Do you take your vitamins every day? Chances are, only half the people reading this do.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that from 1988 to 1994, over 40 percent of the U.S. adult population used dietary supplements, and over one half of the population used them from 2003 to 2006. Multivitamins and multiminerals are the most commonly used supplements, with about 40 percent of men and women reportedly using them from 2003 to 2006.

Be careful not to confuse vitamins and minerals. The main difference is that minerals help vitamins work in the body. The 10 most important minerals are calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, chromium, selenium, and zinc.

While vitamin use has been increasing over the past few decades, the number of people taking vitamins daily barely reaches over half of the U.S. adult population.

Vitamins are essential substances that help our bodies grow and develop into healthy adults. They also have been seen to contribute to a longer life. There are two types of vitamins: fat-soluble vitamins and water-soluble vitamins.

Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E, and K, and they are usually found in meat, vegetable oils, dairy products, and fish. The body can store any excess fat-soluble vitamins in the liver and fatty tissues, so these vitamins do not need to be derived from food every day.

Water-soluble vitamins include vitamins B, C, and folic acid, and they are found in meat, fish, fruit, veggies, and whole grains. The body cannot store water-soluble vitamins, so food containing these vitamins has to be eaten every day.

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, multivitamin supplements should have at least 100 percent of the Daily Value for thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), vitamins B6, B12, D, E, and folic acid. They also should have at least 90 mg of vitamin C for men or 75 mg for women.

Vitamin A plays a big role in having good eyesight and fighting infections. Vitamin D helps form strong bones and teeth, as well as absorbing calcium. Vitamin C helps the body heal and resist and fight infection. The B vitamins assist the metabolism and make energy, as well as making red blood cells. A complete list of the health benefits of each vitamin can be found at organicfacts.net.

While taking multivitamins is an easy way to get all the supplements your body needs, most teenagers forget to take their vitamins. It is advised to take vitamins after a meal, because on an empty stomach they will pass out of your body quicker. Because many high school students rush out the door every morning and don’t have time for breakfast, it is easy to overlook taking vitamins.

If teenagers were to eat a healthy diet containing all the vitamins they need, they wouldn’t have to worry about getting the right nutrients. However, because most people don’t get enough of the right foods, it is doubtful that the right vitamins are being ingested. So to avoid having to worry about getting all your vitamins through food, take a multivitamin every night after dinner. Or, if you are a morning person, take one before you hurry off to school.

Stephanie Meadowcroft is a Lifestyles Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.