Vitamins and Supplements for Women

Vitamins are very essential for human body. Our body cannot synthesize vitamins; we have to depend on natural sources of vitamins and supplements to acquire different types of vitamins such as A, K, C, E, B complex etc. Growth of human body and functioning of various body organs are very much influenced by vitamin intake of individuals.

As the body structure of men is distinctly different from that of women, vitamin requirements of men and women are also different. Hence, choosing the right vitamins for women is a very specific task and one must have enough knowledge of physiology to suggest the right vitamins for women.

Women’s bodies go through various changes at different stages of life – such as PMS, menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause etc. Men’s bodies do not undergo such changes. It is needless saying that vitamin requirement changes in those phases of life. That is why a whole new profession and market has evolved around women’s health, and diet and vitamins for women.

Let’s see how women’s bodies change in different phases of life and how vitamins help to overcome the prominent symptoms observed in those phases.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual Syndrome is a collection of more than 200 symptoms; 3 major symptoms are irritability, dysphoria and tension. Some other symptoms of PMS are: abdominal bloating, breast swelling and tenderness, anxiety and stress, insomnia, joint or muscle pain, headache, acne, mood swings, fatigue etc.

Right vitamins and supplements for women come useful at this stage. 50 to 100 milligrams of vitamin B-6 helps to get rid of nausea and depression. Vitamin B-6 also influences the production of hormones and various chemicals present in our brain and increases the immunity.

Menstruation

Mood swings, depression, emotional reactions, uterine cramp, excessive blood loss – these are the symptoms often observed during menstruation. Proper diet and suitable vitamins for women help to stay healthy and fit during and after menstruation. Physiologists and doctors can suggest the right vitamins, minerals and supplements after checking the patient thoroughly.

Pregnancy

Upset stomach, nausea, morning sickness are very common during pregnancy. Mood swings, depression are also observed in pregnancy period. Vitamin B6 is the right solution for nausea, morning sickness and many other symptoms. Folic acid can prevent neural tube deficits.

A lot of women suffer from pre-eclampsia, collection of symptoms such as water retention, hypertension and albuminuria, during their pregnancy. If pre-eclampsia is not treated on right time, it may lead to eclampsia which can be detrimental for the mother and the child. Vitamins, A, D, K and B2 can help prevent pre-eclampsia.

Similarly, women need specific vitamins, minerals and supplements during breastfeeding and menopause. However, to know what type of vitamins would be best for you or any of your acquaintances, consult a doctor specialized in women’s health or gynecology.