Vitamins are basic building blocks used by your body to construct, maintain and repair its cells. Although most people grew up hearing their mothers sing the value of vitamins, few understand specifically what each vitamin does for the body. Some vitamins are water-soluble, meaning they dissolve in water for transportation through the body. Others are soluble only in the presence of fat.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a key component in new cell growth, reports Dr Michael F. Roizen and Dr. Mehmet Oz in their book, "You: The Owner's Manual." This makes it an essential part of skeletal growth, tooth structure and the health of your skin, eyes and hair. It also plays a role in night vision.
B-Complex Vitamins
Oz and Roizen write that B vitamins include thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B12 and folic acid. B-complex vitamins help the body process other nutrients and chemicals. Thiamine converts sugars and carbohydrates into energy usable by the body. Riboflavin helps the body break down fats, proteins and sugars. B12 helps the blood and nervous systems by helping the body use proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Folic acid helps the body process other vitamins. According to Oz and Roizen, recent research suggests that B vitamins may also help prevent cancer.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for healing, from keeping your immune system strong to recovery from a workout to healing from injuries, according to MayoClinic.com. It is a key part in forming collagen, and in metabolizing iron, proteins, amino acids and calcium. Its role in healing and recovery help promote stamina, reduce fatigue and help the body deal with stress.
Vitamin D
According to Oz and Roizen, vitamin D helps the body use phosphorus and calcium. Because of this, it is a key player in bone and tooth development, as well as healthy function of the nervous and circulatory system. A deficiency of vitamin D can cause rickets.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a maintenance vitamin, according to Roizen and Oz. It protects tissues and fats from breaking down, keeps cells healthy and helps the body store vitamins. It plays a role in processing fatty acids, proteins and calcium.
Vitamin K
According to MayoClinic.com, vitamin K helps transport calcium throughout the body. This makes it essential to bone growth and bone health. It also plays a role in blood clotting, an essential part of the body's response to injury.
References
- "You: The Owner's Manual"; Mehmet Oz, M.D., and Michael F. Roizen, M.D.; 2005
- MayoClinic.com: Vitamin C
- MayoClinic.com: Vitamin K
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