Function
There are 13 essential vitamins. This means that these vitamins are required for the body to work properly. They are:
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
Vitamin B3 (niacin)
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
Pantothenic acid (B5)
Biotin (B7)
Folate (folic acid or B9)
Vitamins are grouped into two categories:
Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body’s liver, fatty tissue, and muscles.
The four fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins A, D, E, and K. These vitamins are absorbed more easily by the body in the presence of dietary fat. The nine water-soluble vitamins are vitamin C and all the B vitamins. The exception to this is vitamin B12, which can be stored in the liver for many years.
Are You Getting What You Need?
Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients because they perform hundreds of roles in the body. Eating a healthy diet remains the best way to get sufficient amounts of the vitamins and minerals you need.
What Are Vitamins?
A vitamin is an organic compound, which means that it contains carbon.
It is also an essential nutrient that the body may need to get from food.
Fat-Soluble And Water-Soluble Vitamins
The body stores fat-soluble vitamins in fatty tissue and the liver, and reserves of these vitamins can stay in the body for days and sometimes months. Dietary fats help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins through the intestinal tract.
Because of this, people need a more regular supply of water-soluble vitamins than fat-soluble ones. Vitamin C and all the B vitamins are water-soluble . Vitamin supplements Many people in the United States take multivitamins and other supplements, though these may not be necessary or helpful, according to research .
The Department of Health and Human Services provide up-to-date guidelines detailing the best ways to get enough nutrients from the diet. Fortified foods and supplements may be appropriate in some cases, however, such as during pregnancy, for people with restricted diets, and for people with specific health issues. Overall, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before trying any supplement.
Various supplements are available for purchase online.