Diets and Vitamins - Why Essential Vitamins Are Important

There may be 15 essential vitamins needed daily for a balanced diet. Knowing what these are can improve our physical and mental lives. The vitamins I will talk about in this article are basic for children. How these vitamins work and which ones you don't want too much of is something I will brief you on.

Vitamins are essential for good health. Some vitamins are known by letters and some by their chemical names and some by both. The body cannot manufacture most vitamins and rely on your balanced diet and/or supplemental consumption.

There are warnings on all vitamins/mineral supplements of accidental overdose. "Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6 years old." "In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately."

Children supplements contain Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid( Vitamin B12), Biotin, Vitamin B5, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, and Zinc. Amount per serving are equal to 100% of their needs except in Vitamin A, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, and Zinc.

Vitamin A is important for the immune system, infections of the kidney, bladder, lungs, and the mucous membrane (the lining around inner parts of our body to keep them moist), protects us against cancer and heart disease, helps skin repair itself, development of bones, and most common night blindness. The reason most multi-vitamins don't have a full days supply is our bodies convert some food we eat into Vitamin A. Beta-carotene is found in green and yellow plants. Plants we eat or eat the fruit of are carrots, cantaloupe, spinach, broccoli, mango, oranges, peaches, garlic, and sweet potatoes, just to name a few. Excessive amount can lead to liver failure. A deficient amount can cause night blindness and dry, itchy skin.

Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid. Vitamin C is found in oranges, lemons, and potatoes. It is needed for the maintenance of the ligaments, tendons, and other supportive tissues. Some of these supportive tissues are blood vessels and muscles. Consumption of a healthy diet is best because too little can cause fatigue, swollen gums, nose bleeds, weakness, and scurry. Consumption of too much Vitamin C may cause Kidney stones. Vitamin C is for the immune function, to help keep the body healthy. Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron from food.

Vitamin D increases the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which leads to stronger bones and teeth. Our bodies can get what we need from the sun's UV rays with just 10-15 minutes twice a week without sunscreen but it is not recommended due to the possibility of skin cancer. Vitamin D deficiency is called rickets which is an abnormal development of the bones. The most common forms of rickets is knock-knees.

Vitamin E is made in or bodies in our intestine by bacteria. It helps with proper clotting of the blood. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, helping to maintain a healthy heart. Foods like wheat germ, eggs and roasted nuts in a healthy diet are best.