The Importance of Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and Minerals

When one thinks of fitness, supplements like protein, creatine and fat burners come to mind.  What most people do not consider is the importance of a good multivitamin.

In order for people to get through their day, their bodies require a certain amount of necessary nutrients.  Problems can arise if people do not have enough of, and the proper vitamins and minerals.  It can cause problems with metabolism that would otherwise produce optimum efficiency as well as performance.  Taking a good multivitamin will help with ensuring that the body always has the necessary vitamins and minerals, allowing the body to function at optimum levels and enjoy a full day of work, exercise and playing the online slots Canada has to offer..

For people who are involved in any kind of fitness or have an active lifestyle will require more nutrients than the average person whose lifestyle is maybe not as active.  The problem comes in choosing a good multivitamin, there are so many on the market.  A good multivitamin should be the first thing people take in the morning to get their day started and for those who are training regularly a multivitamin is very important.

Multivitamins basically all contain the same ingredients, with a few differences.  A multivitamin contains both vitamins and minerals.

Vitamins

Vitamins are organic and humans require them to survive.  The functions of vitamins are to convert food to energy and living tissue.  Vitamins can be water-soluble and need to be taken daily such as Vitamin C and B as they are not stored in the body.  Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble and are stored in the body.  Vitamins are sensitive to heat and light as well as chemical agents so it is important that food is processed and stored properly so that the vitamins can be preserved and that their nutritional value is maintained.  Vitamin A is for eyes, healthy skin, for bone and tooth growth and for a healthy immune system.  Vitamin B is taken for nerve function, vision and skin as well as for the digestive systems.  Vitamin C is for the immune system and to protect cells.  Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium.  Vitamin E is a good antioxidant and Vitamin K is for healthy bones, teeth and cartilage.

Minerals

Minerals on the other hand are inorganic and are more stable than vitamins when it comes to food preparation.  Minerals fit into macro (calcium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium chloride, magnesium, sulphur) and micro categories (iron, iodine, zinc, chromium, selenium, fluoride, copper, manganese).  For most minerals people will require 100mg each day.  Minerals assist with producing hormones.

Calcium is for strong, healthy and normal bones.  Chromium helps with strengthening of connective tissue.  Iodine helps with thyroid issues and iron is important for carrying oxygen around the body.  Selenium is helpful in fighting various health issues.  Manganese helps to activate enzymes in the body and magnesium aids in the biochemical reactions of the body.  Potassium is used for heart and brain function.

There are differences between multivitamins for men and women.  Multivitamins for men will often contain saw palmetto for a healthy prostrate.  Multivitamins for women will contain vitamins and minerals for healthy skin, nails and hair.

Multivitamins are important for humans who want to operate at optimum levels especially for those who are active and involved in fitness regimes.