by Anne Arsenault

Created on: September 23, 2007

In all living things, including us, vitamins must be present for life to exist. Less than twenty vitamins have been discovered so far. Each one, no matter how little is needed, is required for proper growth and health. Most of these vitamins cannot be made by the body; they must come through diet and supplements. If the diet is lacking in any one of these, your health will slowly suffer, as it affects the cells first. Vitamins can be either water soluble, or fat soluble. Different people will require differing amounts of each according to genetics, diet, exercise, stress level and other everyday habits.

Diet can either add or deplete vitamins in the body. Many of our foods, including fruits and veggies are vitamin-mineral depleted, because of unhealthy soils, being picked before ripening and long transporting times. Many of the substances we consume can rob the body of these vitamins and minerals: caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, birth control pills, sugars and white flour products. So not only do we not eat healthy foods, we eat foods that further take vitamins from our body.
Each vitamin plays its important part on a cellular level, when one or more is missing, the cell can still function, it just functions slower and slower; eventually dieing. When enough cells are affected, the organs and tissues begin to show it.
Most vitamins are water soluble, with only four being fat soluble: A, D, E and K. Water soluble vitamins should be spread out during the day if taking them in supplement form, especially B's and C. (Do not take B's too late in the day and always with food). If too much is taken at once, they just wash out of the body, causing you to waste your money. This is why you often see the higher doses of B's and C are time released. Fat soluble vitamins, stay in the body longer and are easier to take too much. If wanting to do higher doses than these please talk to a health professional (A 10,000, D 1000, E 800 IU). For Vitamin K, eat more leafy greens. With E, use caution if on blood thinners. Do not take more than 10,000 of A if pregnant; Beta Carotene is a water soluble form of A.
Specific conditions require more of certain vitamins and genetics can also cause deficiencies. Stress, caffeine, alcohol, birth control pills and sugar deplete B's, C and other minerals. Cigarettes definitely deplete Vitamin C. Excessive exercise causes the body to use up more vitamins. Taking a multi-vitamin-mineral pill, a natural one, will help fill in where your diet is lacking. Take this with breakfast or lunch, as the B's tend to give energy.
In order to live a healthy life you must have these vitamins in your body, therefore you must consume them in your daily diet. Eating lots of fresh fruits, veggies, whole grains and lean proteins will help you to keep alive and well. Vitamins, even the ones needed in tiny amounts, are all very important for your health. Consuming more vitamin rich, live foods will keep you feeling vibrant and alive.

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