Six vitamins that can improve your body’s vital functions and immune system

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      There’s nothing worse than coming down with a debilitating flu or cold during the summer months—spending three days sprawled out on the couch while your friends are at the beach is pure torture.

      wants to keep you from falling ill this summer by sharing valuable information on vitamins that can fortify your immune system, strengthen memory, support nerve function, and much more. You don’t have to take a handful of supplements every morning in order to get the vitamins you need. Instead, you can reap the benefits from specific vitamins by integrating certain superfoods into your diet.

      Vitamin A

      This vitamin has antioxidant properties and plays an important role in your vision, immunity, cell growth and division, and reproduction. Like other antioxidants, vitamin A is capable of protecting your cells against free radicals, which can contribute to heart disease and some forms of cancer. One can get their recommended dose of vitamin A through supplements or by consuming foods like spinach, dairy products, carrots, and cantaloupe.

      The recommended daily doses for all of these essential vitamins can be found on .

      Vitamin B-6

      Vitamin B-6 is important for the maintenance of the immune and nervous systems while promoting normal brain development. This vitamin can be derived from bananas, chickpeas, potatoes, poultry, and fish—now you have an excuse to make baked potato wedges and crispy chicken strips for dinner tonight. People with kidney conditions or genetic diseases may be predisposed to a vitamin B-6 deficiency, which can lead to a weakened immune system, confusion, and depression.

      Vitamin B-12

      The regular consumption of vitamin B-12 is imperative for everyone, and those who follow vegetarian or plant-based diets are more at risk of being deficient. Vitamin B-12 is can be derived from meat, fish, poultry, and dairy products. This vitamin is central in the production of DNA and red blood cells while also supporting cell metabolism and nerve function. People with a deficiency in vitamin B-12 may experience fatigue, anemia, mood disturbances, weakness, intestinal problems, and even nerve damage. 

      Vitamin C

      Vitamin C is best known for its antioxidant properties that can fend off a cold and its ability to help the body absorb and store iron. This vitamin also aids in the formation of blood vessels, cartilage, muscles, and collagen. Similar to vitamin A, vitamin C protects your cells against free radicals that may cause heart disease and some forms of cancer. Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli, spinach, potatoes, and Brussel sprouts. Many people choose to take vitamin C supplements in a delicious gummy form.

      Take a look at Vitamin page to better understand safe dosages and side effects of oral vitamin C supplements.

      Vitamin D

      This vitamin is vital for bone health as calcium can only be absorbed by the body when vitamin D is present. Vitamin D can also be absorbed from direct sunlight, which is why people who experience seasonal depression or those living in rainy cities are encouraged to take vitamin D supplements. Symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency can include bone density loss, mood changes, fatigue, and muscle cramps. Vitamin D isn’t naturally present in many foods but companies will often fortify dairy and cereal products with it.

      Vitamin E

      Vitamin E is present in foods that you probably consume on a regular basis like olive oil, almonds, peanuts, margarine, meats, dairy, dark leafy greens, and fortified cereals. This vitamin is an antioxidant and can also protect your cells from free radicals while maintaining the health of your blood, brain, skin, eyes, and reproductive system.

      Figuring out what vitamins you should be consuming can be rather confusing, especially for those with pre-existing conditions. iMD Health’s Vitamin FAQ page can answer some of the most common questions that people may have about vitamins.

      For more information on these six vitamins, visit iMD Health’s page.

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