What is your recommended daily vitamin intake?

Vitamins and minerals are essential for supporting our body’s development, repairing damaged tissues and ensuring our organs function exactly as they should. From the regulation of hormonal activity to contributing to normal function of the immune system, every vitamin we need has it’s very own – and often very vital – role¹.

We can source the vast majority of vitamins from the food we eat, however, it’s crucial that we consume them in all the correct amounts. Unsure what these vitamins are and how much of each you need? Read on…

Which vitamins do I need and in what amounts?

There are dozens of different vitamins and minerals that the body needs in order to function. While you should be able to get enough of all of these in your food, it may sometimes be necessary to take a vitamin supplement.

Here we take a look at the recommended daily intake for adults aged 19 to 64 of seven essential vitamins:

Vitamin A

This vitamin (sometimes called retinol) helps support your immune system and, contributes to maintenance of normal skin and vision. Recommended daily intake:²

Men – 0.7mg
Women – 0.6mg

Sources: eggs, dairy, oily fish, liver products

B vitamins

There are numerous B vitamins, some of which support function of the nervous system and contribute to the maintenance of normal red blood cells and energy yielding metabolism³. Each B vitamin has its own recommended intake; however, you’ll find multiple types present in a complex vitamin B supplement.

Sources: eggs, dairy, meat, wholegrain cereals, leafy greens

Vitamin C

Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation to support normal function of bones, cartilage and blood vessels. Recommended daily intake⁴:

Men and women – 40mg

Sources: citrus fruits, peppers, strawberries, broccoli

Vitamin D

The main roles of vitamin D are contributing to normal absorption and utilisation of calcium and phosphorus in your body, and maintenance of normal bones, teeth and muscle function. Recommended daily intake⁵:

Men, women and children over one year – 10 micrograms

Sources: oily fish, fortified cereals, red meat, eggs

Vitamin E

This vitamin is key for contributing to the protection of bodily cells from oxidative stress. Recommended daily intake⁶:

Men – 4mg
Women – 3mg

Sources: nuts, seeds, plant oils

Calcium

Calcium is crucial for maintaining your bones and teeth, as well as for blood clotting and contributes to normal muscle function. Recommended daily intake⁷:

All adults – 700mg

Sources: dairy, leafy vegetables, soya products, nuts

Iron

Iron’s primary purpose is to aid the body in making red blood cells which then carry oxygen around the body. Recommended daily intake⁸:

Men – 8.7mg
Women aged 19 to 50 – 14.8mg
Women over 50 – 8.7mg

Sources: meat, beans, nuts, wholegrains, leafy green vegetables

Is it bad to have too much of one vitamin?

While going a little bit above the vitamin recommended daily intake isn’t serious in most cases, it’s best to stick to medical advice on doses where possible. Some vitamins, such as vitamin A and iron, can have significant side effects if you take too much, including making your bones more prone to fracturing or giving you diarrhoea and vomiting⁹.

If you’re unsure whether you’re deficient in a certain vitamin, always talk to a medical professional before deciding to take a supplement. Those taking regular medications or women who are pregnant should be cautious about taking vitamin supplements and always consult their GP first.^10,11

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Last updated: 29 April 2020