Vitamins nourish all aspects of your body including your hair, skin, organs, blood and bones. Without vitamins, your body would not function properly. Certain vitamin deficiencies can cause a lot of symptoms ranging from sore bones and muscles to weak teeth, thinning skin and stomach pain. Eating a well-balanced diet can help ensure that your body receives all the nutrients it needs. If you have concerns about your vitamin intake, voice these concerns with your physician.
Categories
Vitamins fall into two categories, water-soluble and fat-soluble.
Your body can only store fat-soluble vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins are filtered out of your system every time you urinate. Some vitamins, such as iron, stored in fat can buildup over time and become toxic if you consume too much. It's important to replenish water-soluble vitamins on a daily basis so that you do not develop a deficiency.
The Role of Vitamins
Each and every vitamin known to man serves a purpose, according to HelpGuide. Vitamins help protect and boost your immune system as well as repair DNA, support bone growth and healthy organ functions. Without certain vitamins, such as iron, your blood would not be able to carry oxygen to other cells and tissues within your body. It's important to note that taking a vitamin supplement does not pardon an unhealthy diet, nor does it make an adequate substitute for fresh fruits and vegetables. HelpGuide states that vitamin supplements should only be used as a safeguard to ensure your body is receiving micronutrients that may not have been consumed.
Who Needs Supplements?
While you should get your vitamins and minerals from the foods you eat, it may be necessary for you to take a multivitamin or vitamin supplement. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, have a special diet such as vegetarian or have a medical condition that hinders the absorption of vitamins, you may need to take a vitamin supplement. Avoid taking a vitamin supplement without talking to your health care provider first. Tell your health care provider about your eating habits and if you're following a special diet or have known medical conditions that could hinder the effects of vitamins.
Vitamin Deficiency and Overdose
If your diet lacks certain nutrients on a regular basis, it is possible to develop a vitamin deficiency. Depending upon the severity of the deficiency, the effects could range from moderate to severe. You may experience fatigue, weak brittle bones and teeth, dry hair and skin, vision problems and bruise easily. Vitamins can also buildup in your system overtime. Vitamin overdose is usually due to taking supplements and getting too much of a particular vitamin or due to a hereditary condition such as hemochromatosis -- a disorder characterized by too much iron absorption from the intestinal tract that creates severe fatigue.
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