Vitamins

Vitamins are vital organic compounds that organisms require in small quantities for various physiological functions. They play pivotal roles in maintaining optimal health and are essential for a host of bodily processes, from aiding metabolism to supporting the immune system.

Pill Organizer With Vitamins

Overview

Vitamin B12 capsule

Vitamins are indispensable constituents of the diet, with many not being synthesized in adequate quantities by humans to support health. For instance, while certain vitamins are synthesized in minute amounts, their levels are frequently insufficient to sustain good health. Historically, the discovery of most vitamins came about during investigations into severe deficiencies like scurvy (due to a lack of vitamin C), rickets (from vitamin D deficiency), megaloblastic anemias (attributed to deficiencies in vitamin K and folate), pellagra (linked to niacin deficiency), and beriberi (resulting from thiamine deficiency).

Vitamin Supplement Pills

It's pivotal to understand that the term "vitamin" doesn't refer to a single molecule. Instead, it encompasses a range of related compounds capable of providing the essential molecular component needed by the body. For example, niacin could refer to both nicotinic acid and nicotinamide, while vitamin K might mean phytonadione or menadione.

The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine has outlined recommended daily amounts or recommended daily intakes for the majority of vitamins. This guidance forms the basis for determining the standard dosing of vitamins found in dietary supplements and multivitamin preparations. As per surveys, approximately a third of American adults regularly consume multivitamins, with many others opting for specific vitamin supplements.

List of Vitamins

• Folic Acid (Also known as Folate, Folinic Acid)
• Vitamin A & Retinoids
  • Acitretin
  • Etretinate
  • Isotretinoin
  • Bexarotene
• Vitamin B complex
  • Biotin (B5)
  • Choline
  • Cyanocobalamin (B12)
  • Niacin (B3, Nicotinamide, Nicotinic Acid)
  • Pantothenic Acid (B7)
  • Pyridoxine (B6)
  • Riboflavin (B2)
  • Thiamine (B1)
• Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
• Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol, Ergocalciferol)
• Vitamin E (alpha Tocopherol)
• Vitamin K (Menadione, Phytonadione)

Key Aspects of Vitamins

Vitamin D Deficiency

The contemporary epidemic of Vitamin D deficiency is alarming, with statistics revealing that more than 40 percent of the US population, along with comparable percentages in many other countries, exhibit a deficiency. Although poor dietary habits are a significant factor, excessive abdominal fat, prevalent among overweight or obese individuals, exacerbates this deficiency. Excessive adipose tissue absorbs and retains vitamin D, reducing its bioavailability.

Balanced Diet and Vitamin Intake

For most individuals, a balanced diet provides sufficient vitamins. However, the body does have the capacity to produce certain vitamins, like D and K, in limited quantities. People who opt for a vegetarian or vegan diet may need to supplement with vitamin B12.

Vitamin Significance

Vitamins are integral to numerous physiological processes. Their deficiency can manifest as various health ailments, like scurvy from vitamin C deficiency or night blindness from a lack of vitamin A.

Optimal Vitamin Sources

A varied and balanced diet remains the most reliable source of essential vitamins. Nonetheless, certain scenarios might necessitate vitamin supplementation. Before opting for supplements, it's prudent to consult a healthcare provider since excessive vitamin intake can be detrimental.

Children and Vitamins

Routine vitamin supplementation in children isn't endorsed by the American Pediatrics Association, barring specific circumstances where a balanced diet isn't attainable.

Vitamins and Weight Loss

While certain vitamins, like Vitamin B-12, are occasionally utilized to aid weight loss, they are not routinely recommended unless a vitamin deficiency is suspected or confirmed.

See Also

• Vitamin A
• B vitamins: thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, and folic acid
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K

Vitamins Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia

Vitamins A Vitamin A B Biotin Vitamin B1 (see Thiamin) Vitamin B12 Vitamin B6 C Calcium Choline Chromium Copper Vitamin C D Vitamin D

E Energy Drinks Exercise and Athletic Performance Vitamin E F Fluoride Folate I Iodine Iron K Vitamin K

M Magnesium Multivitamin/mineral Supplements N Niacin P Pantothenic Acid Phosphorus Potassium Primary Mitochondrial Disorders R Riboflavin

S Selenium T Thiamin V Vitamin A Vitamin B1 (see Thiamin) Vitamin B12 Vitamin B6 Vitamin C Vitamin D Vitamin E Vitamin K Z Zinc