Vitamins are essential for the growth and development of the body. They are organic substances that act as catalysts in a number of body functions such as metabolism, synthesis of hormones, neurotransmitters, cell growth etc. They are not involved directly in the release of energy in the body but play a significant role at the backend. The body cannot carry any of its normal functions in the absence of any of the vitamins. They are required in an adequate quantity by the body for sustaining a long and healthy life. Vitamins cannot be absorbed without ingesting food. One requires a variety of foods in each meal to meet the recommended Dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamins on a daily basis. The body is incapable of manufacturing them or cannot make adequate amounts, thus, they must be taken in the form of
vitamin supplements.
Vitamins help regulate the body’s metabolism, assist in the formation of bones and tissues and help in the synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
Vitamin supplements are the latest rage in the health and fitness industry owing to the fact that all the vitamins cannot be taken in regular meals without eating a variety of foods. These supplements are available in the form of tablets, capsules, gels and liquids. They can be taken routinely in fixed doses depending upon the specific needs of your body. Before taking any nutrient supplements, you must consult a registered medical practitioner in order to determine if it is required by your body or not. You must also consider any ailments or diseases you might be prone to before taking any product such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, depression, asthma, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, anxiety or stress related disorders, arthritis, liver or kidney infection, gastrointestinal problems etc. You also need to take your present medical condition, family health history and allergies into consideration before taking additional nutrients. For instance, if you are pregnant, your vitamin intake might be more than that of a normal adult whereas, if you are shedding hair, you might require a particular vitamin to stop hair fall.
You must also try to avoid taking certain vitamins if you are on a specific medication as it might result in harmful reactions. It is also recommended that you follow the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) dosage or one suggested by a physician. Taking certain vitamins in excess can lead to a number of side effects such as irregular heartbeat, digestive disorders, nausea, vomiting, headaches, anxiety, restlessness, toxicity, renal stones, liver damage etc.
Vitamin Supplements are also required in large quantities by older people. This is because the process of ageing reduces the body’s capability to absorb adequate amounts of vitamins from various foods. Children too, need sufficient vitamins and other nutrients on a daily basis. To meet the RDA of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, one needs to eat a variety of foods on a daily basis which is not possible. Therefore, it is essential to supplement the essential nutrients to avoid any deficiencies that can interfere with the process of growth and development in children leading to far reaching impacts at a later stage in life.
The supplements market is loaded with a variety of vitamin products specifically designed keeping in mind the needs of different individuals. You can find nutritional supplements for children, older people, pregnant women, those trying to recover from a long term illness or injury. You can also find supplements for individuals suffering from osteoporosis, hair loss, wrinkles, fatigue, pre menstrual syndrome and infertility.
It is important to consider the contents of any supplement before taking it. Taking the right supplements in an adequate quantity can help augment the process of repair of the daily wear and tear of the body, enhance cell growth, metabolism and immunity. Vitamins help reduce stress and increase the body’s capacity to fight the free radicals that can have a harmful effect on the body such as cigarette smoke, pollution, ingestion of fats through junk foods etc.
Digg 
Delicious
reditt
Stumble Upon
