Vitamins help to ensure that adequate nutrition is obtained to help the body function at optimal health. Vitamins are taken either in a daily multivitamin or by taking individual vitamin supplements on the recommended schedule. Vitamins are helpful for anyone whose daily diet does not provide a wide range of healthy foods, notes MayoClinic.com. Always talk to a doctor before beginning treatment with vitamins.
Create Collagen
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) helps to create collagen in the body. It also helps the body to absorb iron, notes MayoClinic.com. Taking a vitamin C supplement helps to prevent the disease scurvy. This serious illness sometimes causes death.
Limit Cell Damage
Vitamin E is an antioxidant and works to limit cell damage from free radicals circulating in the body, which are from smoking, radiation, or arise in the food digestion process, notes the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Vitamin E is also typically used due to liver disease, Cohn's disease and cystic fibrosis. If blood thinners are in use, vitamin E supplements are dangerous. Check with a doctor to ensure that it is safe to take vitamin E.
Build Energy
There are a wide range of B vitamins. A combination supplement of a pill containing numerous B vitamins helps improve overall health. B1 and B2 work to build energy, B3 works to maintain health of the nervous and digestive systems, B5 helps the growth process, B6 builds strong red blood cells, B7 stimulates hormone growth, B9 helps the body create red blood cells and B12 helps regulate function of the nervous system, according to the American Cancer Society.
Maintain Health
Vitamins will be helpful when a low-calorie diet is underway, notes MayoClinic.com. If the diet does not include many vegetables, fruits or meat, a daily vitamin will fill the gaps to ensure all needed vitamins and minerals are obtained to prevent disease. Any low-calorie diet should be supervised by a physician, so you can get advice about which vitamin supplements are necessary to maintain good health.
Healthy Pregnancy
Pregnant women take vitamins to boost their health and ensure that the developing fetus also gets adequate vitamins and minerals, notes MayoClinic.com. An iron supplement is often suggested for women who are pregnant or who are planning for a pregnancy. Prenatal visits typically include information about proper nutrition and vitamins to have a healthy pregnancy.
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