Vitamins are essential organic compounds. Most vitamins must come from food because the body produces few.
Vitamin needs vary by organism. Humans must eat vitamin C, but dogs can produce enough.
Food lacks enough vitamin D for humans. Vitamin D is best synthesized by the body in sunlight.
Different vitamins play different roles in the body, and different amounts are needed to stay healthy.
This article explains vitamins, their benefits, and good sources. Below are blue links to more vitamin info.
Vitamins?
Vitamins are organic substances found in food. Too little of any vitamin may increase health risks.
Vitamins are carbon-based organic compounds. It’s a nutrient the body needs from food.
Fat-and water-soluble vitamins
Vitamins are fat- or water-soluble. Both are described below.
Vitamins fat-soluble
Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in fatty tissue and the liver for days or months.
Dietary fats aid in fat-soluble vitamin absorption.
Vitamins water-soluble
Water-soluble vitamins can’t be stored in the body. Urine excretes them. People need water-soluble vitamins more often than fat-soluble vitamins.
Water-soluble vitamins C and B
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Vitamins
Below, discover each vitamin:
a-tocopherol
Chemical names: retinol, retinal, and “the four carotenoids”
Fat-soluble.
Eye health requires it.
Deficiency can cause night blindness and keratomalacia, a dry, cloudy eye front.
References:
Liver, cod liver oil, carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, butter, kale, spinach, pumpkins, collard greens, some cheeses, eggs, apricots, cantaloupe, and milk.
Vitamin A information.
B-1
Thiamine.
Water-soluble.
Essential for making blood sugar-breaking enzymes.
Deficiency: beriberi and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
References:
Yeast, pork, cereal grains, sunflower seeds, brown rice, whole grain rye, asparagus, kale, cauliflower, potatoes, oranges, liver, and eggs.
Vitamin B1 information.
B-2
Riboflavin’s chemical name.
Water-soluble.
It’s needed for cell growth and metabolism.
Deficiency: inflamed lips and mouth fissures.
References:
Asparagus, bananas, persimmons, okra, chard, cottage cheese, milk, yogurt, meat, eggs, fish, and green beans.