"What Vitamins Should I Take?" Here are 6 Vitamins Everyone Needs

“Eat healthily and take your vitamins,” is a phrase we’ve all heard thrown around.

But, what vitamins are people talking about when they say that? There are so many different vitamins out there, how do you know which ones are a must for your body?

While different people need different vitamins based on their gender, age, and health status, there are some vitamins that absolutely everyone needs.

You’re probably asking yourself, “What vitamins should I take?”

Read on to discover 5 vitamins everyone needs to survive.

1. Vitamin A/Carotenoids

Vitamin A is usually known as the vitamin that helps us with our eyesight. But, Vitamin A can do a whole lot more than that.

Vitamin A also works to support a healthy reproductive system and a healthy immune system, and it also helps with cell health and vision.

Due to the fact that Vitamin A helps with healthy cell production, it is also extremely important for our vital organs, such as the lungs and heart.

There is some research out there that even suggests Vitamin A can help our bodies fight cancer.

What many people don’t actually know, however, is that Vitamin A actually comes in two different forms. The first one is provitamin A, which is typically found in fruits and veggies such as broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, and squash. The most essential provitamin A is beta-carotene.

The second type of Vitamin A we need is preformed Vitamin A. This type is found in dairy, meat, and fish. If you’re vegan, don’t sweat it, as this Vitamin A can also be found in algae, fungi, and palm oil.

2. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the most commonly recognized vitamins, and we all know it as the vitamin we fill our bodies with when we drink a big glass of orange juice.

People also commonly use it to prevent colds, and while it may not be able to prevent one, it could possibly help shorten one.

But, what many people don’t know is Vitamin C’s real superpower: it’s ability to help the body form collagen. Collagen is a word you’ve probably heard in relation to skincare. What it really is is a compound in our skin that helps keep its elasticity and helps keep us looking young.

However, collagen doesn’t just help with skin, it’s also vital for our muscles, bones, cartilage, and blood vessels.

Vitamin C is also a powerful source of antioxidants.

And while oranges are known for being the Vitamin C superhero, there are actually lots of other foods loaded with Vitamin C as well. These include other citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, and grapefruits. Non-citrusy foods loaded with Vitamin C include bell peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, strawberries, and kiwis.

Eating these fruits and veggies in their raw form will help you get the most Vitamin C possible.

3. Vitamin B12

While Vitamin B12 is certainly a vitamin everyone needs, it’s not one that you actually need to take every day.

This is because our bodies are able to store Vitamin B12 in our livers for as long as 2 years.

However, one group that should stay on top of their Vitamin B12 consumption is vegetarians. This is because B12 is mostly found in foods like dairy, eggs, meat, and shellfish.

However, some cereals do contain B12.

You will know you’re running low on Vitamin B12 if you’re experiencing frequent sweating and fevers.

4. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is loaded with antioxidants, and it is great for those who want shiny hair and glowing skin.

The properties in Vitamin E help protect our bodies from damaging free radicals. We’re exposed to free radicals on an almost daily basis, either by walking through cigarette smoke or through air pollution or UV radiation.

Vitamin E is pretty easy to get through our diets, and it can be found in foods such as vegetable oil, leafy vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

However, Vitamin E consumption is something you need to be careful about. If you have any sort of bleeding disorder or if you take blood thinners, Vitamin E can actually exacerbate the bleeding.

5. Vitamin B6

Have you been feeling a little down in the dumps lately?

If so, it may mean that you’re not getting enough Vitamin B6.

This is because Vitamin B6 helps our bodies produce serotonin as well as norepinephrine. These are chemicals that help send certain signals to the brain.

Equally as important, Vitamin B6 also helps with our cognitive development. Those who do not consume enough Vitamin B6 will notice they have problems in their circulation, as well as skin and nerves.

Even though Vitamin B6 is found in pretty common foods, such as fish, meats, potatoes, starchy veggies, cheese, eggs, and nuts, a Vitamin B6 deficiency is still pretty common. Therefore, make sure you’re getting your daily dose.

6. Vitamin D

When people say “Get outside to get your Vitamin D,” they’re actually right.

You actually can’t get a lot Vitamin D from food consumption, but just 10 minutes of daily exposure to sunlight is all you need to get your daily requirements.

The foods you can actually find Vitamin D in include fatty fishes, egg yolks, cheese, and beef liver. Some cereals also contain fortified amounts of Vitamin D.

However, perhaps the easiest way to consume your necessary amounts of Vitamin D is through a fish oil supplement.