An In-Depth Examination of Vitamins and Their Role in Bodily Function

Achieving the daily recommended levels of vitamins and minerals from diet alone can prove difficult, leading many to supplement their intake. Notably, 58% of adults add a multivitamin to their diet, and about 75% of Americans use dietary supplements. However, one should be cautious of potential vitamin overdose.

Vitamins are categorized as either fat-soluble or water-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins are used by the body as needed and any excess is typically excreted, making them less likely to accumulate to toxic levels. Conversely, fat-soluble vitamins — specifically A, D, E, and K — are stored in fat and the liver and can become toxic if consumed in large quantities.

Consulting with a healthcare provider is recommended before starting or altering a supplement regimen to ensure that the amounts are safe and beneficial. The infographic “Are Vitamin Supplements Safe?” provides a thorough examination of the careful usage of vitamin supplements.

Infographic created by BA Sciences, offering a wide array of pharmaceutical analytical testing services