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Basic Functions of Vitamins

Vitamins are natural substances found in plants and animals and are needed by the human body for nutritional purposes, to stay healthy and to perform its many functions. There are primarily two types of vitamins: water-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins A, D, E and K, while water-soluble vitamins are the vitamins of the B group and vitamin C. Each vitamin has a specific function, and the deficiency of a particular vitamin causes a particular disorder. While vitamins are not a direct source of energy, they help the body in regulating processes meant to produce energy. Apart from vitamins D and K, the human body is not self-sufficient and cannot synthesize other required vitamins on its own.

  1. Development

    • Vitamins are essential for the normal growth and development of the human body; they help the body's metabolism and protect against viruses. In infants, certain vitamins need to be present during the initial years for the healthy development of skin, bones and muscles. Mostly, vitamins are obtained from the food consumed, but some vitamins are obtained through other means. For example, vitamin K is produced by microorganisms in the intestine, commonly known as gut flora, while vitamin D is synthesized in the skin with the help of sunlight. Once the development stages are completed, vitamins remain in the body as essential nutrients for the healthy maintenance of tissues and organs.

    Prevention of Deficiencies

    • The body stores different vitamins, like A, D and B12, mainly in the liver. An adult human body may be deficient in vitamin A for many months and, in some cases, B12 for years before developing a noticeable deficiency. Deficiencies of vitamins are classified as either primary or secondary. Primary deficiencies are caused by dietary problems, while secondary deficiencies are caused by an underlying condition or disorder. People who eat a varied diet are unlikely to develop primary vitamin-related deficiencies, while those who consume a limited diet are more prone to developing vitamin-related ailments. A healthy balance of vitamins in the body helps prevent disorders caused by deficiencies.

    Cell Function

    • Vitamins are required for the regulation of cell functions. Vitamin B-1 helps in converting carbohydrates into energy and assist in the functioning of the heart and the healthy nerve cells, including the brain. Several other vitamins, especially those in the B group, help in the formation of red blood cells and contribute toward healthy body growth.

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