Vitamins

Vitamins are organic compounds that people need in small quantities. Each has a different role in maintaining health and bodily function. 

Quantity

The Essential Guide to Vitamins

What are Vitamins?

Vitamins are organic compounds that people need in small quantities. Each has a different role in maintaining health and bodily function. For example, humans need to get vitamin C from their diets — while dogs can produce all the vitamin C that they need. 

Types of Vitamins

Vitamins are either soluble, or dissolvable, in fat or water:

- Fat-soluble vitamins: Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble. The body stores fat-soluble vitamins in fatty tissue and the liver, and reserves of these vitamins can stay in the body for days and sometimes months.

- Water-soluble vitamins: Water-soluble vitamins do not stay in the body for long and cannot be stored. They leave the body via the urine. Vitamin C and all the B vitamins are water-soluble.

The Role of Vitamins

Different vitamins play different roles in the body, and a person requires a different amount of each vitamin to stay healthy. For instance, Vitamin A is essential for eye health . Its deficiency may cause night blindness and keratomalacia, which causes the clear front layer of the eye to grow dry and cloudy.

Supplements

Vitamin and mineral supplements are the most commonly used dietary supplements by populations worldwide². While supplements can be used to correct micronutrient deficiency or maintain an adequate intake, over-the-counter supplements are most often taken by people with no clinical signs or symptoms of deficiency.

However, the effect of vitamin and mineral supplements on the risk of non-communicable diseases in “generally healthy” populations is controversial². Therefore, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.

Conclusion

Vitamins are essential to human health. They play crucial roles in our bodies, from supporting eye health to aiding in energy production. While they can be obtained from a balanced diet, supplements can also be used to fill in any nutritional gaps. However, it's always best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

Remember, your health is your wealth! Stay healthy, stay happy!