Vitamins : How Come You Don’t Know the ABCs of Vitamins

Article by Paul Dunphy

Vitamins are chemicals other than proteins, carbohydrates, fats and mineral salts that are essential constituents of the food of animals. Certain animals can synthesize certain vitamins and all animals needing vitamin D can manufacture it from the presence of U.V. They are essential to life, and with few exceptions can not be made by an animal’s body, but must be supplemented in the diet. Vitamins are organic molecules that are necessary for normal metabolism in animals, but either is not synthesized in the body or is synthesized in inadequate quantities. Consequently, they must be obtained from the diet.

Vitamins are responsible for keeping cells strong, binding tissues, fighting infections, etc. Without vitamins our cells would not function properly and thus our organs would suffer and eventually we would no longer be able to survive. Vitamins and minerals are present in the food that we eat everyday in varying degrees depending on the type of food. Different types of foods give different types of vitamins. Vitamins regulate metabolism, help convert fat and carbohydrates into energy, and assist in forming bone and tissue.

Vitamins are classified as either water -soluble, meaning that they dissolve easily in water, or fat-soluble vitamins, which are absorbed through the intestinal tract with the help of lipids (which are essentially fats). In general, water-soluble vitamins are readily excreted from the body. Vitamins are organic substances that are essential for the proper growth and functioning of the body. Unlike protein, fat, and carbohydrates, vitamins provide no calories. While these molecules serve essentially the same role in all forms of life, higher organisms have lost the ability to synthesize vitamins.

Vitamins are organic molecules that function in a wide variety of capacities within the body. The most prominent function of the vitamins is to serve as cofactors for enzymatic reactions. Vitamins and minerals have a unique role to play in maintaining your health. For example Vitamin D helps your body absorb the amount of calcium (a mineral) it needs to form strong bones.

Vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, and folic acid are vital for proper fetal growth, development and healthy adult living. Vitamins and minerals boost the immune system; support normal growth and development, and help cells and organs do their jobs. For example, you’ve probably heard that carrots are good for your eyes. Your body uses these substances to stay healthy and support its many functions.

Vitamins are a vital part of a healthy diet. The RDA (recommended dietary allowance), which are the amounts healthy people need each day to remain healthy