Human survival depends on deriving vitamins and minerals from consuming foods. The National Institutes of Health lists 13 essential vitamins to maintain proper body function. When categorized, the vitamins break down into five basic groups--A, B, C, D and E. The Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies publishes and maintains the Dietary Recommended Intake (DRI)--a chart outlining the amount of vitamins each person should strive to consume each day.
Vitamin A: Promoting Cell Health
Vitamin A, or retinol, is essential for the growth, reproduction and direction of body cells. The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), a division of the National Institutes of Health, reports that it also is essential for bolstering the body's defenses. Vitamin A supports white blood cell growth, essential to the body's ability to fight bacteria and viruses naturally, as well as boosting the skin and mucous membranes, forming a stronger barrier against attacking bacteria and virus bodies.
Vitamin B: A Complex Set
There is no singular vitamin B, but instead a group of nutrients that share the B prefix--B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B8 (folic acid) and B12 (cobalamin). This vitamin group, often referred to as the B complex, is essential for cell metabolism and the healthy function of cells. According to the American Cancer Society, the B complex promotes health in the immune and nervous systems.
Vitamin C: Collagen and Immune Booster
Vitamin C is one of the most versatile vitamins. The nutrient contributes to the production of collagen, which according to the ODS, "is an essential component of connective tissue, which plays a vital role in wound healing." The University of Maryland Medical Center reports on the antioxidant properties of the vitamin, preventing cell-damaging free radicals.
Vitamin D: Essential to Moving
Vitamin D aids in the body's ability to move. The ODS reports that it helps the body absorb calcium, which is vital to bone health. Vitamin D feeds muscles and the nervous system, allowing for smooth and clear communication between the brain and muscles involved with movement.
Vitamin E: Antioxidant and Dietary Aid
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that vitamin E is one of the strongest antioxidants, attacking the free radicals that float through the bloodstream and attack healthy cells. It also is essential to the body's overall strength. Individuals with a vitamin E deficiency will experience muscle weakness, loss of muscle mass or unsteady gait.
Member Comments