A well-balanced diet is supposed to contain all the
necessary vitamins in sufficient quantities. However, this is not always
possible. For example, when you are suffering from certain illnesses, are on a
restricted diet, are pregnant, or breast feeding, extra vitamins may be
recommended by your doctor. But remember, under normal circumstances extra
vitamins are unnecessary and can even be harmful, leading to poisonous
overdoses called – hyper-vitaminosis!
The Role of Vitamins
Vitamin A is necessary for healthy skin, bones, and
eyes. Try not to take vitamin A
supplements as an excess can cause fragile bones, liver and spleen enlargement
and loss of appetite and possibly even hair.
The B vitamins affect blood, skin, nerves and growth, and
the way your body uses foods. It will do no harm to take brewer’s yeast, a rich
source of several B vitamins, for extra energy. The benefit is that the body
quickly excretes any excess vitamin B. Therefore, the body set the balance
automatically.
Any diet should
contain sufficient daily amounts of vitamin C-rich foods, as the body cannot
store vitamin C, and it is easily destroyed by time, cooking and by cigarette
smoking.
Vitamin D is necessary for strong bones and teeth. It is
found mainly in fish liver oils, egg yolk, liver, fatty sea-fish and milk.
Supplements should be avoided as overdosing can cause vomiting, headaches,
weight loss and calcium deposits in kidneys and arteries.
Vitamin E occurs in many foods especially in oils of wheat
germ, cottonseed, and corn, and in oatmeal, margarine, eggs, meat, butter, and
peas. Vitamin E occurs in many foods especially in oils of wheat germ,
cottonseed, and corn, and in oatmeal, margarine, eggs, meat, butter, and peas.
Vitamin K helps prevent excessive bleeding. Ample quantities
can be obtained by eating pig’s liver, green leafy vegetables, eggs and milk;
supplements are largely unnecessary as the body makes up for any shortage by
manufacturing it in the intestines.
If you are suffering from vitamin deficiency, you should
consult your doctor.
