How do Vitamins Work?
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The Importance of Vitamins for the Human Body
Vitamins are organic compounds that are essential for the human body to function properly. They play a crucial role in building muscle and bone, capturing and using energy, healing wounds, and making use of nutrients. Without vitamins, the body can suffer from a variety of health problems.
Water-Soluble and Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Vitamins are divided into two categories: water-soluble and fat-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin C and B complex are easily taken up by the bloodstream and need to be replenished daily. Fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and K, must first be broken up by bile in the stomach and intestine before they can be absorbed through the intestinal wall and transported around the body in fat. These vitamins are stored in the liver and fat cells, so the body is generally well stocked with them.
The Functions of Vitamins
Once they are in the body, vitamins perform a variety of functions. The B Complex vitamins assist enzymes in releasing energy from food, while vitamin C helps fight infection and make collagen. Vitamin A helps make white blood cells, shape bones and improve vision, vitamin D helps gather calcium and phosphorus for bones, vitamin E works as an antioxidant, and vitamin K helps clot blood.
The Risks of Vitamin Deficiency and Overdose
If the body is deficient in any of these vitamins, it can cause fatigue, nerve damage, heart disorders, and various diseases. On the other hand, too much of any vitamin can also be harmful to health. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the body is getting the right amount of vitamins to stay healthy.
The Importance of Balance
The myth that loading yourself with supplements is a great idea is not true. In reality, it is important to get the balance right when it comes to vitamins. Too much of any one vitamin can cause toxicity in the body. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the amount of vitamins you are taking and make sure you are not overdoing it.
Getting the Right Balance
In order to hit the vitamin jackpot, you must find the right balance between the vitamins you are taking and the amount you are taking. It is important to consult a doctor or dietitian to make sure you are taking the right amount of vitamins and not overdoing it. They can also provide advice on the best way to get your vitamins from foods and supplements.
Conclusion
Understanding the importance of vitamins and how they are used by the body is essential for good health. Getting the right balance of vitamins is key to hitting the vitamin jackpot and avoiding toxicity in the body. So, make sure you are getting the right amount of vitamins and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
Discussion Questions
- How do vitamins play a crucial role in building muscle and bone?
- Why do water-soluble vitamins need to be replenished daily?
- How are fat-soluble vitamins absorbed and transported around the body?
- What are some functions of B Complex vitamins and vitamin C?
- What health problems can arise from a vitamin deficiency?
- Why is it important to find the right balance of vitamins?
- How can consulting a healthcare professional help you ensure you are getting the right amount of vitamins?
- Can you get all the necessary vitamins from food alone or are supplements necessary? Why or why not?
Lesson Vocabulary
Vitamins – substances that are essential for normal growth and nutrition and are required in small quantities in the diet because they cannot be synthesized by the body – Eating a balanced diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables can provide all the necessary vitamins for the body.
Human body – the physical structure, including the bones, muscles, and organs, of a person – The human body is capable of performing many amazing tasks, such as running marathons or giving birth.
Muscle – a band or bundle of fibrous tissue in a human or animal body that has the ability to contract, producing movement in or maintaining the position of parts of the body – Weightlifting and other strength-training exercises can help build muscle mass and improve overall health.
Bone – any of the pieces of hard, whitish tissue making up the skeleton in humans and other vertebrates – Adequate calcium intake is necessary to maintain strong bones and prevent osteoporosis.
Energy – the strength and vitality required for sustained physical or mental activity – Consuming carbohydrates and other nutrients can provide the body with the energy needed to function properly.
Nutrients – a substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life – Foods rich in nutrients, such as leafy greens and lean protein, can help keep the body healthy and functioning properly.
Water-soluble vitamins – vitamins that dissolve in water and are not stored in the body to any great extent, so they need to be consumed regularly as part of the diet – Vitamin C and the B vitamins are examples of water-soluble vitamins.
Fat-soluble vitamins – vitamins that dissolve in fat and can be stored in the body’s fatty tissue, so they don’t need to be consumed as frequently as water-soluble vitamins – Vitamins A, D, E, and K are examples of fat-soluble vitamins.
B Complex vitamins – a group of water-soluble vitamins that play important roles in metabolism and other bodily functions – B vitamins include thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, biotin, folic acid, and cobalamin.
Vitamin deficiency – a lack of sufficient amounts of one or more vitamins in the body, which can lead to various health problems – Vitamin D deficiency, for example, can cause weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures.
Vitamin overdose – consuming excessive amounts of one or more vitamins, which can cause harm to the body – Consuming too much vitamin A, for example, can cause dizziness, nausea, and even liver damage.
Balance – a state in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions, creating a stable and harmonious situation – Maintaining a balance between work and play, for example, can lead to a happier and healthier life.
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- Categories: Health, TED Ed, Video Lessons
- Keywords: B Complex vitamins, balance, bone, energy, fat-soluble vitamins, human body, muscle, nutrients, vitamin deficiency, vitamin overdose, vitamins, water-soluble vitamins
