Factors that Determine How Effective Vitamins Are in Your Body

Many people who take vitamin supplements wonder if vitamins lose their effectiveness over time. The answer to this question is yes, but it all depends on several factors. Some brands make higher quality vitamins which can be more effective. Whole food vitamins may not last as long, but the body is able to absorb these vitamins much better because the vitamins are derived from food. Vitamins that are created in a lab are known as synthetic vitamins and some people will not absorb these vitamins as easily which makes them less effective.

Expiration Dates

Vitamins will lose their potency when they are left on the shelf for too long. Keeping an eye on expiration dates is important. If you take your vitamins daily your vitamins are not going to lose their effectiveness. When you initially buy a vitamin supplement you will usually have a two to three year expiration date depending on the brand. Whole food vitamins tend to have a shorter expiration date just because these vitamins are made from food and the oxygen changes their composition much faster.

Chemistry

Every person on the planet has a different chemistry and absorption rate when it comes to food and vitamins. This depends on several factors such as age, weight, metabolism, genetics and lifestyle. Vitamins may lose their effectiveness for some people who are not able to properly absorb the vitamins. The body ends up discarding much needed nutrition.

Elderly people who have absorption problems can improve the process by taking liquid vitamin supplements. In addition, people can also take a higher potency vitamin to be sure that the body will at least absorb half of what is taken in. The body will discard what isn't needed. There are only a few vitamins such as Vitamin A and C that you should not overdose on. It is best to take 1000 mg on average of vitamin C and it is also safer to take beta carotene instead of pure vitamin A. Beta carotene is a form of vitamin A that is not as potent as other forms like retinol.

Caffeine and Alcohol

People who consume a lot of caffeine and alcohol can throw their bodies off balance. This can cause vitamin supplements to become less effective because caffeine and alcohol interfere with absorption rates. Consume alcohol in moderation, on special occasions rather than every day. If you drink coffee don't exceed more than two cups per day and take your vitamins in the evening before bed rather than right after your morning cup of coffee.

Hydration

Hydration is very important because when your body is well hydrated vitamins are more effective. Hydrated cells increase absorption rates and help your body to carry vitamins to other parts of the body. Most people need to drink 8 to 10 glasses of pure water each day in order to stay hydrated. If you exercise or spend time in the sun you may need more water.

How you Take Vitamins

How you take your vitamins can also increase or decrease their overall effectiveness. For instance if you take vitamins alone without food they are not going to be as effective because the body is better able to absorb vitamins when they are taken with food. You should always take your vitamins after a meal to increase absorption rates.

I hope you enjoyed this article. Please feel free to visit my organic lifestyle blog anytime at: http://www.naturalfamily.typepad.com

Storing and Handling Vitamins

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Best Multi-vitamins

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Buy Vitamins

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Vitamin Effectiveness

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