Vitamins vs Supplements: The Key Differences Explained

Photo by Michele Blackwell

Originally Posted On: Vitamins vs Supplements: The Key Differences Explained – HumbleMusings.com

Did you know there are only 13 vitamins for humans? These include A, B, C, D, E, and K vitamins. There are hundreds of dietary supplements.

While vitamins are in many supplements, not all supplements contain vitamins.

Vitamins vs. supplements, what’s the difference? Read our helpful guide and we’ll walk you through vitamins and supplements and what you need to know.

All vitamins taken in any form other than food are supplements. Along with vitamins, our bodies also need minerals and phytonutrients. Phytonutrients aren’t essential for keeping you alive, but they’re important for good health.

Phytonutrients come from plant-based foods such as vegetables and fruits of which many people don’t eat enough. If you don’t eat enough plant-based foods, taking supplements like those found at KaraMD® can help.

Supplements are anything you take that optimizes your body’s nutrition and reduces deficiencies.

Vitamins are essential to good health and without them, you’ll get sick and could even die. What are the vitamins your body needs for healthy function?

Proper levels of vitamin A keep your skin, teeth, bones, and mucous membranes functioning well. Fish, squash, and spinach all contain lots of vitamin A. Carrots have beta carotene which the body converts to vitamin A.

There are lots of B vitamins, and our body needs a healthy dose of all of them. Vitamin B includes B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12. The sources are many and varied.

Meat, eggs, fish, dairy, oatmeal, brown rice, and vegetables are full of B vitamins. Vitamin B12 is only found in meat and other animal products. If you’re eating a vegan diet, taking a B12 supplement is especially important.

Most people think of orange juice when they think of vitamin C for good reason. Oranges are in the top 10 fruits containing vitamin C. Vitamin C helps boost your immune system and it’s also an antioxidant.

Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium which you need for strong bones. One of the best sources of vitamin D is the sun.

Sun exposure boosts vitamin D but only if the conditions are right. Getting some added vitamin D through fortified foods or supplements is another way of boosting your D.

Like C, vitamin E is an antioxidant, and it also helps your body make red blood cells. Nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables are great sources of vitamin D.

When your mom made you eat your spinach, you were getting more than iron. You were also getting vitamin K which helps your blood clot. Another source of vitamin K includes egg yolks.

Your body needs folate for DNA production which is why it’s a good idea for pregnant women to make sure they’re getting enough. It’s found in leafy greens.

It’s not a matter of vitamins vs. supplements. All vitamins in pill form are supplements, though many supplements don’t contain vitamins.

Aim for proper nutrition by eating a healthy diet full of whole foods like vegetables and fruits. If you don’t like fruits and vegetables, take nutrient- and vitamin-containing supplements.

Looking for other informative articles like this? Keep reading the blog!