What vitamins do I need daily?
Imagine waking up rejuvenated, with the energy to power through the day. Sounds great, right? If you’re wondering how you can achieve this, you’re not alone. A great place to start is by looking at what we put in our bodies to give it the fuel it needs to function. Namely, vitamin intake.
But what vitamins do you need daily? Are the vitamins in my food enough? Here, we’ll answer these questions to help you take steps towards feeling like you have more energy.
Why are vitamins important?
Our bodies are a bit like machines. Just like a car requires fuel to operate properly, our body requires vitamins to perform optimally. Simply put, vitamins are essential for our overall wellbeing and for the health of our immune system. These extraordinary nutrients have many health benefits:
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Increased energy levels: Vitamins help turn food into energy, giving your body a natural boost to keep you going throughout the day.
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Enhanced immune function: Vitamins support your immune system, allowing your body to fight infections and illnesses more efficiently.
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Improved brain function: Adequate vitamin intake promotes cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health, allowing you to keep your mind bright and focused.
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Healthy skin and hair: Certain vitamins support the skin by promoting collagen formation, suppleness, and nourishing hair follicles for strong, lustrous hair.
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Reduced risk of chronic diseases: Adequate vitamin intake has been linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis, promoting overall long-term health.
However, if we are running low on vitamins, we may suffer from a variety of symptoms including weariness, brain fog and reduced immunity, more of which we will discuss below.
Which vitamins do I need daily?
All vitamins are important for your health, but there are some which are more crucial to remaining healthy:
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Vitamin A: Vitamin A is necessary for good vision and a healthy immune system. It prevents night blindness and promotes healthy skin.
Found in: Carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach.
Deficiency symptoms: Dry eyes and high susceptibility to infections. -
Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 helps prevent fatigue and supports red blood cell production. It also aids in keeping the nervous system healthy.
Found in: Meat, fish, and dairy products.
Deficiency symptoms: Fatigue and tingling sensations in hands and feet. -
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that boosts immunological function. It also helps to keep the nervous system in tip top shape.
Found in: Citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers.
Deficiency symptoms: Weakened immunity and slow wound healing. -
Vitamin D: Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin”, and for its role in bone health. Sun exposure triggers its production, and it aids in calcium absorption and bone strength.
Found in: Fatty fish and dairy products.
Deficiency symptoms: Bone loss and increased risk of fractures. -
Vitamin E: Vitamin E protects cells from harm and promotes immune system health. It functions as an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Found in: Nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils.
Deficiency symptoms: Muscle weakness and vision problems. -
Vitamin K: Vitamin K is essential for healthy blood circulation and bone formation. It also promotes proper blood clotting and healthy bone density.
Found in: Leafy greens, broccoli, and brussels sprouts.
Deficiency symptoms: Excessive bleeding and increased risk of fractures. -
Calcium: Calcium is necessary for strong bones and teeth and helps to maintain bone health and muscle function.
Found in: Leafy greens, dairy products and plant-based milk.
Deficiency symptoms: Weakened bones and increased risk of fractures. -
Iron: Iron is necessary for the transport of oxygen and the creation of energy. It helps to prevent anaemia and improves cognitive function.
Found in: Red meat, beans, and spinach.
Deficiency symptoms: Tiredness and lowered immunological function. -
Magnesium: Magnesium helps to regulate muscle and nerve function. It also promotes relaxation and energy production.
Found in: Nuts, seeds, and wholegrains.
Deficiency symptoms: Muscle cramps and sleep disturbances. -
Zinc: Zinc is known to aid in wound healing and helps in cell development. It also supports the body’s immunity.
Found in: Shellfish, legumes, and seeds.
Deficiency symptoms: Slow wound healing and weakened immune system.
Alternative ways to get vitamins
While the above list can help you achieve your overall vitamin requirements, sometimes, despite our best efforts, our diet may occasionally fall short. If you have poor eating habits, problems with gut health or show severe symptoms of a vitamin deficiency, you may want to consider other ways to supplement your vitamin intake.
Methods such as IV drips and oral supplements can help you bridge the gap between your consumption and vitamin requirements. These methods provide a quicker way to supply your body with nutrients and can be helpful for those who have issues absorbing vitamins due to poor gut health or medical conditions like autoimmune disease.
Oral supplements provide small doses of vitamins which build up over a number of months to supplement your dietary intake. IV drips use a cannula connected to an saline IV solution bag, which delivers the desired nutrients directly into the bloodstream with immediate effect. This makes it the fastest way for the body to get the nutrients it needs. There are multiple clinics which provide IV drips in London, and offer a safe way to undertake this treatment.
Vitamins = a healthier life
Maintaining good wellbeing requires a regular and balanced intake of vitamins. We can provide our bodies with these by consuming a balanced diet. But for someone suffering from medical issues, IV drips can be an excellent way to supplement. For a bespoke treatment, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional as they can assess your medical history, any symptoms, and plan a vitamin therapy journey best suited to your needs.
Disclosure: This is a featured post.