5 Essential Vitamins You Must Check Regularly and Why It Matters

Vitamins, although required in minute amounts, are essential micronutrients which help the immune system and offer high levels of energy. There is a diverse range of vitamins that are needed for different body functionalities. Consulting a physician can help you to understand vitamins and their importance for a healthy lifestyle. Here is a list of 5 essential vitamins and their role in maintaining good health. 

5 Essential Vitamins For The Body: Importance Of Vitamin Consumption 

The importance of vitamins for maintenance and development in the body is immense. We have listed 5 vitamins and their importance in ensuring the highest productivity of the body and enhanced immunity. 

1. Vitamin D

Vitamin A is an essential vitamin for the body. It is also popularly known as the sunshine vitamin which is acquired from sunlight. The importance of vitamin D includes immune cell production, better bone health and maintaining a holistic wellness of the body. Some studies in recent times have revealed that almost 70-90% of individuals are devoid of vitamin D in India due to inadequate exposure to sunlight. 

Why consume vitamin D:

• Adequate Vitamin D levels in the body help to prevent bone-related weaknesses like porosity and the state of Osteoporosis in adults and rickets in kids. 
• Boosts one's immunity preventing general sickness as well as chronic conditions. 
• Plays a role in improving mental health and reducing depression. 

When to get tested

• Check the levels of vitamin D in the body when you feel fatigued, weak, or frequent sickness. 

2. Vitamin B12 

It is an essential vitamin for the proper functioning of nerves and maintaining neurological efficiency. DNA synthesis and red blood cell production are other roles played by Vitamin B12. Being one of the essential vitamins for the body, the consumption of Vitamin B12 supplements is indispensable. Deficiency of B12 is mostly observed in vegan dieters and vegetarians. 

Why consume vitamin B12:

• It helps to avert nerve damage as well as prevent neurological disorders. 
• Prevents anaemia and aids in energy production through ATP synthesis. 
• Aids in improving cognitive functions and reduces the overall risk of dementia and memory loss in the elderly. 

When to get tested

• If you experience memory loss, sluggishness, fatigue and numbness, get yourself tested for vitamin B12 levels in the body.

3. Vitamin C 

This is a powerful antioxidant, which aids in maintaining cell functionality and reduces damage due to the production of toxins. Free radicals are often produced due to different body functions which can damage the cells. Vitamin C combats them and aids in immunity, better skin health, as well as faster and more effective healing of wounds. 

Why consume Vitamin C:

• Deficiency of Vitamin C is very common due to poor diet and smoking even if you consume fruits and veggies. 
• Strengthens immune function. 
• Promotes radiant skin and better wound healing. 
• Reduces oxidative stress of the cells and degrades free radicals preventing inflammation. 

When to get tested

• Common signs of vitamin C deficiency include bleeding gums, a weaker immune system, and slow healing of cuts and wounds. 

4. Vitamin A 

It is an essential vitamin for both vision as well as skin health followed by better immune combat. Lack of adequate vitamin A in the diet can lead to blindness in kids and to a certain extent in adults too. 

Why consume vitamin A:

• Prevents symptoms of night blindness or any other vision-related issues. 
• Offers efficient immunity against general pathogens. 
• Reduces blemishes, acne, dryness and pimples creating a radiant skin glow. 

When to get tested

• Difficulty in seeing, dryness of the eyeballs, and frequent infections are signs of vitamin A deficiency and one must get checked for taking effective measures.

5. Vitamin E 

Vitamin E is an essential vitamin which is also regarded as an antioxidant. It protects the skin from dryness, itchiness, acne and other problems. Adequate levels of vitamin E in the body promote heart health and better immune responses. 

Why should you consume vitamin E:

• Promotes maintenance of healthy skin by reducing oxidative damage. 
• Offers protection against heart ailments and reduces the chances of inflammation in the body. 
• Offers a boost to the immune cells and mitigates risks of chronic diseases.  

When to get tested

• If you experience intense hair fall, dry skin, and general weakness of the body, it might be a sign of Vitamin E deficiency. 

Conclusion

Regular testing and consultation from doctors can help monitor the levels of different essential vitamins in the body. A comprehensive checkup is a must-have from time to time before they can become a significant threat to good health. Take control of your diet and ensure adequate consumption of vitamins through balanced meals. Do not wait for adverse symptoms to show up and rather take control before it's too late.