Vitamins are essential organic compounds that are required by the human body in small amounts to maintain normal physiological functions, growth, and overall health. They play crucial roles in various metabolic processes, including energy production, immune function, and cell growth and repair. Vitamins are typically obtained through diet, although some can be synthesized by the body or obtained through supplements.
Here is a list of vitamins, along with a short explanation of their functions:
- Vitamin A (Retinol): Essential for vision, immune function, and skin health. Also plays a role in cell differentiation and growth.
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Necessary for energy metabolism, nerve function, and carbohydrate metabolism.
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Involved in energy production, metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, and maintenance of healthy skin and eyes.
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Plays a role in energy production, DNA repair, and cell signaling. Also important for maintaining healthy skin, digestive system, and nervous system.
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): Essential for synthesizing and metabolizing fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Also important for hormone production and cholesterol synthesis.
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Required for amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and hemoglobin production. Also plays a role in immune function and cognitive development.
- Vitamin B7 (Biotin): Important for metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Also involved in maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails.
- Vitamin B9 (Folate or Folic Acid): Essential for DNA synthesis, cell division, and red blood cell formation. Particularly important during pregnancy for fetal development.
- Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): Necessary for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. Also plays a role in energy metabolism and fatty acid synthesis.
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): Acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative damage. Also important for collagen synthesis, wound healing, immune function, and iron absorption.
- Vitamin D (Calciferol): Essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Also plays a role in immune function, muscle function, and regulation of cell growth and differentiation.
- Vitamin E (Tocopherol): Acts as an antioxidant, protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage. Also important for immune function, skin health, and gene expression.
- Vitamin K (Phylloquinone or Menaquinone): Required for blood clotting and bone metabolism. Also plays a role in regulating calcium levels in the body.
These vitamins are classified into two main groups: water-soluble vitamins (B vitamins and vitamin C), which are easily excreted by the body and need to be replenished regularly, and fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K), which are stored in the body’s fat tissues and liver and can be stored for longer periods.