Vitamins and Supplements Guide

Almost all of our doctors have told us we need some sort of vitamin or supplement. They use a lot of terms we've heard before, but may not be too familiar with.
Here are a few terms I hear all the time, along with a brief explanation.

Amino Acids - Humans need roughly 20 different amino acids for the body to function properly. This is the base that forms the proteins in our body. The body produces some amino acids, but we must also obtain 'essential amino acids' from certain foods.
Antioxidants - These protect your body from oxidation damage caused by free radicals. Typically we need to ingest vitamins A, C, E, and beta-carotene, to supply our body with the antioxidants we all need.
Botanicals - These are substances extracted from plants and used in most of the items we come into daily contact with. Food supplements, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products just to name a few.
Daily Value - These facts are found on the nutritional labels of nearly every food and beverage. This number tells you the daily dietary allowance percentage in each serving.
Fortify - This process increases the nutritional value of a food or beverage by adding vitamins and minerals to the substance. This is why we have milk in grades Vitamin A and Vitamin D.
Megadose - These are supplements that provide over 100% of the recommended daily intake of vitamins and minerals. Use caution with megadose vitamins, as too much of a vitamin can be just as hazardous as a vitamin deficiency.
Micronutrients - These are vitamins and minerals that your body needs in very small amounts. These are vital in producing the natural fats, proteins, and carbohydrates that your body needs.
Minerals - These are nutrients extracted from the earth and water, then absorbed by plants and animals to meet their nutritional needs. Minerals make up the majority of our teeth and bones.
Multivitamins - This is a food, beverage, or pill that contains more than one vitamin.
Oxidation - When oxygen combines with certain substances, a chemical reaction occurs, changing its normal function. For example, when hydrogen peroxide starts to foam and bubble, it turns into oxygen.
Prenatal Vitamins - This are special multivitamins created specifically for pregnant women, to ensure all of the essential micronutrients are being ingested. Pregnant women typically need larger amounts of folic acid, iron, and calcium while pregnant.
Vitamins - These are typically found in plants and animals. Vitamins are essential to growth, energy, and nerve function.
Water-Soluble - These are vitamins such as B-6, C, and folic acid, which are easily absorbed by the body. Your body uses these vitamins, and turns the excess into urine.