What are Vitamins
December 8, 2008
What are Vitamins
Vitamins are various water-soluble or fat-soluble organic substances essential in minute amounts for normal growth and activity of the body. They are obtained naturally from plant and animal foods. Except for few exceptions cannot be made by our bodies. It is impossible to sustain life without all of the essential vitamins.
Vitamins are NOT replacements for food. By themselves they contain no calories. They are not replacements for protein, fats, minerals or carbohydrates or other nutrients. You cannot stop eating, take vitamins are expect to remain healthy.
Vitamins are multifunctional. They energize our metabolism, regulate our metabolism, help blood clot when we bleed, enable cell growth and help us to see in color instead of black and white.
The water-soluble vitamins are those that dissolve in water. Examples are Vitamin C and Vitamin B. Water-soluble vitamins cannot be stored in the body for long periods of time. These vitamins travel through the body and whatever your body doesn’t need is excreted in the urine. They need to be replaced daily.
The fat-soluble vitamins can be stored in the liver or body fat until your body needs them. Examples are Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin K and Vitamin D. Fat-soluble vitamins can be stored in the liver for up to six months.
Vitamin deficiencies occur when the body does not have enough of a vitamin it needs. These can lead to certain symptoms or illnesses which can be corrected by either eating the foods which contain the vitamin which is lacking or taking the appropriate vitamin supplement.
It is best to get vitamins from the foods which we eat. If you believe you are not getting enough of a vitamin, consult a doctor before taking a vitamin supplement. Vitamins may not be absorbed even though we are eating them. If this is the case your doctor will need to determine the reason for this. Taking too much of the fat-soluble vitamins can cause serious diseases so do NOT do it.
