Have you heard of diseases like fever, scarlet or rickets? They were very common diseases found to be affecting children and adults in the Victoria era and they have also sent many to hospitals. In the year 2018, there were more than 290,998 admissions for vitamin D deficiency, scurvy, gout and several other illnesses which are familiar to the pages of any Charles Dickens novel. The number grew by 25% from the previous year. Given the rise in such conditions, this is a result of the economic inequalities and child food poverty which are linked with the soaring rates of obesity and malnutrition. 

Data from the NHS show that there were 109,876 admissions in 2018 where both children and adults were admitted to hospitals due to Vitamin D deficiency. This amount saw a 35% growth as compared to the same time of the previous year. Vitamin D deficiency, during the early years of growth can lead to skeletal disorder. Apart from that, there were more than 478 admissions in 2017-2018 where the primary reason for admission was rickets. 

Children are increasingly getting affected with vitamin-deficiency diseases

Among the cases mentioned above, most of the cases dealt with young kids and 453 admissions for the disease called rickets were among the children aged below 9years. Then there were further 90 more admissions for rickets among children aged between 10 and 19, a number that was up from 70 the previous year. 

The human body derives Vitamin D naturally from diet and sunlight but due to the poor weather conditions in the UK has prompted the experts to claim that children and adults should take vitamin supplements, especially if they have dark-colored skin. Data from NHS for the year 2017 and 2018 show large number of people, both old and young, being admitted in hospitals due to reasons like malnutrition. In the year 2017-2018, there were 9459 admissions with the primary reason of malnutrition.

Meanwhile there were more than 9 admissions among children under the age of 9 and 10 who required immediate treatment for scurvy. This number was also up from 4 in 2017. An eminent doctor from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health said that it is vital for the parents to focus on the intake of Vitamin D for their kids. Being Vitamin D deficient can bar your growth and boost the likelihood of developing muscle weakness and rickets. 

Minerals and vitamins provide us energy and protect us from diseases

Keeping in mind the aforementioned statistics on the large numbers of children and adults being affected by Victorian diseases which are coming back due to deficiency of the vital vitamins, it can’t be denied that vitamins play an imperative role in our body. 

For proper survival and for an active lifestyle, your cells should be able to make energy. The fats, carbohydrates and proteins which are there in your food comprise of energy which is measured in the form of calories. However, your body requires breaking down such nutrients so that your body can get access to the energy to produce the fuel for your tissues. Both minerals and vitamins can contribute to the intake of calories but both these nutrients play a role in boosting energy. You may check out Nature’s Way gummies which is the best nutrition-based health supplement in Australia. 

The energy-giving Vitamins - A quick list

Do you feel your body is dragging a bit? If yes, you may not realise that your body must be in dire need of the essential vitamins which give you energy. You also need to understand that extreme tiredness can be a sign for some other medical condition. If you consult with a physician, you will get to know the actual medical reason behind this tiredness. Having a poor diet can be one good example. Let’s take a quick look at the vitamins that infuse energy. 

Iron & The Four Bs

The fundamental vitamins which play a role in boosting energy include the four B vitamins, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12. All these vitamins are vital for metabolism of cells without which the making of RBCs (red blood cells) will be hampered. These vitamins also take a vital role in how the nutrients are processed by the human body processes and how the nutrients are converted or transformed to energy. B12 vitamin is necessary and you can’t do without it. If you’re in a diet which is low in B12, this will lead to certain mood changes and fatigue which might lead to tiredness round the clock. In case there is B12 deficiency for a long term, this can lead to damage to your nerves permanently. 

B12 vitamin is got naturally from beef, pork, poultry and other dairy products. Then there are leafy greens, beans, lentils and peas which are also rich in B12. Then there is a wide array of cereals which boast of being replete with B12. 

Such foods even give iron to your body which is a crucial nutrient that helps your body to carry oxygen via blood flow. Deficiency in iron can mean lesser number of blood cells which results to anemia. Estimates reveal that more than 25% of the population of the world is anemic. If you wish to boost your iron intake through the foods that you take, here are some ways out:

 You can take pumpkin seeds which are a rich source of magnesium, Vitamin K, zinc and manganese

 Dark chocolate can supply you with magnesium, copper which are also good for health

 Quinoa is a food that is gluten-free and which is rich in manganese, magnesium, copper and folate

Dietary sources of energy – How fats and carbs energize your body

Protein is a form of nutrient and along with fats and carbs it can keep your body energized to an altogether different level. Here are few dietary sources of energy that you may keep in mind:

#1: Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates can be complex and simple. The simple carbs are the different forms of sugar which are found in honey, fruits, milk and other dairy products. They even include sugars which are added during the refining and processing of foods. If you take more and more simple carbs, this can be absorbed rather fast for energy. On the other hand, complex carbs are found in pasta, whole grains, beans, potatoes and veggies. In this case, you need to digest in order to change the complex carbs into simple form of sugar. 

#2: Fats

Fats constitute a natural part of different types of foods and they usually come in various forms. The oils that you use while cooking are also a type of fat. You can also find fats in foods which origin from animals like dairy, meat, fish and poultry. Other foods like nuts, avocados and olives also contain fat which is a major source of energy. 

#3: Proteins

Proteins play a vital role in repairing and building the structures of the body and they also produce body chemicals which regulate body processes. The surplus proteins in your body also provide you with calories and proteins usually comprise of amino acids and other basic elements. Amino acids are also made in your body which are called non-essential amino acids and there is another form which is got from the food you eat. 

#4: Vitamins

There are many foods which contain vitamins like A, B, C, D, E and K. As we have already discussed earlier, vitamins help your body to use up the fats, carbs and proteins. They even help you in producing hormones, blood cells, genetic material and other chemicals which are necessary for the nervous system. In case there is deficiency of any of these vitamins, this can lead to severe diseases like the ones mentioned in the initial part of this post. 

#5: Water

We all take water for granted but this is an important nutritional requirement. There are many foods, especially the fruits which contain water. We can’t deny the fact that water plays a vital role in all the major body functions. It regulates the temperature of the body, carries oxygen and nutrient cells through the bloodstream and can also help carry away the waste. Water also plays a role in cushioning against the joints and hence protects tissues and other organs. 

#6: Minerals

There are other minerals like magnesium, calcium and phosphorus which are vital for the teeth and bone health. When we say ‘electrolytes’, we mean potassium, sodium and chloride, which help you in balancing the ratio of water and chemicals inside your body. Your body will need lower level of minerals like iodine, iron, copper, zinc, selenium, fluoride and manganese which are called trace minerals. 

Therefore, if you’re not pretty focussed on your diet and you think whatever you eat is enough for your body, you’re wrong. Vitamins, minerals and nutrients play an inseparable part in your life with regards to the energy that your body creates. Hence, keep in mind the foods listed above to give your body everything that it needs.