Why Are Vitamin Supplements Becoming Popular?

If you think vitamin deficiencies occur only to the malnourished, you would be wrong. Most of us are under the impression that our meals are full of vitamins, but often, that is not the case. In today’s fast-paced life, we barely have time to eat, let alone  prepare a nutritious meal.

What’s more? Our sedentary lifestyle with an erratic work schedule has created several problems. The concrete jungle we live in has separated us from nature, leading to serious nutritional deficiencies in our bodies. That is why doctors are now suggesting vitamin supplements to almost everyone.

What Is Vitamin Deficiency?

Vitamin deficiency can be classified as a long-term lack of vitamins in the body. Vitamin deficiency had four main causes:

• Insufficient intake
• Malabsorption
• Metabolic disorders (mostly genetic)
• Lifestyle Choices (alcohol, smoking and drug use)

What Do The Statistics Say?

The World Health Organization (WHO) claims that around 250 million children have started showing signs of vitamin deficiency before they reach school-going age. In the US, approximately 40% of the adult population is suffering from vitamin D deficiency. It’s believed that this is largely caused the lack of exposure to the sun due to our increased  sedentary indoor lifestyle.

In the UK, a study revealed that for women between 19 to 39 years of age, one in twenty reports vitamin B12 deficiency. Similar studies from developing nations reveal that 47% of the population is deficient in vitamin B12.

3 Major Vitamin Deficiencies

The most common deficiencies are  Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, or Vitamin D.

1. Vitamin A Deficiency

Vitamin A contributes to immune function, vision, reproduction, and cellular communication. It can be classified as:

• Pro-vitamin A (Plant based)
• Preformed vitamin A (Animal Sources) 

How does this deficiency affect you?

Vitamin A deficiency is rare in the United States but more common in developing countries. This is largely due to a shortage of vitamin rich foods during periods of growth for infants and children. Chronic diarrhea and xerophthalmia are commonly associated with Vitamin A deficiency.

What are the best vitamin A supplements you can take?

Some of the best vitamin A supplements you can rely on are:

• Retinyl acetate or palmitate (preformed vitamin A)
• Beta-carotene (provitamin A)
• Combination of both

2. Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Also known as cobalamin, the only natural source for vitamin B12 is animal protein. Seaweeds can contribute, but not significantly therefore it is important for vegans and vegetarians to supplement accordingly. Cereals and other grains are often fortified with Vitamin B . Insufficient amounts of vitamin B12 can cause anemia, weakness, tiredness, nerve problems and brain function.

Vitamin B12 supplements are available in the form of pills, including most commercially available multivitamins, but for extreme cases, injections are also available.

3. Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. Some researchers, however, claim it to be a hormone-based vitamin.

What are the benefits?

Vitamin D has several benefits:

•  Improves bone health
•  Fights against Osteomalacia
•  Reduces the chance of heart failure
•  Prevents tooth loss

What is the cure?

Vitamin D is obtained from sunlight so lack of its exposure can cause Vitamin D deficiency. We can obtain vitamin D supplements from:

• Cod liver oil
• Fatty fish
• Egg yolks
• Vitamin D fortified products including milk, juice and cereal.

Conclusion

Vitamin supplements are essential to maintain a healthy life. These vitamins for energy are necessary to lead a fulfilling life. Ensure to measure the dosage because an increased intake can cause side-effects.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.