Vitamins – Essential Nutrients

Vitamins are chemical compounds found primarily in food and an essential nutrient that human body needs for normal growth, development and body functions. Vitamins play a vital role in maintaining normal metabolism. There are currently 13 recognized vitamins. Vitamins are either water’soluble or fat-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the fatty tissues of the body. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins do not stay in the body, therefore they need to be replenished daily. Vitamin C, F and all the B vitamins are water-soluble.

Here is List of Some Essential Vitamins:

• Vitamin A
  Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant and plays a critical role in maintaining healthy vision, neurological function and healthy immune system.
• Vitamin B
  B Complex vitamins include 8 types of water-soluble Vitamins and they are – Thiamin (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pantothenic acid (B5), Pyridoxine (B6), Biotin (B7), Folic acid (B9), and B12. They are required for healthy nerve and brain function, intestinal health, and cardiovascular health.
• Vitamin C
  Vitamin C is also known as Ascorbic Acid and is one of the most powerful antioxidants in the body. It may help prevent cell damage, eye disorders,  protect against heart disease and cancer, prevent scurvy, and other diseases. It is important for healthy immune system and aids in iron absorption.
• Vitamin D
  Vitamin D is also known as the sunshine vitamin and a fat-soluble hormone that the body can synthesize naturally.  Vitamin D helps to maintain the health of bones and teeth.  It also helps to strengthen the immune system and protect against a number of serious diseases, including rickets and osteomalacia.
• Vitamin F
  Vitamin F is fat soluble and commonly known as essential fatty acids. It is composed of two types of fatty acids: linoleic and alpha-linolenic. These essential fatty acids are required for the normal growth, healthy functioning of the cells, reduced the risk of strokes and heart attacks.