Vitamins & Their Purposes

Vitamins are essential nutrients for cognitive function, physical strength and nervous system health. They also help protect your body against disease and illness, and can help relieve the symptoms of emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression. Supplements are available to help supply vitamins; however, a balanced diet can provide all of the vitamins your body needs for optimal health.

B Vitamins

The B family of vitamins includes eight separate vitamins: Thiamine, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, niacin, riboflavin, biotin, cobalamin and folic acid. These vitamins aid in the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, which are building blocks for cellular repair and function. B vitamins help protect your nervous system against toxic damage, which may help relieve stress and anxiety. Some B vitamins, such as cobalamin, folic acid and pyridoxine, work together to control levels of homocysteine. High levels of homocysteine are found in the bloodstreams of people with heart disease, although it is not clear whether heart disease is a cause or effect of elevated homocysteine levels.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is widely known for its ability to stimulate your immune system. This vitamin may encourage the manufacture of white blood cells, which destroy illness-causing bacteria, fungi and virus cells. It may also enhance production of interferon, a natural antibody. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which may help prevent cancer by depriving free radical molecules of oxygen. Vitamin C may have a calming effect on your central nervous system, helping you manage stress and anxiety.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps to maintain muscle strength and improves immune system function. This vitamin aids in the absorption of calcium, which promotes the formation of healthy bone cells. Vitamin D may enhance metabolism by stimulating the production of thyroid hormones.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is necessary for the production of collagen, a component of skin -- this may help speed the healing of wounds and minimize scarring. It promotes proper muscle function, which may reduce leg cramps and the effects of restless legs syndrome. Like vitamin C, vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K improves your body's ability to use calcium, which may help prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures. Vitamin K also plays a role in the production of platelets that clot blood -- this may reduce bleeding from peptic ulcers and skin wounds.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A may help prevent fungal, bacterial and viral infections, particularly those that affect the lungs, kidneys and bladder. This vitamin plays a role in the healing of peptic ulcers, and helps your body heal epithelial tissue, which makes up your mucous membranes and skin. Vitamin A also offers antioxidant benefits.