Vitamins are nutrients in the human body that act to keep the body healthy. Vitamins and minerals are present in the food that we eat everyday in varying degrees depending on the type of food. Different types of foods give different types of vitamins. Theoretically you can obtain vitamins and minerals from the food you consume every day, but it may not be enough for your body’s requirement and it may lead to vitamins
deficiency depends on what food we ate. For example if you take fast food as your meal, eat junk foods and soft drinks on a frequent basic, your body will not get the nutrients needed. Although you get vitamins and minerals from the foods you eat every day, some foods have more vitamins and minerals than others. Apart from vitamins being present in food, we can also take vitamin supplements to augment the ones we get in our food.Vitamins fall into two categories which are fat soluble and water soluble. Fat soluble vitamins — A, D, E, and K, dissolve in fat and can be stored in your body. Water soluble vitamins — C and B-complex, need to dissolve in water before your body can absorb them. Any vitamin C or B that your body doesn't use as it passes through your system is lost (mostly when you pee). So you need a fresh supply of these vitamins every day.
Minerals are also necessary for important body functions. Some minerals are needed by the body in small amounts while others are needed in large amounts. Examples of minerals that the body needs are iron, zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium etc. Vitamins and minerals are taken to supplement for any deficiency. Eating a balanced diet may be sufficient to obtain all the important vitamins and minerals you need. However, whenever a deficiency is noticed by way of malfunction of any bodily function, vitamin supplements can be taken to stop this malfunction. Vitamins and mineral supplements are regulated by the U.S Food and Drug Administration as a food product.
Vitamins and Minerals Function
Vitamins
Vitamins and minerals boost the immune system, support normal growth and development, and help cells and organs do their jobs.Vitamin A (fat soluble) – Vitamin A is necessary for the development and protection of certain cells in the body. It is needed for the development of bones and formation of teeth. It is essential for a healthy condition of the eyes. Night vision is also dependent on it.
Vitamin B Complex (water soluble):
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) - helps the body convert carbohydrates into energy and helps in the metabolism of proteins and fats.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - is required to complete several reactions in the energy cycle.
Vitamin B3 (niacin, includes nicotinic acid and nicotinamide) - helps the metabolism of carbohydrates.
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) - promotes a large number of metabolic reactions essential for the growth and well-being of animals.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine) - is a coenzyme for several enzyme systems involved in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
Vitamin B7 (biotin), also known as vitamin H - plays a role in metabolic processes that lead to the formation of fats and the utilization of carbon dioxide.
Vitamin B9 (folic acid), also, vitamin M - is necessary for the synthesis of nucleic acids and the formation of red blood cells.
Vitamin B12 (various cobalamins; commonly cyanocobalamin in vitamin supplements) - is a complex crystalline compound that functions in all cells, but especially in those of the gastrointestinal tract, the nervous system, and the bone marrow. It is known to aid in the development of red blood cells in higher animals.
Vitamin C (water soluble) – This vitamin is essential for the proper development of the body. It also helps the formation of bones and teeth. It helps various cells to cohere together, heals wounds, augments the resistance of the body to disease, and is also a factor in the synthesis of steroid hormones in the body.
Vitamin D (fat soluble) – This vitamin is necessary for the development. It plays an important part in the formation of bones and teeth.
Vitamin E (fat soluble) – This vitamin is important for the reproductive function. In addition, it strengthens the erythrocytes and prevents their fragmentation.
Vitamin K (fat soluble) – It is essential for the production of prothrombin, which is responsible for the clotting of blood.
Vitamin C (water soluble) – This vitamin is essential for the proper development of the body. It also helps the formation of bones and teeth. It helps various cells to cohere together, heals wounds, augments the resistance of the body to disease, and is also a factor in the synthesis of steroid hormones in the body.
Vitamin D (fat soluble) – This vitamin is necessary for the development. It plays an important part in the formation of bones and teeth.
Vitamin E (fat soluble) – This vitamin is important for the reproductive function. In addition, it strengthens the erythrocytes and prevents their fragmentation.
Vitamin K (fat soluble) – It is essential for the production of prothrombin, which is responsible for the clotting of blood.
