Which Vitamins Should You Be Taking Daily

Vitamin supplements are a booming business. You can find just about every vitamin and mineral your body needs to stay healthy in supplement form. Not sure which ones you need? Then just grab a bottle of multivitamins instead to keep things simple.

You can easily feel a little overwhelmed whether you’re in the vitamin aisle at the pharmacy or a health store. Before you know it, you’re spending hundreds of dollars on vitamins you’ve never heard of.

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself what are the physician recommended vitamins? While everyone has different health needs, some vitamins and minerals are essential and even taken by healthcare professionals.

Vitamins Everyone Should Consider Adding to Their Daily Routines

Before diving into the vitamins everyone should probably be taking, it’s always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider. Find out what your physician recommends, but chances are it’s going to include some or all of the following.

Something else to note is even sticking religiously with a balanced diet doesn’t always ensure your body is getting the right combination of vitamins and minerals.

Vitamin D

You get some of your daily dose of Vitamin D from the sun. Certain foods also contain Vitamin D like dairy products and eggs.

However, to get the daily recommended dose of Vitamin D, plan on eating about 54 eggs every day. Since this isn’t really possible for pretty much anyone, you probably should opt to supplement instead.

Your body needs around 800 iu of Vitamin D for optimal health. Yes, this is a ridiculous number of eggs, and eating 54 of them seven days a week can lead to a host of health problems like high cholesterol and weight gain.

Vitamin D is essential for bone and strength. Did you know a Vitamin D deficiency can result in more than weak bones? You may also start noticing your hair is starting to fall out. For some people, this can be enough to have them reach for the supplement.

Pay attention to the type of Vitamin D in the supplement, you usually have two options. Vitamin D2 comes primarily from plant-based sources, while D3 is mostly from animal sources. D3 is usually the better option since healthcare professionals believe it provides more health benefits.

Vitamin C

Even citrus fruit lovers may not be getting enough Vitamin C. Did you know a lack of Vitamin C was an issue for sailors up to a couple of hundred years ago? Without access to fresh fruits and vegetables during long voyages, sailors often came down with a condition known as scurvy. Along with feeling tired and irritable, scurvy can also cause joint pain, bleeding gums, and red spots to form on the skin.

Thanks to food preservation techniques like canning, cases of scurvy are exceedingly rare. However, you can still have a Vitamin C deficiency and this can affect your skin’s appearance and level of energy.

For optimal health, adults should be getting between 75mg to 90mg of Vitamin C daily. Since it’s not always easy to include enough fruits and vegetables in your diet, a supplement can help ensure you’re getting the recommended dosage of the essential vitamin.

Magnesium

From helping to combat fatigue to lowering blood pressure and promoting bone health, Magnesium is an essential mineral. Adults should get around 270 mg of Magnesium daily, and the mineral is found in a variety of foods. Everything from nuts, meat, and fish contains Magnesium, along with some leafy vegetables and dairy products.

Even with a wide range of foods to include in your diet, not everyone is getting the daily recommended dosage, and this is when supplements can help. Whether you choose a multivitamin or one that only contains Magnesium, you’re doing your body a favor. Besides, just think about what you can accomplish each day with Magnesium to help support your energy levels.

Calcium

Chances are the first thing you think about is bone health when you hear the word Calcium. The mineral is also vital for nerve, muscle, and heart health. In other words, your body needs Calcium to thrive.

This can be especially true for older adults who are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. If you’re not sure what osteoporosis is, it’s a condition affecting bone strength and density. Individuals with the condition are at a greater risk of breaking a bone.

Adding a calcium supplement to your daily routine can help ensure your bones remain healthy and strong throughout your life.

Zinc

If there’s a mineral you definitely want to ensure you’re getting enough of, it’s Zinc. While all vitamins and minerals are considered essential for overall health, Zinc plays a role in supporting multiple functions.

The mineral helps support your immune system, regulates nerve function, aids in digestion, and can even out metabolism. You can find Zinc in both animal and plant-based foods and in dairy, shellfish, and grains. Known as an essential trace element, your body doesn’t need high quantities of Zinc. Typically, adults only need around 15mg a day to help maintain their health.

Even though you’re probably not going to have trouble finding foods you enjoy that contain Zinc, it doesn’t mean you’re getting the daily recommended dose. A great option is to go with a multivitamin. Almost all contain small amounts of Zinc. You can also opt for a Zinc-only supplement. If you’re in doubt, talk to your healthcare provider about which option is best for your health.

Omega 3

When you hear Omega 3, fish oil probably comes to mind. This is because fish are a primary source of Omega 3s. The fatty acids are packed with health benefits that include supporting heart health, lowering blood pressure, boosting healthy cholesterol levels, and even providing anti-inflammatory benefits. Even your brain health is supported by Omega 3s.

If you’re not eating a lot of fish like salmon, for example, you may not be getting enough Omega 3s in your diet. You can find Omega 3 fish oil supplements that will help ensure you’re supporting your overall health.

This is only a mere glance at some of the key vitamins and minerals physicians often recommend their patients take daily. Schedule a consultation with your doctor and find out what they recommend you add to your daily routine.