What Is the Purpose of Vitamins?
The human body was created to be self-sufficient as long as the proper nutrition is received from a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, grain and meat. However, with modern society full of of fast foods and lack of exercise, it's difficult to ingest the vitamins your body needs. Taken consistently, vitamins play an important role as part of a healthy diet by working together to help the body function correctly.
Function
Vitamins are not manufactured within the body and must be obtained from outside sources. The Food and Drug Administration has established recommended guidelines for the consumption of vitamins on a daily basis.
Significance
Scientists have named 14 essential vitamins that the human body needs for normal body functions such as cell growth, vision, and general health maintenance. A deficiency of any one of these vitamins has the potential of causing problems within the human body. The fourteen identified vitamins are each important and discussed briefly.
The First Five Vitamins
Biotin is for cell growth, and also strengthens hair and nails. Sources include liver, tomatoes, carrots, and almonds. Choline maintains the integrity of body cells and is found in foods such as egg yolks, soy and liver. Vitamin A (retinol) is important for vision and bone growth. Daily consumption of liver, carrots, broccoli, spinach, cantaloupe, or pumpkin helps maintain an adequate supply of Vitamin A. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal phosphate) is used in amino acid metabolism. These are the building blocks of protein and are found in foods such as meats, whole grain products, and vegetables. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) helps the brain and nervous system to function properly. B12 also promotes flood formation and is found in milk products, eggs, and some meats.
C, D, E, K Vitamins
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is required to create metabolic reactions in the body and has been shown to prevent scurvy. Vitamin C is found in oranges and other citric foods such as limes and lemons. Sauerkraut and cabbage are also good sources of Vitamin C. Vitamin D (ergocalciferol) promotes a healthy anti-immune system, maintains organs, and promotes bone growth. Salmon and catfish are excellent sources of Vitamin D, as well as eggs and beef liver. Vitamin E (tocopherol) is an antioxidants, and if found in nuts, spinach, and wheat germ. Vitamin K (phylloquinone) is used for blood coagulation, which is important when a person receives a cut or is in surgery. Vitamin K's sources include leafy green vegetables and kiwifruit. Interestingly, Vitamin K is produced by the bacteria in our body's intestines.
Other B Vitamins
Vitamin B9 (folic acid) keeps red blood cells healthy and can prevent anemia. It is found in leafy vegetables and fortified cereal products. Vitamin B3 (niacin) is for the prevention of deficiency diseases, which are often found in underdeveloped countries. Niacin sources include fish, eggs, milk, avocados, leafy vegetables, nuts, and whole grain products. Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates. Whole grains are a good source of Vitamin B5. Broccoli, avocados and rice are wholesome sources. Royal jelly (honey bee secretion for larva growth) contains the most significant source of Vitamin B5. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is needed for general health maintenance and is found in diary products, green vegetables, mushrooms and almonds. Vitamin B1 (thiamin) is necessary for cellular processes and mental acuity. Good sources of Vitamin B1 are yeast, cereal grains, and pork.
Benefits
A proper mix of vitamins helps keep the body functioning as it was originally created. Vitamins bought in health, drug and discount stores are the most popular variety and include brands such as Centrum and One-a-Day. Nutrilite, GNC and Puritan sell vitamins through online services. Your physician should be consulted to ensure you are receiving the appropriate vitamins for your needs.
Consideratons
Vitamins can be used as treatments for some conditions. When testing reveals a deficiency, vitamins are prescribed to reduce the effects. Vitamins such as K are given to newborns in an effort to prevent unwanted bleeding and vitamin D is added to milk to as a supplement. Folic acid is recommended as a supplement for pregnant women to alleviate potential birth defects.
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