The Importance Of Taking Vitamins

If you fail to eat a balanced diet that consists of fruits, vegetables, fish and lean meats, you may need vitamin supplements. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 40 percent of men and women in America use multivitamins as a dietary supplement. Vitamins are organic compounds found in food that help the body grow, develop and function properly. Check with your physician to determine the best vitamin supplement for your health needs.

Types of Vitamins

There are 13 vitamins that are required by the body that are classified as either fat- or water- soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E and K, dissolve in fat and can be stored in the body, while water-soluble vitamins such as C, B-6, B-12, folate, niacin and riboflavin need water to be absorbed. In addition, water-soluble vitamins cannot be stored; instead, excess amounts are released when you urinate.

Energy

Metabolic reactions in the body require energy, and vitamins play a key role in these processes. This is particularly important when your body extracts energy from the foods you eat. For example, thiamin, niacin and riboflavin are all essential in turning carbohydrates and other foods into energy. Having energy to meet the body's needs is important for growing children and teens who are more likely to eat less nutritious meals.

Deficiencies

Taking vitamins can prevent deficiencies, which can cause serious health effects. For example, some diseases such as liver disease, cystic fibrosis and Crohn's disease can disrupt the body's ability to absorb vitamin E, which is important for the immune system and other metabolic functions. A lack of vitamin B-6 and B-12 can cause anemia, and people who are deficient in vitamin K may have problems forming blood clots.

Prevention

Vitamins help ward off certain diseases. For example, vitamins C and D are important for maintaining healthy teeth and bones. Vitamin D also helps the body absorb calcium, which prevents osteoporosis. Antioxidants such as vitamins A, E and C and beta carotene not only boost the immune system, but they also provide protection against free radicals, which are produced during the breakdown of food and other toxins in the environment.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women can benefit from vitamin supplements, which are necessary to maintain the mother's health and support proper growth and development of the fetus. For instance, prenatal vitamins that contain folic acid are important prior to getting pregnant and during the first few weeks of pregnancy. This B-vitamin helps prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.