What is the role of each vitamin?
Write the 27/12/2023 by Santarome Bio
Vitamins , essential micronutrients that our body cannot produce in sufficient quantities, play a fundamental role in maintaining our well-being. These diverse organic compounds, grouped into different classes ( A, B, C, D, E, and K ), are involved in crucial metabolic processes. Their absence can lead to deficiencies with sometimes serious consequences. To ensure a balanced intake, some people turn to multivitamin supplements , often combining a range of essential vitamins. However, it is crucial to understand that taking these supplements must be adapted to individual needs and not replace a varied and balanced diet.
The different vitamins and their specific roles
Vitamins are organic compounds essential to life, playing an important role in well-being. Each of them has specific properties and is associated with various biological functions. Vitamins include vitamin A, B, C, D, E and K , each offering unique benefits for the body.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A , also known as retinol, is essential for vision, cell growth, and the immune system. It is found abundantly in foods such as carrots, spinach and eggs. Vitamin A is also involved in regulating the skin and preventing certain eye conditions.
Vitamin B
B-complex vitamins , including B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folic acid), and B12 (cobalamin), play a crucial role in energy metabolism, the formation of red blood cells, and the health of the nervous system. Food sources of vitamin B include whole grains, green vegetables and dairy products.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C , also known as ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that promotes wound healing, strengthens the immune system and stimulates collagen production. Citrus fruits, berries and vegetables such as broccoli and bell pepper are excellent sources of vitamin C.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D , often called the “sunshine vitamin,” is essential for bone well-being because it promotes calcium absorption. It can be synthesized in the skin during exposure to the sun and is also found in foods such as oily fish, mushrooms and dairy products.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E , composed of several tocopherols, acts as an antioxidant protecting cells against oxidative damage. It also helps maintain skin health. Nuts, seeds, vegetable oils and spinach are excellent sources of vitamin E.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is involved in blood clotting and bone well-being. It is found in green leafy vegetables, vegetable oils and some animal products. Vitamin K exists in several forms, including K1 (phylloquinone) of plant origin and K2 (menaquinone) of animal origin.
The consequences of a deficiency or excess
A vitamin deficiency can have adverse health consequences. For example, a vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy, characterized by gum problems and extreme fatigue. Likewise, vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone problems such as rickets.
Conversely, excess vitamins can also cause health problems. So balance is key. A sufficient intake of vitamins, through a balanced diet and food supplements if necessary, is essential. Health professionals generally recommend favoring a varied diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins to ensure adequate vitamin intake.
Tips for a balanced diet
Maintaining a balanced diet is essential to maintain your well-being. To achieve this balance, certain food groups must be favored. Fruits and vegetables, rich in vitamins and fiber, should be the basis of your diet. Whole grains, lean proteins such as fish, poultry and legumes, and low-fat dairy products also contribute to a balanced diet.
Variety in the diet plays a key role. It guarantees optimal absorption of nutrients necessary for the proper functioning of the body.
In addition to this approach, food supplements can be considered to fill certain nutritional gaps. Santarome offers you Vita'Max Multivitamin tablets , a complete solution with vitamins, minerals, plant extracts such as Acerola and Guarana , a touch of Peppermint essential oil , and a trio of Blackcurrant buds , Rosemary and Sequoia. This unique association aims to support vitality and nutritional balance on a daily basis.
However, we remind you that food supplements should not replace a varied and balanced diet. Consult a healthcare professional before incorporating any supplements, to ensure they meet your needs.
Each vitamin plays a specific and irreplaceable role in the harmonious functioning of our body. From vitamin A, essential for vision, to vitamin D, which regulates calcium metabolism, to B complex vitamins which actively participate in energy metabolism, each nutrient contributes to specific biological functions.
It is therefore imperative to maintain an adequate balance of all these vitamins in our diet in order to prevent deficiencies.