Vitamins & Minerals

The WebMD website http://www.webmd.com/ has a lot of medical and health related information on it. I learned quite a few things on vitamins. After reading my blog, please feel free to take the vitamin quiz at http://www.webmd.com/diet/rm-quiz-vitamins-benefits to see how much you’ve learned today.

 

Research has found that megadoses of vitamin C don’t prevent colds for most people; it will only help you get over the symptoms a little faster. Many different vitamins and minerals may lower your risk for an eye problem called macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss in people over 65. The word vitamin comes from vital and amines because scientists first thought that vitamins were amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Today, we know of 13 types that are essential for good health. You can usually get all you need from a balanced diet.

Too little of B12 can cause anemia, memory loss, confusion, and tingling in your arms and legs. There’s little evidence that taking it makes you a better athlete or gives you more energy.   

Calcium and vitamin D are important for healthy bones. Other nutrients, including magnesium, potassium, and vitamin K help too. Vitamins can come from plants or animals. Minerals come from the earth. A mineral example is calcium, which builds bone strength, makes blood clot, and produces iron, which helps pregnant and breastfeeding women often needing more nutrients.

Taking folic acid during pregnancy reduces birth defects. Supplements can be a good way to make sure you get enough nutrients, but many vitamins and minerals can be toxic if you take too much. Too much vitamin A can cause nausea, vomiting, and liver damage. Too much vitamin D can cause weakness, heart rhythm problems, and confusion. Since our body stores vitamins A, D, E, K, and iron, we can build up an excess in our organs and tissues which will in turn damage our kidneys or liver. 

 

We need about 75 to 90 milligrams of vitamin C a day. A half-cup of sweet red pepper is about the same as a six ounce glass of orange juice. If you are on a vegetarian or vegan diet, vitamin B12 may be a hard nutrient to get.

Women who still have their periods usually need more iron because they lose iron with each menstrual cycle. Did you know your skin produces vitamin D when it gets sunlight? Potassium helps keep your blood pressure under control and keeps your heart beating regularly. One study found that taking potassium lowered systolic blood pressure (the top number). Reducing blood pressure lowers the risks of stroke, heart disease, heart failure, and kidney disease.