Though other lifestyle changes like adding more probiotics to your diet can improve overall gut health, essential vitamins are often still needed. That’s because the modern diet doesn’t always give us the vitamins and minerals we need, so incorporating these important vitamins into our daily routine can do wonders for gut health. If you’re wondering which vitamins are good for gut health, keep reading!
Essential Vitamins for Gut Health
There’s a reason why many vitamins have the word ‘essential’ in them; they’re critical for your body to attain optimal health. And just like our bodies require a wide variety of vitamins and minerals to function properly, our digestive system benefits from a diverse mixture of vitamins too.
So which vitamins are best for gut health? Here’s a look at 4 types that can pack a powerful gut punch:
Vitamin A
If you suffer from gastrointestinal issues, you may have a vitamin A deficiency. And just like with vitamin D, people with Crohn’s disease are more likely to have low vitamin A levels. Although vitamin A is not directly involved with digestion, it’s important for the immune system, so increasing your intake can have beneficial effects on overall health. Dark leafy greens like kale and colorful fruits and veggies are all great sources of vitamin A.
B Vitamins
There are several different B vitamins that play a role in healthy gut function. Niacin, or B3, aids in the breakdown of fats, alcohol, and carbohydrates. Vitamin B6 helps your digestive system break down protein, while thiamine, also known as B1, helps regulate your appetite and produce energy from the food you eat. Vitamin B12 supports the use of folic acid and carbohydrates, and a deficiency in B12 can cause anemia.
Vitamin C
Since vitamin C is an antioxidant, it’s great at protecting the immune system. But it can also aid in digestion by helping your body absorb iron and supporting healthy teeth and gums. You can either buy a vitamin C supplement or start eating more foods like tomatoes, berries, broccoli, and citrus fruits, all of which are excellent sources of vitamin C.
Vitamin D
People with inflammatory bowel disease often have low vitamin D levels, especially those who struggle with Crohn’s disease. Besides taking a vitamin D supplement, you can also get more vitamin D from certain foods. These include egg yolks, liver, saltwater fish, and fortified cereals. Vitamin D is crucial for gut health because it helps your body absorb calcium and can help reduce the risks of colon cancer