Vitamin Supplements, Nutritional, and Prenatal

A vitamin is a nutrient needed in the body that cannot be produced by the body itself and must be ingested through food or supplements. Vitamins are necessary in the body for the production of some hormones and as catalysts in metabolic reactions and other biological functions. 4lessvitamins.com is an informational website designed to provide consumers information on vitamins- their uses and supplementation. This site does not endorse or promote any one product or brand.

Vitamins were not discovered until the early nineteen hundreds. The discovery was spurred by scientists noticing that disease could be prevented by eating certain foods. Up until this point humans relied solely on the food they ate for nutrients. Most people today still get most of the nutrients they need from their food but certain diets can be lacking.

Vitamin supplements can make up for missing nutrients and some people have even noticed other benefits of supplementing their diets with vitamins. Vitamins are classified as either fat soluble or water soluble. Water soluble vitamins are not stored in the body and must be ingested every day, if more water soluble vitamins are ingested than necessary the body will simply eliminate them via urine. Fat soluble vitamins can stored in the body’s fat stores. These vitamins are not needed as readily as water soluble. Because the body stores these vitamins it is much easier for the body to build up excessive or toxic amounts.

When taking a vitamin supplement it is important to be aware of the levels of certain vitamins. Toxicity can develop and in rare cases be fatal. In the United States today it’s unusual for a person to be deficient in a vitamin unless they have an inadequate diet.  Still there are some benefits to taking a supplement. Supplements are not a substitute for a well rounded diet but may help those who struggle to meet all their dietary needs.

The effectiveness of a vitamin supplement is dependent of the rate of absorption. Supplements made from whole foods are absorbed faster and better than synthetic vitamins. Also liquid vitamins have a 98 percent absorption rate. Some makers of vitamin supplements will tout time released capsules claiming that it will increase the rate of absorption; this however has not been proven and shows little clinical evidence of being true.

When selecting a vitamin supplement it’s important to know that the FDA does not regulate their production. To ensure the supplements are high quality look for the USP-DSVP seal. This seal means the production of the vitamin follows the high standards and guidelines set in place by the US Pharmacopoeia Dietary Supplement Verification Program.

Knowing what nutrient the consumer is lacking will help him or her decide which supplement is best for them. The consumer should consult with their doctor before beginning to take any supplement. Flaxseed oil for example, can help lower cholesterol.

Feel free to explore this website for more information on vitamin supplements and their variations. Check back frequently as the site is continually updated with the latest information.

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