What Is the Function of Vitamins? Should You Take Supplements?

You probably already know that your body needs vitamins to support overall health and well-being, but do you know what the function of vitamins is, really?

The answer is pretty simple: Vitamins enable to body to function the way it’s designed to. Without them – or if you don’t get them in the correct quantities – you could develop a variety of health problems. Each type of vitamin serves a unique function (or set of functions) in the body.

But how do you know whether you should be taking vitamin supplements? The answer to that question requires a little bit of explanation first.

Understanding the Functions of Vitamins

The term vitamin refers to organic substances that the human body requires for proper function, including cell growth and development. Sometimes referred to as micronutrients, different vitamins serve different functions. Vitamin D, for example, regulates the way your bones and other organs metabolize minerals. Vitamins C and E act as antioxidants. Vitamin A regulates tissue and cell growth.

You can check out this great resource from the University of Michigan medical school’s site if you would like to learn more about the specific functions of vitamins, or you can visit the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s comprehensive list of vitamins and their functions.

Unfortunately, the human body cannot produce sufficient quantities of these critical nutrients on its own. For that reason, you need to obtain the building blocks of life from one of two outside sources: your diet or dietary supplements.

Should You Be Taking Vitamin Supplements?

Unless you have any health issues that make it impossible, you should be able to get all the nutrients you need through your regular diet. They keyword here, however, is should. The reality is that many Americans do not eat a healthy, balanced diet and, as a result, have nutritional deficiencies.

If you have nutritional gaps in your diet, taking supplements can help ensure you have all the elements necessary to support your overall health.

It’s important that you talk to your doctor before beginning a vitamin or mineral supplement, however. Some vitamins and other dietary supplements can interact with medications or cause problems if you have certain chronic health conditions.

How Do You Choose the Best Vitamins and Dietary Supplements?

The right vitamin supplement products for you will depend on your age, sex, nutritional needs and any other factors that could affect your health – being pregnant, for example.

You can ask your medical practitioner for recommendations but, because you typically purchase vitamins over the counter, your doctor may not have any specific guidance to offer. Ensuring you get safe, high quality dietary supplements is critical, but affordability is also an important factor.

Since 1970, Pharmics, Inc. has offered high-quality, affordable dietary nutritional products for our customers across the U.S. Our dietary supplements include tablet and liquid iron supplements, Vitamin D, bariatric supplements, and prenatal vitamins. Contact us today to learn more about the importance of vitamins in a healthy lifestyle.

Statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.