Like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, vitamins and supplement are also one of the key sources for health. A well balanced diet must have all these five sources. Expect for vitamin D, the other vitamins and minerals from your food are absorbed directly by the body. Vitamin D alone is synthesized by the body using sunlight.

Generally most of the vitamins and minerals are taken from the foods that we consume. But in some cases, if there is deficiency in any one of these, we should go for supplements in pills or any other form. The role of these vitamins is to make the body absorb all the nutrients from the food. For example, vitamin D helps our body to absorb calcium from the food we take, coffee or tea can impede the absorption process.

Sometimes, taking vitamins and supplements in improper amounts might lead to adverse effects. For example, excessive intake of calcium may sometimes cause deposition in many parts of the body, especially in the kidneys, gall bladder and foot. For most vitamins, it is better to take them along with food and more water. That is, it should be taken before or after food so that they are digested and absorbed better.

Usually, deficiency in any one of the vitamins and minerals may result in any number of health complications. In other words, the body signals deficiency by showing symptoms of disorder. For example, hair loss and anemia are the signs of deficiency in iron and B complex vitamins. Likewise, folic acid is so important for pregnant women because it helps in developing the baby’s brain, spinal cord and general growth. Lack of these can cause congenital heart defects. Folic acids are also important in building and fortifying red blood cells and lowering the level of homocystine that is associated with heart disease.

The main reason for deficiency in vitamins and minerals is not having a well balanced diet. Not only food, but certain factors life alcoholism, drugs and stress can also lead to vitamin deficiency. So for staying healthy, one must follow or have a well-balanced diet. Nuts, fruits and vegetables are considered to be rich sources of vitamins and minerals. Factors like low energy and stress can be mitigated by doing regular workouts, meditation and yoga. By pursuing a healthy life style, it is possible to reduce occurrences of disease and disorders due to deficiency in vitamins and minerals.