VITAMINS: PILLS OR FOOD?

There are two types of vitamins: water-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins.

A water-soluble vitamin is a vitamin that dissolves in water and cannot be stored in the body for a long period of time. Water-soluble vitamins travel through your body and the excess is excreted in your urine. These kinds of vitamins need to be replaced daily. Vitamins B and C are water-soluble vitamins.

A fat-soluble vitamin is a vitamin that can be stored in the liver and fat tissues of your body until your body needs them. Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins can be stored in your body for up to six months.

Almost everyone can get all the vitamins they need from food and it is not necessary to spend money on vitamin pills & other supplements. The key is to eat a wide variety of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, dairy & lean protein every day.

However, if your doctor tells you that you have a deficiency in a specific vitamin, you may need to take a supplement.

If you are not sure whether or not you're getting all the vitamins you need, try out the AAY Online Nutrition Tracking Program. You input everything you eat, and the program will let you know which vitamins you're lacking & which you're getting too much of. It will also give you suggestions that will help you improve.

For lots of great information on all the vitamins, including which foods to find them in, their properties, functions & our daily requirements, check out the vitamin chart on this link.