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Vitamins are essential nutrients that are required by the body to perform hundreds of functions, such as immunity, metabolism and digestion.
Let’s go over these micronutrients, where you can find them in nature and what you will experience if you are deficient.
There are 13 vitamins that are essential to health:
Fat Soluble Vitamins: A, D, E, K
• Fat soluble vitamins dissolve in fat before they are absorbed in the bloodstream to carry out their functions
• Stored in the liver and fat tissue when not used
• Megadoses of vitamins A, D, E or K can be toxic and lead to health problems
Water Soluble Vitamins: C, B-complex
• Water soluble vitamins are not stored in the body and must be replaced each day
• Megadoses of multivitamins or supplements is not recommended.
Vitamin Facts
• Vitamin A – essential for eye, reproductive & immune health
– Sources: beef liver, carrots, sweet potato, kale, spinach
– Deficiency: leads to impaired vision and reproductive problems, recurring infections, hair loss, skin rashes, irritability
B Vitamins – Vitamin B is actually a collection of 8 separate vitamins; Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, B6, Folate, and B12
Some examples:
• Folate – required for proper cellular function and growth, prevents birth defects in pregnant women
– Sources: spinach & other dark green leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts, organic beef liver
– Deficiency: can lead to digestive dysfunction, depression, fatigue, and failure to thrive.
• Vitamin B12 – vital for nervous system, red blood cells
and brain function
– Sources: cooked clams, organic beef liver, trout, salmon, tuna
– Deficiency: leads to fatigue, depression, short-term memory. Pernicious anemia, an autoimmune illness, can cause chronic shortage of B12
• Niacin – lowers cholesterol, maintains good blood circulation, healthy skin, normal brain function, aids in conversion of nutrients to energy
– Sources: fish, nuts, dried grains, liver, chicken, lean red meat, whole grains, enriched refined grains, dried beans
– Deficiency: severe niacin deficiency results in Pellagra; symptoms affecting the skin (dermatitis), the digestive system (diarrhea), and the nervous system (dementia) and can even lead to death if left untreated.
• Vitamin C – needed for healthy iron levels, proper immunity, and circulation
– Sources: sweet red peppers, leafy greens, fruits (especially citrus), berries, kiwi, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cantaloupe
– Deficiency: bleeding from mucus membranes, anemia, depleted immunity, scurvy
• Vitamin D – “The Sunshine Vitamin” is an integral nutrient for improving absorption of calcium, and thus affects bone growth – also boosts immunity, liver function, normal cell growth, and reduces inflammation.
– Sources: The body can produce Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. 10-15 minutes of sunshine three times a week is enough to produce the body’s requirement of Vitamin D. Other sources are fatty fishes—including swordfish, salmon, mackerel and especially cod liver oil, and some edible mushrooms
– Deficiency: muscle, joint, and bone weakness, pain, or fatigue
• Vitamin E – powerful antioxidant that protects cells from free radicals, important for immunity, healthy blood vessel function and necessary for hair, skin, and nail development
– Sources: wheat germ oil, sunflower seeds, almonds, vegetable oils
– Deficiency: impaired immunity, anemia, neurological and neuromuscular problems
• Vitamin K – essential for blood clotting, needed to work with protein for best development and strength of blood vessels
– Sources: dark green leafy vegetables, kale, turnip & mustard greens, lettuce, dandelions
– Deficiency: anemia, heavy menstrual bleeding, inability for blood to clot, bleeding from mucus membranes
Vitamins are essential for our growth and function. The best way to ensure that you are getting all the vitamins that your body needs is by eating a variety of real, whole foods.
Karina Hammer is an IAWP Certified Holistic Wellness Coach, Co-Host of the Magnetic Heart Radio Show, Wellness Expert, Writer, Speaker and Educator. She is dedicated to supporting busy professionals who suffer from chronic digestive issues overcome the confusion of what to eat every day so you can finally order from the menu with confidence and never feel frustrated or embarrassed at a lunch meeting again.
Do you need help discerning which vitamins are right for you and your family? Schedule a complimentary 30 Minute Assessment with Karina at www.karinahammer.com.