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Definitions of Vitamins

Vitamins are the unique organic substances required by the human body for normal growth and function. Vitamins occur in foods in small amounts.

  1. Types

    • There are 13 vitamins that are essential to you body's functions. These vitamins are: A, C, D, E, K, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), Biotin, B6, B12, Folic acid and Pantothenic acid.

    Identification

    • The 13 vitamins are divided into two categories. One category includes fat soluble substances that are stored in fatty tissue in the human body. The other category includes water soluble vitamins that must be used immediately, before they are excreted by the body through urination.

    Exception

    • One water soluble vitamin - B12 - is stored for years in the human liver.

    Benefits

    • Each of the 13 vitamins provides a specific benefit to the human body. If a body is deprived of any particular vitamin, it can develop a deficiency disease.

    Considerations

    • Dietary allowances for each of the 13 vitamins have been outlined by the Institute of Medicine Food and Nutrition Board (Find a link in the Resources section). These recommendations establish daily amounts of vitamins based on amounts needed to maintain health in average men and women. Consuming a balanced diet with a wide variety of foods from the entire food pyramid is the best way to ensure the daily recommended intake of vitamins. Vitamin supplements can also augment a diet that is lacking in any vitamin or combination of vitamins.

    Warning

    • Vitamins in massive doses can be toxic. It is best to follow the Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) for all vitamins, or to consult with your physician for a personalized vitamin regimen.

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