Vitamins | my-ne.com – natural elements

What are vitamins?

Unlike carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, vitamins are not used for energy production. They only need to be ingested in small amounts and are therefore also called micronutrients. Nevertheless, they are crucial for maintaining numerous vital bodily functions , strengthening the immune system, and regulating the utilization of other nutrients. Like macronutrients, vitamins must also be obtained through food . A distinction is made between fat-soluble (lipophilic) and water-soluble (hydrophilic) vitamins, which are stored differently in the body.

Your body can best absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) when they are consumed with fat. They are stored in fatty tissue and the liver.
Water-soluble vitamins (C and B vitamins) are used directly and are not stored, or only in very small amounts. Vitamin B12 is an exception, as it is also stored in the liver.

The vitamins essential for the human body can generally be obtained entirely from the foods available in our latitudes. A deficiency or increased need for vitamins often occurs during certain phases of life, such as pregnancy or puberty, as well as in cases of a limited diet or specific pre-existing conditions. In these cases, taking vitamin supplements can be a useful addition to the regular diet.

Purely plant-based: buy vegan vitamins

If you are among those who eat a predominantly or exclusively plant-based diet, you should pay particular attention to your regular intake of vitamin B12 , as this vitamin is only present in animal products due to its addition to animal feed. In the natural elements range, you will find numerous vegan vitamins and purely plant-based dietary supplements that contain absolutely no animal ingredients.

Which vitamins are important for the human body?

In scientific circles, 20 vitamins are generally recognized, of which 13 are essential for humans . Each vitamin fulfills a number of functions and influences various processes in the human body. These include:

Vitamin A (retinol) contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) contributes to normal energy metabolism, normal functioning of the nervous system and normal psychological function.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) contributes to the maintenance of normal energy metabolism and a normal nervous system.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) supports normal energy metabolism.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) contributes to normal hormonal activity.
Vitamin B7 ( Biotin ) contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and hair.
Vitamin B9 (folic acid) plays an important role in cell division.
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) helps in the formation of red blood cells and supports cell division and growth.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supports the immune system and increases iron absorption.
Vitamin D (calciferol) contributes to normal absorption of calcium from the intestine.
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) helps protect cells from oxidative stress.
Vitamin K (phylloquinone) contributes to normal blood clotting.

Important vitamins for breastfeeding mothers and children

In certain life situations , additional vitamin intake in the form of vitamin preparations or dietary supplements is recommended. For example, during pregnancy and breastfeeding , women have an increased need for many vitamins and minerals . Breastfeeding mothers should always ensure an adequate intake of B vitamins, especially folic acid, as well as the antioxidant vitamin C.

Children also need the full spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals for normal development . Those who are active and frequently participate in sports may have an increased need . During growth phases, for example, vitamin D and folic acid are important for cell division, as are B vitamins for normal energy metabolism. These nutrients can be supplemented individually or as a multi-component product in the form of capsules, tablets, or drops.

What is the daily requirement for vitamins?

The amount of vitamins needed to maintain well-being varies from person to person. A balanced, varied diet usually provides most essential vitamins. For example, eating a medium-sized carrot can cover your daily requirement of vitamin A. A small glass of orange juice is enough to meet the average vitamin C requirement, and a serving of salmon provides your daily dose of vitamin D.

Keep in mind, however, that you don't need to meet your daily requirement of all vitamins every single day. What's more important is a sufficient supply of vitamins over the long term . With certain diets, it's also advisable to pay particular attention to some vitamins when it comes to meeting daily requirements. This applies, for example, to the aforementioned vegetarians and vegans, who often have a vitamin B12 deficiency. High-quality vitamin supplements are therefore a good choice for targeted supplementation of your diet.

Vitamin supplements: What forms of administration are available?

You have several options for taking vitamins and dietary supplements. Depending on your personal preference, you can buy vitamins in various forms from natural elements:

Vitamin tablets: Tablets are among the most common forms of vitamin supplementation. Since children in particular often find it difficult to swallow tablets with water, many vitamin preparations are also available as water-soluble effervescent tablets.
Vitamin capsules: Vitamins and dietary supplements in capsule form are taken with liquid and are particularly easy to dose. In the natural elements range, you will find numerous vitamin preparations in capsule and coated tablet form, from carotene capsules to vitamin B capsules.
Vitamin powder: In powder form, vitamin supplements can be dissolved in water or mixed into food.
Vitamin drops: Vitamins and dietary supplements in liquid form, including drops or drinking ampoules, can be consumed quickly and easily.