Getting enough whole food vitamin and minerals can be a challenge for most people. For many people, this challenge is amplified when they are not able to eat certain foods or because they are not able to eat a wide variety of foods. To achieve the nutrient needs of the body, many people opt to buy supplements. It is possible to get most of the vitamins and minerals you need from a whole food diet. Whole food sources are preferable because they are rich in nutrients and contain fiber that helps with digestion. However, this can be difficult for many people to do. Fortunately, there are many whole food vitamin supplements available.
What are whole food vitamins?
Whole food vitamins are the nutritional building blocks found in a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods. These vitamins and minerals can be obtained through a healthy, balanced diet. Unfortunately, this can be difficult for many people with limited access to certain foods. For these people, it might be necessary to take vitamin supplements.
Different dietary supplements contain different amounts of vitamins and minerals. For example, multivitamins may only provide a handful of vitamins while a vitamin-enriched food may provide many more vitamins and minerals. A whole food vitamin supplement is a supplement that gives you the vitamins and minerals found in food. This means that it contains vitamins and minerals that come from natural ingredients. Because they come from food, these vitamins and minerals are easily absorbed by the body.
Which vitamins and minerals do you need?
Vitamins are essential nutrients that help your body perform specific tasks. These vitamins include: B Vitamins: B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (asparagine), B9 (folate), B12 (cobalamin) and B19 (piridoxal)
Minerals are essential for building and repairing tissue and organs. These minerals include: Calcium, Chlorine, Chromium, Copper, Manganese, Magnesium, Molybdenum, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium, Sodium, Sulphur and Vitamins A, D, E, K, and B
Which brands of vitamins and minerals should you buy?
When looking for a whole food vitamin supplement, you will want to make sure that it contains the right vitamins and minerals. Read the label carefully. Some vitamins and minerals can be found in multivitamin supplements—especially B vitamins and minerals—so it is important to check the label to make sure you are getting the right supplement.
It is also important to find a vitamin or mineral that fits your dietary needs and your budget. Some people may have to spend a little more for a vitamin supplement that contains a less common vitamin or mineral. For example, someone who needs more vitamin D might have to spend a little bit more on a vitamin D supplement than someone who does not need as much vitamin D.
Side effects of taking vitamin supplements
Vitamin supplements are taken by millions of people each year. However, it is important to keep in mind that vitamin supplements are not the same thing as a diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
Therefore, it is important to understand the potential side effects of vitamin supplements. For example, vitamin A toxicity can cause an increase in blood pressure, diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, as well as an increase in liver enzymes.
Another side effect of vitamin A is that it can damage the retina of the eye, causing temporary or permanent loss of vision. It is important to discuss any vitamin supplements that you are taking with your doctor.
Should you take a multivitamin?
In some cases, it is helpful to take a vitamin-enriched multivitamin. A vitamin-enriched multivitamin can help to fill in any gaps in your diet that may be lacking a certain vitamin or mineral.
However, there are many downsides to taking a multivitamin. One major concern with a multivitamin is that it may not provide all the vitamins and minerals that the body needs.
A multivitamin can often contain a few vitamins, such as B vitamins or vitamin C, but it will almost always contain less of a few key minerals, such as manganese, chromium, and zinc.
Summary
There are many benefits to obtaining vitamins and minerals from whole food sources. Whole food sources are rich in nutrients and fiber, and they are also usually low in calories. Whole food vitamins are easily obtained through a balanced diet.
Some people may need to take vitamin supplements, but they should select a whole food vitamin supplement that fits their dietary needs. The most important thing to remember is to discuss any vitamin supplements that you are taking with your doctor.
