Thirteen different vitamins are necessary for good health, including the B complex vitamins. Although a healthy, balanced diet should provide a good amount of most vitamins, you may also take vitamins in supplemental pill form -- both individually and in combination, if necessary.6
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps maintain healthy eyes and vision. It also contributes to the health of your teeth, bones, skin and mucous membranes.
B Vitamins
The B vitamins are actually a complex of 8 different vitamins. They help your body process the food you eat into useable energy, as well as contribute to the production of red blood cells.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is critical to the formation of collagen, which your body uses to build scar tissue, ligaments and skin. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that helps fight damage from free radicals.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that may be obtained from your skin's exposure to the sun. Its purpose is to help the processing of calcium in your body and the development of strong bones.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps your body use vitamin K. It functions as an antioxidant, strengthens your immune system, helps prevent dangerous blood clots and helps cells interact.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin, is critical for the proper creation of blood clots -- without it, your body would not be able to stop bleeding from cuts or other injuries. Vitamin K also contributes to the development of healthy bones.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin A -- All Information; Linda Vorvick, MD; March 2009
- MedlinePlus; B Vitamins; April 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin C -- All Information; David Zieve, MD, MHA, et al.; December 2009
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin E
- Harvard School of Public Health: Vitamin K
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