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What Are the Functions of Different Vitamins?

Vitamins are essential nutrients obtained in the diet. Vitamins were once thought to consist of only amine groups, which are chemical compounds consisting of nitrogen and hydrogen. Because of this, scientists gave these nutrients the name "vitamin," which comes from the terms "vital" and "amine." Each vitamin plays a role in human development and health.

  1. Vitamin A

    • Carrots contain vitamin A.

      Vitamin A's main function is to provide the body with the chemical compounds used for vision. Retinol is used in the eyes to help facilitate the conversion of light to impulses sent to the brain. Retinol is degraded, and it is not recycled. Therefore, the body requires replenishment of vitamin A. Vitamin A is also used for immunity, red blood cell production, gene transcription and growth and development. Vitamin A is found in brightly colored plants such as carrots, eggs, cod liver oil, milk, spinach and broccoli.

    Vitamin C

    • Vitamin C is found in strawberries.

      Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid. Vitamin C plays a role in several functions in the human body. Vitamin C is used to make cellular tissue such as collagen, tendons, ligaments and bone. Vitamin C also helps the body convert aged cholesterol to bile acids, which are then released from the body in the gastrointestinal tract. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, which means it attaches to free radicals, neutralizing the potential damage from pollutants and toxins. Vitamin C is found in foods such as oranges, tomatoes, potatoes, strawberries and grapefruit.

    Vitamin D

    • Vitamin D is in milk.

      Vitamin D is essential in the metabolism and levels of calcium. Vitamin D also provides the starting compound for cholesterol. Vitamin D3 is synthesized after the skin's exposure to ultraviolet sunlight. Vitamin D2 is obtained from plants, but it is less effective than the D3 counterpart. Vitamin D is used for immunity, cell differentiation, calcium balance and insulin secretion. The vitamin is foods such as milk, fish, soy, cereal and eggs.

    Vitamin E

    • Spinach contains vitamin E.

      Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin used mainly for removing free radicals from the blood. Vitamin E helps eliminate lipid destruction, which means it protects the fats in the body. Lipids are found on the outside membrane of cells, so it essentially protects cell destruction. Vitamin E protects against cardiovascular disease, cataracts and cancer. Patients can find vitamin E in the diet in foods such as sunflower, soybean and olive oils, carrots, spinach, peanuts and almonds.

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