitely a bonus as we begin to age.
Some vitamins are fat-soluble, while others are water-soluble.
The first type of vitamins is stored until the body can use the
nutrients. These include vitamins A, D, E, and K. The latter type
directly enters the blood stream, and what isn't used is excreted
through the urine. These vitamins-vitamins B and C, in particular-need
to constantly be replenished.
If you are not into popping pills, there are indeed ways to up
your vitamin intake by adjusting your diet. These foods are high
in vitamins:
Vitamin A
Eggs, milk, carrots, spinach, nectarines, canteloupe, apricots,
sweet potatoes
B Vitamins
(There are several types of B vitamins)
Whole grains, seafood, meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products, green
leafy vegetables, beans, peas, citrus fruits
Vitamin C
Citrus fruits, canteloupe, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage
Vitamin D
Dairy products, fish, egg yolks
Vitamin E
Whole grains, green leafy vegetables, nuts, egg yolks, sardines
Vitamin K
Green leafy vegetables, dairy products, pork, green leafy vegetables
If you are able to get the vitamins you need directly from the
foods you eat, you will benefit most greatly. If not, there are
many multi-vitamins available over the counter that will help
you reach your nutritional needs. Getting the vitamins and minerals
we need is critical to maintaining good health as we get older.
Those chewable vitamins you took as a child started the job; it
is your responsibility to maintain it!
Jeff Lakie is the founder of
Vitamins Information a website providing information on Vitamins
and supplements
