Put simply, vitamins are organic substances needed in the body for survival, completing a variety of metabolic processes. Different vitamins are needed for different functions. Vitamin A is essential in eyesight. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and regulation. B-complex vitamins are involved in energy and metabolism, and vitamin C is needed for healthy immune function. Vitamins are available from fresh and whole foods, or from supplements.
Step 1
Eat a variety of fresh, whole foods. Vitamins found in food are of the best quality and are most readily absorbed. No better way exists to get essential vitamins than from a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and protein.
Step 2
If you find you need to take a supplement, choose one that is sourced from food, instead of synthetically produced. Read bottle labels carefully to determine this. Vitamins that are natural and not manufactured are more readily recognized and absorbed in the body. Take food-sourced vitamins along with a meal to further increase your body's ability to absorb them.
When purchasing supplements, if the label is not clear whether the product is sourced from food or synthetic, normally this indicates it's synthetic. However, do not hesitate to speak with a supplement specialist at the retailer where you buy vitamins. If the retailer is not able to supply you with adequate information, research the manufacturer online and try to find contact information. If you are to be 100 percent sure of where your vitamins are sourced from, you might need to contact the company to get confirmation.
Step 3
Check the shelf-life expiration date of your current vitamins and consider how they have been stored. Although it does not hurt the body to ingest expired vitamins, respect their given shelf life when concerned with their quality. Furthermore, consider whether the vitamins have been exposed frequently to light, heat, oxygen or moisture and take those conditions into consideration. Vitamins stored in a bathroom or kitchen are likely to expire sooner than those stored in a cool, dry and dark place.
Tips and Warnings
- Ask a supplement specialist at your vitamin store for advice that is specific to a brand or vitamin manufacturer.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamins Overview
- Colorado State University: Vitamins
- Stanford Education: The Consumer Guide to Multivitamins
- ''Staying Healthy With Nutrition: The Complete Guide to Diet and Nutritional Medicine''; Dr. Elson Haas; 2006
- ''Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements''; Michael Murray; 1996
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