The basics of taking vitamins

With aisle after aisle of vitamins, to peruse at your local pharmacy, grocery store, or discount store, choosing a simple vitamin, can be overwhelming.For the average consumer who may feel that they simply do not know enough to make an educated choice, here is a guide to the basics of taking vitamins.For specific recommendations it is strongly urged, that you consult with your health care professional, as to what are the right vitamins, for your specific needs.Here is some help to get you started and what you need to know about the basics of taking vitamins-

• Remember that vitamins do not cure diseases-Many people have mistakenly believed that vitamin supplements can be a miracle cure, for different illnesses including:common cold, cancer, depression, and heart disease. Vitamins are essential, for normal development, and proper metabolism. However, vitamins cannot be used instead of drugs, but they are necessary especially during an illness, when the body is deprived of nutrients. It is important to keep in mind that in some cases, the additional supplements of vitamins, can be harmful for health and worsen your condition.
• Remember that vitamins are not a substitute for a healthy diet-It has been proven that the best way to provide your body with vital vitamin, is through food. While there are some that may claim that today's food, doesn't have the right amount of vitamins, eating vitamin supplements instead of vegetables, and fruits, is still not the best thing to do. Keep in mind that in food, vitamins usually occur in a balanced combination, which contributes to its better absorption. For example, Pro-vitamin A usually is found in food that also contains other caratenoid companions, helping to get the best of this vitamin. Taking a multi-vitamin and avoiding eating healthy food does not simulate this beneficial action.
• Remember that there can be too much of a good thing-The bottom line is that overdosing on vitamins can be toxic. While many people think that taking more vitamins, is good for their health, the facts show in numerous studies that some vitamins taken in excess can do more harm, and even increase the risk of death. For example, fat soluble vitamins such as A; D, E and K can be stored for a long time. When they are accumulated in high amounts, this can lead to negative consequences. The overdose of Vitamin A during pregnancy, can cause birth defects, and may also lead to nausea, hair loss, and sometimes death. An excess of Vitamin C can lead to diarrhea, headaches, nausea, and disturb the balance of other nutrients like iron. You should also be careful with iron, zinc and selenium supplements.
• Remember that some vitamins should not be taken together-It has been shown that some interactions between vitamins, may lead to its poor absorption. For example, iron supplements do not go together well with zinc, and may also interfere with absorption of Vitamin E. Calcium also impedes the absorption of iron, so they should not be taken together.
• Remember some vitamins should be taken together-On the other hand taking some vitamins, without its companion, may be absolutely ineffective. For example, iron should be taken with Vitamin C for better absorption, while calcium supplements should be taken with magnesium. Some vitamins when taken alone do not have a beneficial effect, like Vitamin D that works together with calcium.
• Remember some people should avoid certain vitamins-Not everyone should be taking vitamins. For example: taking to much Vitamin C can be dangerous for people with diabetes, and people with thyroid hyper function, diabetes, and hypertension should be careful with Vitamin E. Those who were diagnosed with kidney stones, or cancer, should not take calcium supplements.For this reason it is crucial to consult with your health care professional before beginning any vitamin supplementation.