Have you ever wondered if you really need vitamins? Most people don't give it a second thought. Others take daily vitamin and mineral supplements. Maybe you take a multivitamin or a calcium supplement. Some people take vitamin D as well. It can be important for your health and immune system. Certain vitamins can help keep your bones strong, while others can help keep your cardiovascular system healthy, and still others boost your immune system. Everyone can benefit from supplements!
Lacking certain vitamins and minerals can have a detrimental effect on your overall health, your skeletal system, your organ function, and even your immune system. Since the use of computers, machines, and cars has become increasingly popular and a part of daily life,
more and more people are spending more time indoors and less time being active outdoors, and many use sunscreen when they go out. As a result, one common vitamin deficiency is low vitamin D levels. Our bodies use sunshine to make vitamin D, and we get vitamin D from dairy and certain foods. Low vitamin D levels are surprisingly very common, and most people don't have symptoms. Symptoms of low vitamin D levels can include headaches, fatigue, and frequent illness (1). Low vitamin D levels can also cause bone loss. Low levels in children can cause severe skeletal development problems (2). As we age, keeping our bones strong is just as important as keeping our muscles strong. Strong, healthy bones are less likely to suffer fractures in case of an accident or fall.
If you suspect you may have a vitamin D deficiency, it is best to talk to your primary care doctor about your concerns. Lab tests can be ordered. Often, daily supplements along with a healthy diet can help people maintain healthy vitamin and mineral levels.
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