Which vitamins matter for gut health?
There is no single “gut vitamin,” but several micronutrients are important for barrier function, immunity, and motility. Vitamin D stands out for immune balance and inflammation-related pathways; deficiency is common and correcting it under medical guidance can help overall resilience. Vitamin B12 supports nervous system and energy metabolism and relates to absorption dynamics—risk rises with long-term acid-suppressing medication use or vegetarian/vegan diets. Iron deficiency anemia can signal hidden blood loss or malabsorption and should not be dismissed as “just take iron.” Magnesium influences motility and stool consistency; certain forms may help constipation but can be risky in kidney disease. Zinc supports mucosal barrier integrity and tissue repair. Best practice: avoid random supplementation—use symptoms, labs, and dietary assessment to identify and correct deficiencies in a targeted way. Vitamins don’t “fix the microbiome” by themselves; they strengthen the physiological foundation.