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Why Are Vitamins Necessary?

Vitamins are organic compounds that assist in many functions in your body. You need only a small amount of vitamins, but any excesses or deficiencies can cause diseases and other problems in your body. Vitamins play an important role in energy production, immune system support and the formation of strong bones.

  1. Energy Production

    • Most vitamins assist enzymes in metabolizing carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to convert them into energy. They also form compounds with other vitamins. For example, vitamins B-6, B-2 and B-3 work as a unit to convert glucose into energy. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, too much or too little in one vitamin can halt or slow down the metabolic process.

    Immune System Support

    • Certain vitamins support your immune system and help prevent cancer and heart disease. Vitamin E protects your cells against damage by capturing free radicals, which are unstable molecules that damage cell membranes. Vitamin C regenerates used vitamin E and provides structure for collagen, which are strong connective tissues in your skin and gums. Biologist George Mateljan suggests you take both of these vitamins together to maintain a strong immune system.

    Strong Bones

    • Vitamin D regulates calcium absorption into your bones and blood calcium concentrations. If your calcium blood level is too high or too low, your body either increases the absorption rate into your bones or increases kidney activity to excrete excess calcium in urine. Coleman recommends that you take no more than 50 micrograms of vitamin D daily.

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