There are thousands of supplemental vitamins on the market today, each of which promises optimum health benefits. In addition, nearly everything we eat, put on our skin and wash our hair with seems to be vitamin-fortified. Vitamins play a complex and vital role in our bodies.
Identification
Vitamins are tiny amounts of organic chemical compounds that your body must have in order to function properly. Different vitamins perform different specialized functions. Some vitamins can be produced by your body, but most need to be taken in from the foods, or supplements, you eat.
Types
According to the University of Florida IFAS Extension, humans need 13 different vitamins. These vitamins are divided into two main types: water-soluble, which dissolve quickly and easily in water, and fat-soluble, which dissolve in bile acids and are stored in the body until needed. The solubility of a vitamin determines how it gets absorbed and transported throughout the body. Water soluble vitamins include B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12 and C. Fat-soluble vitamins include A, D, E and K.
Function
Vitamins ensure proper cell growth, function and maintenance. B vitamins help formulate blood cells and support the conversion of food into energy. Vitamin A supports vision, vitamin D supports bone growth and structure, and vitamin K is a necessary element for blood clotting. Vitamins A, C and E are antioxidants, which may neutralize damaging free radicals in your body.
Significance
Vitamin deficiencies can lead to health problems. For example, according to Medline Plus, a lack of vitamin A can lead to night blindness, a lack of vitamin D can cause rickets, and a deficiency in vitamins B6 and B12 can lead to anemia. On the flip side, vitamin overdoses can be dangerous. According to an article by Ian K. Smith, M.D., for "Time" magazine, too much vitamin E can put you at risk of bleeding, too much vitamin C can cause diarrhea and too much selenium can cause hair loss.
Considerations
Multivitamins offer a way to bridge the nutrient gaps in an imperfect diet. However, some vitamins aren't absorbed as well in supplement form as they are in their natural state. Supplements can also pose an overdose risk. Eating a balanced, varied diet full of nutrient-rich foods is the best way to ensure proper vitamin intake.
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