What is the Most Important Vitamin?

Is there any single vitamin which is more important than the others? Might vitamin C fit the bill or does another substance represent the elixir of life? These questions are brought up every day (alongside the nonsensical overdosing myths). The good news is that the laws of nature can guide us. There are rules which govern the way that something works. The best example involves gravity. Gravity is a force which attracts objects towards one another. Gravity is what causes things to fall while keeping our feet firmly planted on the ground. If a pear detaches from a tree stem, it will always plummet to the ground. That is a law.

The Law of Vitamins

Vitamins are also associated with some straightforward laws. The main question involves which one is the most important. Although it might not yet be clear, this question actually does not make much sense. It is akin to determining the single most important part of an aeroplane. Is it the turbine, the wings, the control stick, or the tail? Each of these is required to be present in order for a plane to remain in the air (and not fall victim to gravity).

This same principle can be applied to the most important vitamin. These substances should not be viewed as mutually exclusive, standalone components. They form a system in order to provide us with health benefits. In other words, they are part of an extended family. Each member benefits when it is able to obtain help and support from the others. Nature has intended it this way. Each on its own is much less efficient when compared to the overall synergistic effects. This is why it is pointless to claim that one is more important than another. This law of nature leads directly into a “three-rule” system and the structure of our family:

• The primary 15 vitamins (A, B [11 types], C, D, and E)
• Minerals such as zinc, copper and iodine.
• Trace nutrients such as cobalt, manganese and selenium

The best results will be achieved if all of these are consumed simultaneously. This is the first rule that needs to be mentioned.

Let us also not forget that quantity is essential in terms of the health benefits that we can expect to enjoy. Similar to water, we all know that it is important to remain hydrated beneath a desert sun. If not, our very lives may be placed in jeopardy. The same holds true when referring to any vitamin. It is crucial that they are taken in sufficient quantities. This is the second rule.

The final rule involves the ratio between vitamins, minerals and trace nutrients. However, this recommendation is not as strict as the others mentioned above. We still need to point out that the ability to enjoy the most beneficial health effects involves roughly sticking with the recommended ratios proportions.

The Verdict

Ultimately, there is no single vitamin, mineral or trace nutrient that is more important than the others. They all need to be consumed in proper amounts and ratios if we hope to experience their life-giving effects. How can we ever expect to remain healthy if the quantities are too low or if one nutrient is entirely avoided?

These are the rules and principles which can be referred to as the “ideal composition”. 

VJ