Most of us have heard that we should take vitamins, but what do we really know about them? Well, vitamins make our bodies work the way they should and without them, we could break down (kind of like a car without gas and oil.) Fat soluble vitamins (A, D, and E) dissolve in fat and can be stored in our bodies. On the other hand, water soluble vitamins (C and the B vitamins) dissolve in water and cannot be stored in our bodies. Vitamins are considered organic substances because they are made by plants and animals. Because we cannot make the vitamins our bodies need, we must take them as a daily supplement.
Depending on what is going on with our bodies, we may need additional vitamins. This would be for the very young, the very old and pregnant or nursing moms. Because it is not quite springtime, many of us still have winter weather around. So, do you have any idea what vitamins you need to keep your body healthy as seasons change like this? Here are my top picks:
Vitamin A: This is great for healthy skin and vision, and it boosts your immune system as well.
Vitamin D: This helps in absorption of calcium, which gives us strong teeth, nails and bones. Too little vitamin D can contribute to osteoporosis and rickets in children.
Vitamin B’s: Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida in babies, and is recommended for pregnant, nursing or lactating moms.
Vitamin C: This super vitamin can reduce your cold by a full day and is packed full of antioxidants and immune system builders.
For all of my vitamin, mineral and other supplement needs, my go to place is Walgreens. They have a huge selection of what I want and a knowledgeable staff to answer any questions I may have. In addition, when you buy your vitamins from Walgreens, you are also helping a child in need.
Millions of children around the world are suffering from ‘hidden hunger’, a lack of micronutrients that can lead to disease and even death. In fact, 45% of all childhood deaths are attributable to under-nutrition. Walgreens is giving a portion of all vitamin retail sales to Vitamin Angels to help 100 million children in the U.S. and abroad get the vitamins they need to live well.
When shopping for vitamins, you might find it useful to know that you can help a child in need with every vitamins or supplements purchase at Walgreens. Millions of children around the world are suffering from ‘hidden hunger’, a lack of micronutrients that can lead to disease and even death. In fact, 45% of all childhood deaths are attributable to under-nutrition. Walgreens is giving a portion of all vitamin retail sales to Vitamin Angels to help 100 million children in the U.S. and abroad get the vitamins they need to live well.
shelly peterson says
I try to keep up on my vitamins. It is nice to know that you can help a child in need with vitamins or supplements purchase at Walgreens.
Julie Wood says
I did not know that for every vitamin I buy at Walgreens helps another child in the Country! What a great way to help. I take my supplements because I know that I do not get all of my vitamins from my diet!
sandy weinstein says
i have been taking vit d b/c my dr told me my level was now and now on the news this am, studies said not necessary, said that vit d does not help what we have been told it helps for these past several yrs….and if we take what we dont need, vit d could actually hurt us…and cause health problems…so confusing…then we get the flu shot and now told the strains this yr are not covered in the shot this yr which is why so many people are getting sick….i wish they could figure out what we really need once and for all…
David Fultner says
Yeah I am ready to start a garden.
Victoria says
This is great information. It is important to remain healthy during all seasons and when the seasons change it can make things wonky.
nicole dziedzic says
My husband and I keep up on taking our daily vitamins, and even the kids take them, we are overall a healthy family who loves staying active and eat good.
krystal says
Vitamin C helps me feel so much better during busy days! I need to take more supplements.
Megan says
Great tips for staying healthy! It can be tough this time of year!
Censie says
We use supplements a lot now. Thanks for the tips on finding the best ones!
OurFamilyWorld says
I always get into better shape when the weather gets better. The winter is my time to relax and get lazy.
Kelly @ Texas Type A Mom says
I have been loading up on the vitamin c lately with my husband being sick. I’m hopeful my immune system will be able to fight off whatever is ailing him.
Wendy @ ABCs and Garden Peas says
I’m so, so bad with remembering to do anything for myself, especially things like vitamins. I often wonder if I would feel better if I actually took them instead of letting them sit in my cabinet! Thanks for the reminder to set them out for tomorrow morning. 🙂
Crystal says
Great information on the different supplements and what they do. I need to be better about taking daily vitamins, and my kids, too.
Debbie Denny says
Great way to keep healthy. Love all they offer.
Amanda Love says
I actually buy vitamin supplements for my kids but I can never remember to buy for me. Thanks to this post I’ll have to remember.
Kelli A says
My kids take a daily vitamin and I take vitamin D, my family has always had to take vitamin D int he winter. Great reminder!
Andrea Kruse says
Great info! I am not a huge fan of extra supplements, but I do value knowing about vitamins and minerals. I do my best to get a variety of them through the foods we eat.
Liz Mays says
I’ve always known that vitamins are essential to a healthy body but I always forget which ones have which effects. This is an awesome resource!
AJ @ NutriFitMama says
I do tend to forget about supplements more often than not- thanks for the reminder!
Lorane says
I’m really into Vitamin C for this season to help fight cold and flu symptoms as well as Vitamin B ( Folic Acids ) .
Christina says
Supplements are so important. This is great advice!
Robin {Masshole Mommy} says
It’s definitely important to get the right nutrition. It’s sad that so many children die every year for something as simple as not getting enough vitamins.
Susan says
I’ve admired Walgreens for all the charitable work they do and now I have another reason to admire them – their support of Vitamin Angels.
Katy Rose says
This is a great reminder for me to get back into my usual vitamin regime. I was a total slacker on all of that in the winter months. – Katy
Heather Lawrence says
Love my supplements! I am on vitamin B6, vitamin D, Coenzyme Q10 amongst others.
Yet I keep forgetting to get some for my kids. Thanks for the reminder. :0)