Vitamin A
Vitamin A (retinol, retinoic acid) is a nutrient important to normal vision, the immune system, cell division, reproduction, and growth and development. Vitamin A also helps your heart, lungs, skin health, and other organs work properly. Vitamin A also has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are substances that might protect your cells against the effects of free radicals. Free radicals might play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases.
Vitamin B
B Vitamins are a group of similar vitamins that support our cellular energy metabolism, and they each have their individual benefits, too! Vitamin B2, Riboflavin, helps support cellular energy production. Vitamin B3, Niacin, helps support nervous system function and convert food into cellular energy. Vitamin B6 and Folic Acid (or Folate in food sources), are both important for proper red blood cell formation and supporting the production of neurotransmitters needed for mood health. Vitamin B-12 is necessary for normal nervous system function; it is an essential supplement if you’re vegetarian because you may not get enough from your diet alone since B-12 is found mainly in animal foods.†
Vitamin E
Vitamin E has been found to be very effective in the prevention and reversal of various disease complications due to its function as an antioxidant, its role in anti-inflammatory processes, its inhibition of platelet aggregation and its immune-enhancing activity. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that supports a healthy immune system and neutralizes free radicals in the body.†
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is necessary for the growth, development and repair of all body tissues. It’s involved in many body functions, including formation of collagen, absorption of iron, wound healing, and the maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that supports your immune system, but it also increases iron absorption from food and is needed for collagen synthesis to support overall skin health. Almost half of all adults do not get enough Vitamin C in their daily diets, so you can easily supplement this vital nutrient in a Vitamin C supplement. [1] †
Vitamin D
Vitamin D also regulates many other cellular functions in your body. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties support immune health, muscle function, and brain cell activity. Vitamin D is an essential vitamin supporting the body’s natural immune defenses, and bone, teeth, and muscle health. Very few foods provide Vitamin D, and studies show that 95% of Americans do not get enough Vitamin D through diet alone. [1]
Vitamin K
Vitamin K and Vitamin K2 are fat-soluble vitamins that support healthy vascular function and a healthy circulatory system. Vitamin K helps to make various proteins that are needed for blood clotting and the building of bones. Not having enough vitamin K in the body makes you more likely to bleed, so you may bruise more easily than usual. Vitamin K2 works with Calcium in your body to support strong, healthy bones.†
Minerals to Take Daily
Your body uses minerals for many different jobs, including keeping your bones, muscles, heart, and brain working properly. Minerals are also important for making enzymes and hormones. There are two kinds of minerals: macrominerals and trace minerals. Mineral supplements provide 100% or more of the daily value for mineral nutrients.
Calcium
Calcium is essential to supporting our strong bones as we age. Adults tend to have lower bone density and may want to consider supplementing their Calcium intake to support and maintain bone strength.†
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral necessary for more than 300 enzyme reactions in the body. Almost 54% of Americans need to get more Magnesium in their diets. [1] Magnesium has a variety of functions, supporting muscle relaxation and nerve, heart, and bone health.†
Iron
Your body uses Iron to produce hemoglobin (an essential protein found in red blood cells), enabling red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. If you are an adult under 50, you should consider taking an Iron supplement; it’s an essential nutrient for adults in their productive years.†
How to Choose Vitamins
The first thing you should do when considering what vitamins to add to your daily routine is speak with your healthcare provider. Just ask them, “What vitamins should I take everyday?” A healthcare provider can help you determine which vitamins you may need to take daily from exams and conversations about your health, lifestyle, and nutrition. The Scientific Report of the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee lists chronically under-consumed nutrients: Vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Choline, and Dietary Fiber. [2] †
Why Take Supplements
Everyone has different reasons for taking supplements. Vegans and vegetarians might take supplements to help fill in nutrients from a missing food group. If you’re allergic to certain foods (or don’t like them), you can use supplements to help provide the nutrients that you lack. People with busy schedules can also find dietary supplements helpful for peace of mind, knowing you’re getting the nutrients you need without sweating over meals you might not have complete control over.