List of Vitamins & Their Purposes
Vitamins perform a wide range of roles in the body and are essential for proper growth and health. Generally, according to MayoClinic.com, we require only small amounts of these compounds and they are available in a normal, balanced diet. There are 13 essential vitamins, eight of which are B complex vitamins.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin and, according to MedlinePlus, plays an important role as an antioxidant, breaking down free radicals. It is also important for maintaining good vision, effective bone growth, an efficient immune system and for cell functions.
It is also important in the growth of reproductive organs and for the development of a healthy fetus in pregnant women.
Vitamin C
This is a water- soluble vitamin and, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, is essential for normal growth and development. As well as being an antioxidant, vitamin C assists in the growth of and repairs cartilage, bone and teeth. In addition, it is essential in forming the collagen vital for healthy skin, tendon, ligament and blood vessel growth.
Vitamin D
The main function of vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin, is to help your body absorb calcium. This is an important role as calcium helps build your body's teeth and bones during childhood, and, after childhood, helps maintain correct bone mass, according to FamilyDoctor.org. In addition, vitamin D maintains correct calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood and may also help prevent cancer, mood disorders, heart disease and high blood pressure.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is fat-soluble and works as an antioxidant. It also helps the body form red blood cells and use vitamin K, as well as assisting the immune system and your metabolism. It may also play a role in reducing the incidence of heart disease and cancer, as well as being useful in treating diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that is important in enabling the body to properly clot blood. Hence, any deficiency of this vitamin may lead to excessive bleeding or hemorrhage. The body also needs this vitamin to properly use calcium in bone formation and maintenance and to maintain and improve bone health.
B Vitamins
These vitamins play a part in many important bodily functions, according to the American Cancer Society. They are involved in: energy production; red blood cell production; skin health; keeping the nervous, immune and digestive systems healthy; breaking down proteins and carbohydrates; forming hormones and DNA; and the correct use of folic acid.
Deficiencies in these important vitamins may cause a number of ailments ranging from tiredness and loss of appetite to respiratory infections and hair loss.
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