A vitamin is defined as an organic compound and
a vital nutrient that an organism requires in
limited amounts. An organic chemical compound
(or related set of compounds) is called a vitamin
when the organism cannot synthesize the
compound in sufficient quantities, and must be
obtained through the diet; thus, the term
"vitamin" is conditional upon the circumstances
and the particular organism.
Two types of Vitamins
Water-soluble vitamins dissolve easily in water,
and in general, are readily excreted from the
body, to the degree that urinary output is a
strong predictor of vitamin consumption.
Fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed through the
intestinal tract with the help of lipids (fats).
Because they are more likely to accumulate in
the body, they are more likely to lead to
hypervitaminosis than are water-soluble
vitamins.
Vitamin A
Important for vision, reproductive function, and
normal cell reproduction. Vitamin A plays a vital
role in bone growth, reproduction and immune
system health. It also helps the skin and mucous
membranes repel bacteria and viruses more
effectively. It is essential to healthy vision, and
may slow declining retinal function in people
with retinitis pigmentosa.
Vitamin B-1
Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin) processes carbohydrates
into energy and is necessary for nerve cell
function. Thiamine is also used for digestive
problems including poor appetite, ulcerative
colitis, and ongoing diarrhea.
Vitamin B-2
Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin) - Helps the production of
red blood cells and is important for growth.
Some people also take riboflavin by mouth to
maintain healthy hair, skin, and nails, to slow
aging, for canker sores, multiple sclerosis,
memory loss including Alzheimer's disease, high
blood pressure, burns, liver disease, and sickle
cell anemia.
Vitamin B-3
Vitamin B-3 (niacin) - Helps control cholesterol,
processes alcohol, maintains healthy skin, and
converts carbohydrates to energy. It also helps
reduce atherosclerosis, or hardening of the
arteries in some people. For people who have
already had a heart attack, niacin seems to lower
the risk of a second one.
Vitamin B-5
Vitamin B-5 (pantothenic acid) serves several
bodily functions, such as converting fats to
energy and synthesizing cholesterol.
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) is important in the
production of hormones such as serotonin,
dopamine, and melatonin, as well as for
processing amino acids.
Biotin
Biotin is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin that
helps the body metabolize proteins and process
glucose. It is also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin
H. It is important in helping the body to process
glucose and to metabolize proteins, fats, and
carbohydrates. It also helps to transfer carbon
dioxide.
Vitamin E helps combat free radicals, which can
damage our cells. It's found in nuts and seeds,
green leafy vegetables, corn, asparagus, and
wheat germ.
Vitamin K

In the body, vitamin K plays a major role in blood

Vitamin B-12
A crucial component of DNA replication and
nerve cell regulation. It is found in milk products,
poultry, meat, and shellfish.
Folic Acid
clotting. It is used to reverse the effects of “blood
thinning” medications when too much is given;
to prevent clotting problems in newborns who
don’t have enough vitamin K; and to treat
bleeding caused by medications including
salicylates, sulfonamides, quinine, quinidine, or
antibiotics.

Folic acid is a B vitamin. It helps the body make

healthy new cells. Everyone needs folic acid. For
women who may get pregnant, it is really
important. Getting enough folic acid before and
during pregnancy can prevent major birth
defects of her baby's brain or spine.

Vitamin C

Important in wound healing and acts as an

antioxidant. It also helps the body absorb iron.
It's found in citrus fruits, potatoes, and greens.

Vitamin D

Helps the body absorb calcium, which creates

healthy bones and teeth. The body can
synthesize Vitamin D after exposure to sunshine,
but it can also be found in fortified milk products
and cereals, as well as in fish.

Vitamin E