Vitamins

What Are Vitamins?

Vitamins are organic compounds essential for maintaining life. The human body requires them in small quantities but cannot produce enough—or any at all—on its own. Therefore, we must obtain vitamins from food. Organic compounds contain carbon and originate from living organisms, such as plants and animals.

Without essential vitamins, sustaining life is impossible. A deficiency in any particular vitamin can lead to specific health problems, which can only be corrected by consuming that vitamin.

List of Recognized Vitamins:

• Biotin
• Carotenes
• Folic Acid
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B Complex:
  • Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)
  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
  • Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
  • Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
  • Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
  • Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K

Types of Vitamins:

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble, meaning they require dietary fats and minerals for proper absorption in the digestive system. These vitamins are stored in the liver for future use.

Water-Soluble Vitamins

The remaining vitamins, including vitamin C and all B-complex vitamins, are water-soluble. Any excess is not stored in the body but excreted through urine.

---

Why Do We Need Vitamins?

Vitamins are essential for growth, healing, and overall well-being. They play a crucial role in maintaining a balanced diet, whether obtained from food or supplements. These natural substances support various bodily functions, including:

• Metabolism and energy production
• Growth and development
• Immune system function
• Tissue repair and maintenance
• Mental alertness and cognitive function
• Resistance to bacterial infections

Vitamins work in combination with minerals, proteins, and enzymes to trigger important chemical reactions in the body. They also contribute to preventing deficiency diseases and improving overall health.

Therapeutic Effects of Vitamins

Beyond preventing deficiencies, vitamins have significant therapeutic effects. For example:

• Niacin (Vitamin B3) helps lower cholesterol levels.
• Vitamin A derivatives are used in acne treatments.

Large doses of certain vitamins may help slow or even reverse various diseases, including:

• Aging
• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Osteoporosis
• Nerve degeneration
• Impaired immunity
• Chronic health conditions

However, vitamins should not be considered a substitute for food. They must be consumed as part of a balanced diet to be properly assimilated by the body.