Vitamins play an important role in the normal growth, repair and development of the human body. The body's physiologic processes need 13 essential vitamins. These include vitamin A; B vitamins such as niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, biotin, pantothenic acid, folate, vitamin B-6 and vitamin B12; and vitamins C, D, E and K. Most of these important vitamins come from food. But certain health conditions and special diet plans may necessitate taking vitamin supplements to prevent deficiencies.
Maternal Care During Pregnancy
Vitamin supplementation is essential to maintain the optimum health of both the mother and her baby during the prenatal period. Folic acid, a type of B vitamin, helps prevent the occurrence of neural tube defects in the developing fetus. Neural tube defects are brain and spinal cord abnormalities that occur during the first month of pregnancy, a stage when most mothers are still unaware of their pregnancy. Vitamin supplementation also helps reduce the risk for low birth weight, a neonatal condition most commonly associated with respiratory distress, brain hemorrhage, intestinal problems and abnormal growth of blood vessels within the eyes.
Supplementation for Vegetarians
The vegetarian diet promotes eating foods from plant sources rather than those that come from animal sources. It is a healthy diet rich in fiber and other important vitamins and minerals. However, one of the loopholes of the vegetarianism is the deficiency in vitamin B-12, a vitamin needed for normal gene production, prevention of anemia and preservation of healthy nerve function. To correct this deficiency, vitamin B-12 supplementation is necessary for vegetarians.
Support for Elderly Patients
Most elderly patients get their essential vitamins from food sources. However, frail, home-bound, elderly patients with chronic diseases may need vitamin supplementation to prevent nutritional deficiencies associated with their health condition. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about one-third of elderly patients need some kind of vitamin supplementation to prevent vitamin deficiencies from occurring. Their inability to eat a regular, well-balanced diet and multiple medications may result in the development of vitamin deficiencies. Anticonvulsants, thyroid hormones, corticosteroids, laxatives, diuretics and some antibiotics may interfere with the normal absorption of vitamins, which necessitates vitamin replacement through supplementation.
Growth for Children
Vitamins play an important role in the normal growth of children. Pediatric patients who are picky eaters and children who have poor appetites or erratic diet preferences may need some kind of vitamin supplementation to prevent vitamin deficiencies. However, care must be taken in administering vitamin supplements to children. Over-the-counter supplements, when taken in excessive amounts, may result in possible toxicity. Always consult a pediatrician before giving any vitamin supplement to a child.
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