|  | Diet Nutrition | Vitamins

List of Vitamins for Humans

Vitamins are substances that are required by the body for growth, development and overall body maintenance. Lack of vitamins can have adverse health consequences, such as scurvy, which is a result of lack of vitamin C. Vitamins are found in food in minute amounts, so different types and groups of food have to be consumed for the body to get all the vitamins it needs. If the body does not get all the required vitamins from food, vitamin supplements are available.

  1. Vitamin A

    • Vitamin A is required by the body for healthy eyes, bone growth and development, reproduction, cell division and for regulating the immune system. Vitamin A can be found in whole milk, liver, carrots, fortified cereals, fish, eggs, pumpkin and beet greens.

    Vitamin B1

    • Vitamin B1, or thiamine, is used for the conversion of food into energy and provides support for the normal function of the heart, muscles and nervous system. Vitamin B1 is found in whole grains, fresh peas, beans, fish, oranges and enriched pasta.

    Vitamin B2

    • The body needs vitamin B2, or riboflavin, for the production of energy, red blood cell and antibodies and for the regulation of human growth and reproduction. It is also needed for healthy hair, nails and skin, thyroid activity and for the healing of wounds. This vitamin is available in leafy green vegetables, fish, milk, cheese, almonds and mushrooms.

    Vitamin B3

    • Vitamin B3, or niacin, helps to convert food into energy and is used in circulation regulation and in hormone production. It is also necessary for healthy skin. Vitamin B3 can be found in broccoli, fortified cereals, eggs, dates, fish, milk and peanuts.

    Vitamin B5, B6 and B9

    • Vitamin B5 is also known as pantothenic acid and is useful for converting food into energy, while vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, helps balance the hormonal changes in women, helps in growing new cells and for regulating the immune system. It can be found in cereals, banana and chicken. Vitamin B9 is known as folic acid and is used for the synthesis of protein and DNA.

    Vitamin B12 and Vitamin C

    • Vitamin B12, or cyanocobalamin, helps maintain the nervous system, and vitamin C is necessary for the formation of bones, teeth and connective tissues. Vitamin C helps in the absorption of other vitamins and is an antioxidant. It can be found in fruits and vegetables.

    Vitamin D and Vitamin E

    • Vitamin D helps in bone growth and the absorption of phosphorus and calcium. Vitamin E helps in the maintenance of red blood cells and is an antioxidant. It can be found in whole grains, sunflower seeds and leafy greens.

    Vitamin H and Vitamin K

    • Vitamin H, or biotin, helps in carbohydrate metabolism and in the synthesis of fats and proteins. It is found in legumes and nuts. Vitamin K, found in green leafy vegetables, helps in the clotting of blood.

Vitamins - Related Articles