Vitamins
Vitamins are chemicals that our bodies need, and in most cases, that we cannot produce. Vitamins are an organic compound, which means that they occur naturally in plants and animals.
There are two groups of vitamins: fat soluble and water soluble. Fat soluble vitamins are stored in the liver and body fat, which means that we don't need to eat these vitamins every day. Vitamins that stay in the body for a short period of time (i.e. two to four days) are considered water soluble. Most water soluble vitamins are not stored in the body in very large amounts, so we need to consume them every day. Left over water soluble vitamins leave the body through urine.
Fat Soluble Vitamins Water Soluble Vitamins
Vitamin A
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin K Vitamin B1 - Thiamine
Vitamin B2 - Riboflavin
Vitamin B3 - Niacin
Vitamin B6 - Pyridoxine
Vitamin B12 - Cobalamin
Folacin
Biotin
Pantothenic acid
Vitamin C
Most vitamins are coenzymes - they work together with enzymes. Enzymes are body proteins that help other chemicals to react and are the foundation of all of our body functions.
Our bodies can make three vitamins (A, D and niacin) from other chemicals. For example carotene can be converted into Vitamin A.
Source:
The Real Vitamin & Mineral Book- Using Supplements for Optimal Health (2nd Edition), by Dr. Shari Lieberman, PhD and Nancy Bruning. Published by Avery Publishing Group, New York in 1997.
Simple Steps to Live Healthy
Eat whole food in their natural state, skip processed and refined foods.
