Vitamins play a key role in an individual’s health and longevity. Unfortunately, however, numerous factors hold the ability to impact how effectively the body absorbs said substances.

What Are Vitamins?

Medical researchers define vitamins as organic nutrients that people need for nourishment. Without the benefits these chemicals provide, critical organs and systems could not function properly leaving the impacted subject vulnerable to illness and possibly even death.

Vitamins carry the organic label because they contain the element carbon. Moreover, they are found in food products and several other readily available sources like sunlight. Additionally, the nutrients can be dissolved in either water or fat. There are 13 recognized types of vitamins.

Water-Soluble Vitamins

Vitamin C and the Vitamin B complex fall under the water-soluble category. The Vitamin B complex includes:

• Vitamin B1
• Vitamin B2
• Vitamin B3
• Vitamin B5
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B7
• Vitamin B9
• Vitamin B12

Water-soluble chemicals do not typically remain inside the body for extended periods and are routinely excreted during urination. Therefore, these substances must be continually replenished.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Vitamins A, D, E, and K comprise this specific category. These nutrients stay inside the body for longer timeframes because they are stored in fatty tissues and used when needed.

Factors Impacting Vitamin Absorption

Under normal circumstances, the body’s digestive tract absorbs sufficient concentrations of the preceding chemicals from the foods people consume. Occasionally, however, certain events interrupt the absorption process. Common issues include:

Age

As people grow older, their bodies lose the ability to properly absorb and process nutrients like vitamins.

Stress

Routine stressors deplete the body’s vitamin reserves. Persons under continual tension stand at significant risk of experiencing notable or illness-inducing vitamin deficiencies.

Alcohol consumption

Moderate to heavy alcohol ingestion influences vitamin absorption in several key ways. The substance is known to damage critical digestive chemicals called enzymes, which help the digestive tract break down the foods and beverages individuals consume.

Additionally, increased alcohol consumption causes drinkers to urinate more frequently and in greater concentrations. Water-soluble vitamins are eliminated in larger quantities further diminishing systemic levels of such substances.

Medications

Certain medications interfere with the body’s vitamin absorption capacities. One notable example is stomach acid-reducing products, which lessen bodily concentrations of various Vitamin B complex chemicals.

Caffeine Intake

Caffeine, which can be found in appreciable quantities in beverages like coffee and soft drinks, proves problematic on two fronts. First, the chemical interrupts the body’s ability to gather and process several vitamins. Furthermore, it serves as a diuretic necessitating those intaking it to urinate with greater frequency.

Malabsorption Ailments

Numerous physical disorders inhibit the body’s capacity to properly ingest vitamins.

A significant percentage of these maladies damage the intestinal lining. The small and large intestine, which is also scientifically referred to as the colon, process foods and create and eliminate waste products from edible items. Common examples include:

• Various digestive system infections
• Inflammatory bowel disorders like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
• Celiac disease
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
• Food intolerances

Even mild illnesses like irritable bowel syndrome often cause concern because they may result in diarrhea causing stricken individuals to lose prodigious quantities of vitamins and other crucial nutrients over short spurts.

Problems With Other Digestive System Components

Organs such as the liver, gall bladder, and pancreas also execute important roles in the digestion and vitamin intake processes. Damage or illness to any of these features could interfere with normal vitamin absorption.

Potential Dangers Of Vitamin Deficiencies

Significant or chronic vitamin depletion might result in illness. There are numerous specific vitamin deficiency disorders capable of adversely impacting almost every bodily region. Certain ailments could have fatal consequences if not diagnosed and aggressively treated.

Vitamin Absorption Improvement Techniques

Persons may boost systemic vitamin levels through actions including:

• Using vitamin supplements to augment their diet
• Review any medications taken with their doctor and determine if other options are viable
• Augment digestive system health through the ingestion of probiotics
• Flavor foods with spices like pepper

Above all, people should eat vitamin-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, eggs, fish, and dairy products.

Contacting Us

The team of specialists employed by Vital Force Wellness and Therapy possesses significant experience in improving the gut health of our patients. Vitamin deficiencies could produce countless bothersome or even life-limiting symptoms.

Contact us today at 205-352-9141.