Which Vitamins Will Boost Metabolism?

Metabolism is an important function of the body in which food is converted into energy we need to complete everyday tasks like thinking and moving. Your body's metabolism rate begins to decrease as you age. For women, this occurs around the age of 30, and for men at about age 40. This means your body will have a harder time digesting food, and you may begin to gain weight as a result. However, certain vitamins, along with a proper diet and exercise, can help increase your efficiency to burn fat.

Vitamin B and Vitamin C

• Vitamin B can help speed up your metabolism, as well as help build a strong immune system, increase muscle tone and promote healthy skin. Vitamin B supplements can be purchased at most health food stores. Or, you can enrich your diet with food sources that contain Vitamin B such as, bananas, potatoes, chili peppers and lentils.

  According to Linda Cusmano from ShapeFit.com, Vitamin C has a fat burning quality that can help boost your metabolism. Like Vitamin B, Vitamin C can be purchased in a supplemental form, or you can eat foods like lemons, oranges, grapefruits and limes that have a high Vitamin C content.

Niacin: Vitamin B3

• Niacin, or Vitamin B3, is an essential vitamin that helps support the metabolic function in the body. A severe lack of niacin in your diet can actually slow down your metabolism rate, decreasing your ability to digest food as well as your ability to fight off colds.

  In general, foods rich in protein can satisfy some demand for niacin in your diet. It is particularly concentrated in liver, red meat, nuts and whole grains. According to Medic8, the recommended daily dose of niacin is two to 12 mg a day for children, 14 mg a day for women, 16 mg a day for men and 18 mg a day for pregnant or breast-feeding women.

Folate: Vitamin B9

• Folate, or Vitamin B9, is another important vitamin that functions to break down, or metabolize, proteins and genetic material. A deficiency of Folic acid in the body can cause problems in the body. For example, the body may begin to slow down the process of cell multiplication which has potential to cause serious digestive and neurological problems.

  You can easily get your daily dose of Folic acid through a variety of different food sources. Green vegetables and fruit have a high content of Vitamin B. Cheese, eggs, liver and seeds are also good sources of Folate.