Our bodies need vitamins to function correctly. Vitamins act in concert to perform many different roles in the body. They convert food into energy, boost the immune system, repair cellular damage, and more. There are 13 vitamins the body can’t make that it needs to get through food.
A balanced diet is the most direct and efficient way to provide your body with these vitamins. The problem is that many individuals require supplementation beyond their diet. Bridging the nutrient gap is essential if the body doesn’t get enough vitamins through what they eat.
May increase energy levels
When our bodies lack enough specific vitamins, we may feel fatigued and lack energy. Several B vitamins are the main components of many specific coenzymes that help release energy from food.
Vitamins like niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, biotin, and pantothenic acid help the body to transform carbohydrates and fats into energy. Vitamin C also helps with energy production in the mitochondria of the cells. Vitamin D helps support bone and muscle strength, and not having enough may cause feelings of weakness and fatigue.
Helps slow down aging
Many factors, such as genetics, lifestyle, and the environment, contribute to aging. We are born with a biological clock in our cells that reflect the aging process. We can help positively affect our biological clocks by consuming a nutritious diet, taking supplements, or receiving NAD IV treatment.
NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a critical coenzyme in cells that influences proper cell functioning and plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of DNA. NAD levels decline naturally with age. A NAD IV treatment may improve cellular function by helping to reverse some of the damage occurred during the natural aging process.
Supports immune health
Our foods contain antioxidant compounds, and the body produces them naturally. Antioxidants can counteract free radicals. Free radicals are unstable and can take electrons from other molecules, damaging them. Antioxidants neutralize these free radicals by giving up some of their electrons.
Vitamins C and E have antioxidant properties, and when they give up their electrons to neutralize free radicals, they can protect a cell membrane, gene, or crucial protein from damage. Vitamin D also helps with maintaining immune system functions.
Helps reduces stress and anxiety
Many of us have significant stressors in our daily lives, leading to mental and physical problems over time. B vitamins like B12 and B6 can help to relieve stress and anxiety.
Vitamin C can also help to prevent a buildup of cortisol, the stress hormone. The less cortisol in the system, the lower the chances of feeling excess stress and suffering physical signs like headaches, fatigue, and high blood pressure.
Supports cardiovascular health
As we age, heart health and circulation become an increasing concern that requires consideration to mitigate the risks of cardiovascular disease. A deficiency in vitamins like B12, B6, and D can lead to atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, and heart failure.
Healthy vitamin D levels help combat high blood pressure and improve blood flow to the heart. Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps to limit heart disease risk factors. Vitamin E supplements can help with blood circulation and heart health but should not be taken by those with heart disease as high levels can cause cardiovascular complications.
Promotes ocular health
Vitamin deficiencies can increase the risks of eye conditions such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts. Various vitamins can slow development or protect against these conditions.
Vitamin A helps to protect vision by maintaining the health of the cells within the eyes. The body struggles to absorb and store vitamin A without vitamin E. A lack of vitamin A can lead to night blindness and cause the eyes to produce too little moisture. B vitamins are also good for the eyes, and vitamin C helps to protect against UV light damage and oxidative damage, one of the factors that cause age-related cataracts.
Conclusion
Vitamins play a vital role in the body and help it to function optimally. Many of us are lacking in vitamins for various reasons. Usually, noticeable effects don’t appear until we have low levels for several months. Over time we may experience multiple symptoms, from fatigue and irritability to dry skin and poor wound healing. Prolonged vitamin deficiency can cause serious health issues that may not even improve with treatment. Whatever the reason for the vitamin deficiency, it is vital to address it.
