BENEFITS OF VITAMINS

Kaplan University Tiffany DesmaraisMarch 23, 2014

OVERVIEW

What are Vitamins? Types of Vitamins Why we should take Vitamins? Toxicity: Fat Soluble versus Water

Soluble Vitamins Wrap-up

WHAT ARE VITAMINS ?

A Vitamin is an organic compound, needed in small amounts to sustain life.

In simply terms, they are essential nutrients the body cannot produce enough of on its own

They can be consumed naturally through food and or dietary supplements

DIFFERENT TYPES OF VITAMINS

Vitamins come in many different forms and types:

The most common form of vitamins are multivitamins- both chewable or capsule form

Vitamins can come in single type as well

List of Vitamins Vitamin A B Vitamins: B1, B2,

B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 & B12

Vitamin C Vitamin D Vitamin E Vitamin K

WHY WE SHOULD TAKE VITAMINS?

Vitamins essential for normal metabolism Insufficient amounts in the diet may cause deficiency diseases Taking vitamins correct a nutrient deficiency which can lower

the risk of disease According to Dr. Weil, "Many Americans don't get optimal

nutrient levels from their diets, and I have occasional lapses in my diet as well. Supplements offer a convenient, reliable and inexpensive way to fill that gap“ (Lemley, 2013).

Overall taking Vitamins can improve an individual’s health and wellbeing

TOXICITY: FAT-SOLUBLE VERSUS WATER SOLUBLE VITAMINS

Consuming to much of certain types of vitamins can do more harm than good.

In the U.S., more than 60,000 incidents of vitamin toxicities are reported yearly (Medical News Today, 2014).

Iron-containing vitamins are the most toxic

TOXICITY: FAT-SOLUBLE VITAMINS

Fat-soluble vitamins have the highest potential for toxicity because they are stored in the fat tissues of the body

They are not easily disposed of and can remain in the body for several days or even months

Vitamins A, D, E and K

TOXICITY: WATER-SOLUBLE VITAMINS

Water-soluble vitamins do not remain in the body for long, because they are eliminated through urine quickly

They need to be replaced often and therefore have only a slight chance of becoming toxic when being consumed in large amounts

Vitamins C and B Vitamins

WRAP-UP

What are vitamins? Types of Vitamins Why we should take vitamins? Toxicity: Fat Soluble versus Water Soluble

Vitamins

The best way to get enough vitamins is by having a well balanced diet that includes a

wide range of fruits and vegetables.

REFERENCES

Lemley, B. (2013). The Value of Vitamins. Retrieved March 23, 2014 from http://www.drweil.com/.

Medical News Today, (2014). What are vitamins? What vitamins do I need? Retrieved March 23, 2014 from

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/195878.php. Rosenbloom, M. MD, (2013). Vitamin Toxicity. Retrieved March 23,

2014 from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/819426-overview#a0101.