Dietary supplements come in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, gummies, powders, drinks and energy bars and contain vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes and many other ingredients. According to the National Institutes of Health, dietary supplements can help provide nutrients that may otherwise not be consumed in sufficient quantities.
Vitamin B12 is a key nutrient needed to form red blood cells and DNA, found naturally in animal foods and added to foods or supplements. An info from The Nutrition Source of Harvard T.H., it is also important for proper function and development of the brain and nervous system.
Getting more Vitamin D from your food is possible through cod liver oil, egg yolk, margarine, and cereal fortified with 10% of the daily value of Vitamin D. According to Cleveland Clinic, one tablespoon of cod liver oil contains 1360 IU, one large egg contains 41 IU, one tablespoon of margarine contains 60 IU, and 0.75 to 1 cup of cereal contains 40 IU.
Natto is a great source of many essential vitamins and minerals, including thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, folate, choline, and particularly vitamin K2. As reported by Verywell Fit, natto contains 0.3 mg of thiamin (19% of your daily needs), 0.3 mg of riboflavin (20%), vitamin B6, folate, and choline. Vitamin K2 specifically has been linked to many health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus necessary for bone growth, according to Harvard T.H. Chan's Nutrition Source. It is both a nutrient we eat and a hormone our bodies make. Research suggests that Vitamin D also supports immune function and cell growth.
Vitamin E is a group of fat-soluble compounds with antioxidant activities that can be found naturally in some foods, added to others, and taken as a dietary supplement. As mentioned in the National Institutes of Health's Vitamin E - Health Professional Fact Sheet, it plays an important role in maintaining overall health. Research suggests that it may help reduce the risk of certain diseases.
Eating foods containing dietary fiber is important for overall health, as it helps to maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of certain diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer, and can even prevent or relieve constipation. As reported by the Mayo Clinic, dietary fiber is most commonly found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. Research has shown that dietary fiber can help to reduce cholesterol levels.
Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread problem due to lack of sun exposure, few natural food sources, and inadequate fortified foods. Via a study published in 2008 by the National Institutes of Health, on pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, it is estimated that up to 1 billion people worldwide have insufficient levels of vitamin D.
Vitamin K deficiency can lead to serious health issues, and can be prevented by consuming a diet rich in vitamin K1 and K2. Sourced from Medical News Today, vitamin K1 is found in leafy green vegetables such as spinach and kale, while vitamin K2 is found in animal-based foods. Some studies have suggested that vitamin K deficiencies are more common in people with chronic diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease or cystic fibrosis.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a treatable condition that can result in physical, neurological and psychological symptoms, and can be treated with vitamin B12 medications. Via Cleveland Clinic, a lack of this vitamin in one's diet or difficulty in absorbing it properly can be the cause. It is also important to note that an undiagnosed vitamin B12 deficiency can increase the risk of anemia and permanent nerve damage.