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List of Natural Vitamins

Natural vitamins are organic nutrients necessary for healthy growth, metabolism regulation and normal body functions. The human body is able to produce certain vitamins, but eating vitamin-containing food is necessary to obtain essential vitamins. Vitamins occur naturally in fruit, vegetables, meat, grains and dairy. Production of artificial vitamins is done in a laboratory through chemical means, but not all synthetic vitamins are as effective as those naturally found in food and plants.

  1. Vitamin A

    • Vitamin A, also known as beta carotene, is found in meat, liver, eggs, dairy products and fish. Beta-carotene is a dye found in plants like carrots, sweet potatoes, apricots, cantaloupe, broccoli and lettuce. When ingested, beta-carotene is absorbed by the body. The body will then convert the absorbed beta-carotene into vitamin A.

      Vitamin A is beneficial to eyesight and healthy body growth. It is also essential to the development and preservation of the teeth, mucous membranes, skeletal tissue and skin. A deficiency in vitamin A can cause poor vision and an increased risk of disease. An overdose of vitamin A can lead to illness and birth defects.

    Vitamin B12

    • Vitamin B12 comes from meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products and shellfish. This vitamin is water-soluble, meaning extra amounts not used by the body will be removed through urine. Most water-soluble vitamins cannot be stored in the body; however, vitamin B12 can be stored in the liver for years.

      Vitamin B12 is necessary for proper metabolism (how the body converts and uses energy) and the formation of red blood cells. It also plays an important role in maintaining proper function of the brain and nervous system. An insufficient amount of B12 in the body can lead to weakness, numbness in the arms and legs and anemia (lack of red blood cells).

    Vitamin C

    • Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin found in such foods as oranges, grapefruit, watermelon, strawberries, tomatoes, cabbage, lettuce, spinach, potatoes and blueberries. It is recommended to consume these foods raw or slightly cooked, as vitamin C is sensitive to heat and light.

      Vitamin C aids in tissue repair and in the production of collagen, which is a protein, found in the skin, cartilage and blood vessels. It also helps maintain healthy gums and teeth and helps heal wounds and burns. Vitamin C produces antibodies, which help fight colds and infections. Studies have suggested that vitamin C may also prevent high blood pressure, certain cancers, pre-eclampsia, and certain allergies. Low levels of vitamin C can cause bleeding gums, dry hair, difficulty with wound healing, nosebleeds, anemia and an increased risk of colds and infections.

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