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Are you missing out? Critical vitamins you need to promote weight loss
Shedding pounds isn’t as simple as taking a couple of miracle pills. Nevertheless, adding certain vitamins and minerals into your routine can optimize your body’s efficiency for weight loss. While a balanced diet usually covers most nutrient requirements, adding a few safe vitamin supplements can offer an extra push to stay on course with your healthy weight loss plan. Keep reading to discover the essential vitamins that promote weight loss.
Vitamin D
- Vitamin D plays a crucial role in supporting a healthy immune system. Obtaining enough vitamin D from sunlight alone can be challenging, requiring supplements from external sources. Studies have observed lower-than-normal vitamin D levels in overweight or obese individuals. However, the precise role of vitamin D in weight loss remains unclear.
Nonetheless, a 2011 study revealed that overweight and obese adults who were supplemented with calcium and vitamin D experienced a notable reduction in abdominal fat compared to those who did not take supplements. While sunlight remains the optimal source of vitamin D, certain foods, particularly fortified ones, provide this essential nutrient. Vitamin D-rich foods include cod liver oil, sardines, tuna, salmon, egg yolk, fortified milk and yogurt, as well as fortified cereals.
Iron
- Iron plays a vital role in facilitating your body’s conversion of nutrients into energy. It aids in transporting oxygen to all cells, including muscles, thereby assisting in fat burning. Insufficient iron levels can result in iron deficiency anemia, a prevalent nutritional deficiency in the United States. Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include fatigue, weakness, and low energy levels. Furthermore, low iron levels can diminish physical endurance and ability to exercise, leading to difficulties in weight loss.
Food sources of iron include lean meats, shellfish, beans, spinach, etc. Pairing iron-rich foods with sources of vitamin C, such as strawberries or tomatoes, can enhance iron absorption. Individuals at higher risk of iron deficiency include women with heavy menstrual periods and frequent blood donors. If you fall into these categories or suspect iron deficiency, consulting your doctor about iron supplementation is advisable.
B Vitamins
- These vitamins play a crucial role in maintaining a well-functioning metabolism. B vitamins primarily assist the body in metabolizing carbohydrates, proteins, and fats and in utilizing the stored energy within food. Inadequate levels of these vitamins can compromise the efficiency of your metabolism. Consequently, insufficient levels of one or more of B vitamins can make weight loss more challenging. For instance, a deficiency of B12 can cause disruptions in the body’s metabolic equilibrium.
A healthy metabolic state ensures efficient fat utilization for energy production. Conversely, when the body is deficient in vitamin B12, it struggles to use stored fat for energy, resulting in increased fat accumulation and weight gain. While B vitamins are abundant in various foods, cobalamin (B-12) is not present in any plant-based products, posing a challenge for individuals following a vegan diet to obtain adequate amounts.
Addressing Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Like any other vitamin deficiency, issues related to Vitamin B12 can be effectively addressed. While dietary changes to include more B12 is advisable, B12 injections are the quickest way to regain a healthy lifestyle.
These injections infuse the purest form of the vitamin directly into the bloodstream, bypassing digestion. This accelerated delivery enables you to experience the weight loss benefits of Vitamin B12 more rapidly.
At Alladerm, our expert medical professionals formulate personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual’s weight loss goals. Schedule a weight loss consultation with our expert practitioners at Alladerm. To book your appointment, call us at (949) 916-7166. We offer services in Aliso Viejo, CA, and nearby areas.
