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As it is becoming more and more difficult to get all of our nutrients from our diet people are turning to multivitamins as a form of health insurance. The water soluble vitamins which are the B group of vitamins and vitamin C are easily destroyed and are often missing from the fruit and vegetables before it even makes it into our grocery carts.

So what is so important about vitamins?

Vitamins A is best known for being vital to maintaining vision. Vitamin A also helps to support the immune system and is vital for normal cell growth and development. Vitamin A also plays a role in normal bone metabolism as well as being essential in the normal functioning of our reproductive systems.

The Vitamin B complex works well together and the majority of the B vitamins are needed to maintain a healthy nervous system and to help our bodies deal with stress. Vitamins B2, B6 and folic acid all help to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Most of the B Complex vitamins also help with converting carbohydrates into energy and stabilizing blood sugar levels.

Vitamin B2 has the role of traffic cop directing the other B vitamins to where they are needed most.

Vitamins B3, B5, B12 and biotin help to process fat in the body and B3 also helps to reduce cholesterol.

Vitamin B6, B12 and folate are also vital for the creation of new cells in the body.

The vitamins A,C, E and B2 are all important antioxidants, but when taken together their effects are a lot stronger. Although oxygen is essential for the body it causes damage to the cells much like rust on a car. Antioxidants help to fight this damage and stop it from spreading.

Vitamin C is also important for fighting infections, increasing iron absorption into the body and helping to regenerate vitamin E supplies.

Vitamin E helps to support the skin and has also been linked to reducing the chances of getting several types of cancer namely bladder and prostate.

Multivitamins usually include minerals as well and these will include calcium for bones and teeth; zinc for the immune & reproductive systems and wound healing; magnesium for the nervous system and enzyme function; potassium for fluid balance and selenium for antioxidant properties.

To keep your body functioning well you need to get adequate supplies of both vitamins and minerals.

Learn more about this author, Louanne Cox.
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