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Vitamins are essential for life.
Vitamins work as regulators or modulators and insure biological reactions in the body function properly. Thus, vitamins are vital for growth, maintenance, immune function, and reproduction. Insuring adequate nutrient levels in the body will optimize energy and overall health.
Vitamins Must be Consumed
Although there is one exception, vitamin D which can be synthesized from sun exposure, our bodies cannot synthesize vitamins. Therefore, to maintain adequate levels, all vitamins must be consumed daily from foods and/or supplements.
Vitamins Are Divided into Two Groups
There are water-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins are vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, C, niacin, pantothenic acid, folic acid and biotin, while fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins A, D, E and K. Based on solubility, some vitamins are absorbed differently. For example, fat is required for vitamins A, D, E and K and is an intrinsic factor for vitamin B12. In addition, since some vitamins are labile during food processing and cooking, ways of consuming and timing must be considered for proper nutrition.
Vitamins Are Not Broken Down by the Body
Unlike proteins, carbohydrates or fats, vitamins are not metabolized to build tissues or organs. On the contrary, vitamins act as coenzymes for enzymes so that nutrients such as amino acids and glucose are enzymatically utilized for muscle growth or energy.
Vitamin Dosages
Recently, new dietary guidelines (the Dietary Reference Intakes) have been set by the National Academy of Sciences. In this vitamin section, the latest recommendations are described for each vitamin listed here on the left. In addition, each section describes how lifestyle and medication can affect individual nutritional status.
Vitamin Facts, Functions and More
Learn more about each of the specific vitamins by selecting from the menu on the left. Each of the individual vitamin pages contains information specific to that vitamin including: facts, functions, requirements and recommendations, deficiency signs and symptoms, toxicity, natural dietary sources of the vitamin, populations with special needs, possible drug-vitamin interactions and a research summary that contains recent studies and findings pertaining to that particular vitamin. |
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Dosage Chart |
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Practical, easy-to-use dosage charts provide information on upper limits, recommended doses and health benefits for each vitamin. |
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View chart now >> |
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