Why it’s important to have your vitamin and mineral balance checked

Vitamins and minerals are essential for the proper functioning of our body. These molecules cannot be produced by our body itself but must be taken in sufficient quantity through food. A special case is vitamin D, which we can absorb through food but can also produce in the skin under the influence of sunlight. A balanced and varied diet is therefore absolutely essential. But how do you know if you are struggling with certain deficiencies and how can you recognize it? You will discover that and much more in this new blog.

To get a clear picture of the importance of vitamins and minerals for our bodies, it is relevant to point out the distinction. Although they both belong to the group of micronutrients belong, some differences can nevertheless be noted. After all, vitamins are organic, implying that they are broken down by heat, air or acid. Minerals, in turn, are inorganic and find their way into your body quite easily via plant and animal nutrients. Something that is not always the case with vitamins, as they are not present in all nutrients. Not so illogical, then, that our bodies can be more quickly affected by deficiencies of vitamins than minerals.

But why are vitamins and minerals so important for our bodies to function well? We put the main reasons listed.

• They provide our bodies with energy and are also important in converting that energy.
• They ensure the production of important hormones and enzymes.
• They improve resistance and metabolism.
• They repair damage at the cellular level in our bodies.
• They contribute to immune support and promote accelerated wound healing.
• They ensure proper functioning of our muscles.

A blood test analyzing all possible vitamins and minerals would be too expensive and is really not necessary at all. Usually, based on analysis of the key values create a complete picture about the possible causes and solutions put forward that can fix the problem. After all, deficiencies of vitamins and minerals often coherence exhibit. Therefore, the test panel includes an analysis of the 3 main water-soluble vitamins. – vitamin B12, vitamin D and folic acid -, 2 fat-soluble vitamins – vitamins A and E – and 5 different minerals in the body – sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and zinc. In addition, albumin is determined as a general marker to assess nutritional status, Also the available supply of iron is measured via determination of the iron storage protein ferritin.

But why exactly are these vitamins and minerals so important to our bodies?

• Vitamin B12 – Crucial for blood production and proper brain and nerve function.
• Vitamin D. – Responsible for strong bones and teeth, proper muscle function and serotonin production.
• Folic acid (Vitamin B9 – Vitamin B11). – Required for red blood cell production and nervous system development.
• Vitamin A – Supports resistance, ensures good eyesight, keeps skin healthy and contributes to normal mucous membranes. In turn, too much can be harmful to children and pregnant women.
• Vitamin E – An antioxidant that protects the body from external harmful substances, for example oxidative damage caused by UV radiation and air pollution.
• Albumin – Ensures that fluid cannot leak out of blood vessels and that tissues receive nutrients, also stands in for the transport of hormones, vitamins and other substances through the body.
• Sodium – Crucial for the regulation of fluid balance in the body, regulating blood pressure and for proper functioning of muscle and nerve cells.
• Potassium – Is responsible for energy storage, protein production and regulating fluid balance and blood pressure.
• Magnesium -. Important for bone and tooth structure, transmission of stimuli to muscles and nerves, and regulation of blood levels.
• Calcium – Plays an important role in regulating heart function, muscle function and the nervous system, and the development of bones and teeth.
• Iron – Allows red blood cells to absorb and transport oxygen to the lungs and the rest of the body.
• Zinc – Provides protein building, tissue growth and renewal, metabolism and proper functioning of the immune and immune systems.

Deficiencies of vitamins and minerals develop gradually and can cause a wide variety of symptoms. The first symptoms may appear after a few weeks; more specific symptoms may not manifest for several months.

General and common symptoms are fatigue, lethargy or difficulty concentrating. Other symptoms are usually more related to deficiencies of specific vitamins and minerals. We go over the possible symptoms by category.

• Vitamin B12: nerve damage, anemia, fatigue, breathlessness, lack of appetite
• Vitamin D: weaker bones, problems with calcium metabolism, muscle weakness or cramps
• Folic acid (Vitamin B9 – Vitamin B11): fatigue, anemia, birth defects
• Vitamin A: lack of appetite, decreased vision, headache, nausea, fatigue, eye abnormalities, hair loss, redness and flaking of the skin
• Vitamin E: anemia, muscle weakness and brain damage

• Albumin: edema, water belly, effusion, fatigue, dizziness and weakness
• Sodium: headache, nausea, lethargy, confusion or drowsiness, muscle cramps, fatigue, seizures
• Potassium: cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, muscle cramps, difficulty concentrating, confusion
• Magnesium: stress, chronic fatigue, depression, headaches, intestinal problems, palpitations
• Calcium: muscle cramps, weaker bones, cardiac arrhythmia, numb limbs
• Iron: anemia, easily fatigued, pale skin, breathing problems, restless legs
• Zinc: skin abnormalities, hair loss, diarrhea, birth defects

Of course, we are talking about important indicators here. Only a blood analysis can be completely conclusive.

Actually, everything begins and ends with a healthy and balanced diet. More importantly, opt for fresh as much as possible in your food choices, raw products To which as little was added as possible. Purity is essentially the golden rule. As much as possible, choose vegetables and fruit. After all, they contain an awful lot of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and other bioactive substances that are crucial for our bodies.

If you are still struggling with certain deficiencies, certain supplements can provide relief. However, avoid taking them on your own initiative. Get a clear analysis of the problem through a blood analysis. In this way, the right supplements can be administered and you will be back on your feet in no time!

Wondering if you are deficient in certain vitamins or minerals? Make an appointment quickly and easily for a blood draw without a prescription and get insight into the causes and solutions.