Coffee Can Hinder Vitamin Absorption

Scientists warn that a large number of product containing caffeine, such as tea, chocolate, energy drinks, some sodas, and naturally coffee, can hinder the absorption of vitamin and minerals in the body. In addition, this substance also quickens the time it takes for these necessary chemicals to be excreted from the body. This means that you should be very attentive with the amounts of caffeine you consume, especially when taking vitamins your doctor prescribed. You should seek professional council on how much caffeine is good for you each day, and this becomes necessary when also taking drugs.

Some vitamins can interfere with the way drugs act on the body, and can also cause other health problems, if they are consumed in high amounts. Always keep in mind that vitamins are best described as micronutrients which are not produced by the body. Rather, you need to get them from elsewhere, and the best sources are plants and animals. The two main types of vitamins, water-soluble and fat-soluble, should be combined in optimal proportions, based on your body time, and none of them should be abused in quantity, experts warn.

The major minerals the human body needs in large amounts are calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, sulfur and chloride. In addition, each individual also requires smaller amounts of chemicals such as chromium, copper, fluoride, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium and zinc. These minerals can be found in the earth, or in water, and they are absorbed by plants or animals, from where we collected them while eating our meals. Some types of food contain more minerals than others, and getting the daily recommended dose of each element should rely on consuming the proper type of food for this, rather than on taking supplements. Experts say that vitamin and mineral pills make it a lot easier for overdoses to appear, LiveScience reports.

Multivitamin-mineral supplements are in turn a good idea for people who are on a special diet, if the foods they need to consume do not cover the necessary chemical intake for each day. Particular population groups that could do with minerals and vitamins consumed in this form include older people and pregnant women, who have special demands when it comes to the amount of chemicals they need to consume daily. Generally speaking, however, it's best to derive vitamin and minerals from whole foods, as these also contain substances such as antioxidants, which delay the processes that lead to the deterioration of cells.