Together with food, special substances enter the body – vitamins, without which normal metabolism is simply impossible. In the last week alone, sales of vitamin C have tripled, but research has shown that while a daily dose can support our body’s defenses, our ability to absorb the amount we need can vary significantly from person to person.
“Our immune system has different vitamin requirements to function well every day, even when we are not sick,” says immunologist Dr. Jenna Macchiochi, Tonic Health Ambassador. “Due to the lack of vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D and E, beta-carotene, iron and zinc will weaken our immunity.”
For all vitamins to be beneficial, it is important to remember a few key things. All vitamins can be divided into two large groups – water-soluble and fat-soluble. The first group includes vitamins C, P and group B, the second – A, D, E and K. It is interesting that some vitamins are formed in the body from provitamins that come with food. These vitamins include, for example, carotene contained in carrots (provitamin A).
It is important to know: not only a lack of vitamins is harmful, but also their excess, which can occur when taking vitamins in the form of medicines. When taking vitamins, be sure to consult your doctor.
Vitamin A. A natural antioxidant that protects the cells of the body from free radical damage, relieves inflammation, strengthens the immune system, improves vision, and also prevents aging of the body. It is sourced from foods rich in fats such as butter, egg yolk, liver and fish. There is also a lot of vitamin A in carrots, green onions, spinach, lettuce – they all contain carotene. With a lack of vitamin in the body, hypovitaminosis develops, which entails peeling and pallor of the skin, impaired vision.
Vitamins of group B. Cereals, legumes, egg yolk are the main source of vitamins of this group. They are especially abundant in rye and wheat-rye bread. With a deficiency of vitamin B, the cardiovascular and nervous systems, vision, and various skin lesions occur.
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid. Everyone knows about the importance of this vitamin in the body. It is an antioxidant that is responsible for the health and normal functioning of almost all body systems in a sufficient amount, and the prophylactic intake of additional doses increases resistance to various diseases.
Vitamin C removes toxins, protects cells from damage and strengthens the immune system. Source of Vitamin C: spinach, green onions, radishes, parsley, potatoes, citrus fruits, currants and rose hips. Vitamin deficiency is especially evident in late winter or early spring when these foods are less readily available. The most common symptoms of a deficiency are fatigue, depression, skin rashes, and poor wound healing.
