Vitamins are a group of substances necessary for cell function, as well as for the process of growth and development of the organism. According to MedlinePlus, the website of the United States National Library of Medicine, There are 13 essential vitamins, which They are required by the body to function properly.
It is worth mentioning that vitamins are grouped into two categories: on the one hand, there are fat-soluble vitamins, which are stored in the liver, fatty tissue and muscles of the body. These vitamins (A, D, E, and K) are more easily absorbed by the body in the presence of dietary fat. On the other hand, there are also water-soluble vitamins, which are not stored in the body. Specifically, the list includes vitamin C and all the B vitamins.
What vitamin strengthens bones, vision and skin?
Each vitamin fulfills a certain function in the body, in the same way, some contribute more than others in some processes. Regarding its benefits for bone tissue, vision and skin, one of the most important is vitamin A.
According to a MedlinePlus review, there are two different types of vitamin A found in food:
- Vitamin A preformada: Found in animal products such as beef, fish, poultry, and dairy products.
- Vitamin A precursors, also known as provitamin A: found in foods of plant origin, such as fruits and vegetables. The most common type of provitamin A is beta-carotene, found in foods such as carrots.
Vitamin A, then, offers numerous benefits, for example, aids in the formation and maintenance of healthy teeth, soft and bone tissues, mucous membranes and skin.
This vitamin also promotes good eyesight, especially in dim light. On the other hand, it contributes to healthy pregnancy and lactation.
When should vitamins be taken? These are some warning signs
According to the Pan American Health Organization, among the most frequent micronutrient deficiencies are the lack of vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin B12.
The key to obtaining the adequate amount of vitamins is to maintain a balanced diet, in which the various kinds of food are present, such as fruits, vegetables, meats, among others. However, it is not always possible to have an adequate diet, likewise, there are other health conditions that hinder the correct absorption of certain nutrients.
Some symptoms or discomforts can be warning signs that the body is not getting enough vitamins. This is what they point out from the portal on health and pharmacy, Dosfarma, where they explain that Some discomforts are usually associated with a low consumption of certain compounds.
Along these lines, fatigue stands out as one of the signs of vitamin deficiency. This is characterized by a constant feeling of tiredness and sleepiness, which makes it difficult to carry out daily tasks. As they specify from the aforementioned portal, it is generally a condition related to low levels of vitamin B12, which can be found in red meat, eggs, shellfish and fortified cereals.
Dosfarma also indicates that when a person has constant flu and problems healing wounds, it is recommended that they increase their intake of vitamin C, since this nutrient is ideal for strengthening the immune system.
On the other hand, “hair loss, fractured nails and dull skin are mainly associated with the need for vitamins B, E, D and H (biotin)”, they add. In addition, a lack of vitamin D can impair bone health, since this nutrient is essential for bone formation; you too, tends to cause pain in the muscles and joints.