Vitamins are required by your body in small amounts to ensure normal growth and develop, and maintain overall health. Vitamins play a very important role in the metabolic processes of the body, and any vitamin that is less or deficient in the body will cause havoc in these process.
There are primarily two types of vitamins, namely water soluble and fat soluble. Water soluble vitamins include Vitamin B complex and Vitamin C. These vitamins are soluble in water and hence, the name. The body absorbs as much vitamins it requires and the surplus is flushed out of the body through urine. Therefore, people have higher tendency to have a deficiency of water soluble vitamins.
On the other hand, fat soluble vitamins are those that are soluble in fat. Vitamins in this category include Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E and Vitamin K. These vitamins are usually absorbed into the body through the intestines. These can be stored in the body and deficiency occurs infrequently. However, the same reason also contributes to the occurrence of toxic levels if taken in high dose.
So, why it is important to supplement vitamins? From recent studies it has been concluded that though the food and diet in the US is sufficient to prevent diseases caused by vitamin deficiency, it is not good enough to promote good health. In addition, it has been seen that not taking enough vitamins has a direct effect on the development of certain chronic diseases like osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, cancer and other degenerative diseases.
Vitamins also have anti-oxidant properties. Energy is created in the cells of the body through transference of electrons from one molecule to another. When an electron is lost by a molecule, it is known as reduction, and when an electron is gained by a molecule, the process is known as oxidation. This process of reduction and oxidation occurs within the various cells leading to the manufacture of energy. However, during this process certain electrons escape, and end up forming free radicals after reacting with ambient oxygen. The free radicals are highly unstable and react with other molecules the moment they are formed. This leads to destruction of the molecules and thereby destruction of the cells. It is this process that leads to aging and accelerated aging.
There are many vitamins that are strong anti-oxidants that counter the destructive effects of the free radicals. Therefore, by supplementing vitamins you can put a hold on many degenerative conditions, including premature aging.
About Author:
Pauline Go is an online leading expert in the medical industry. She also offers top quality articles like :
Folic Acid Supplements,
Pathophysiology of Insulin
