Vitamins
Vitamins: An Overview
- Vitamins are organic compounds that our body needs for normal growth and development.
- They’re necessary for a variety of body functions, including immunity, energy production and blood clotting.
- Since most vitamins can’t be produced by the body, they must be obtained from the food we eat.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
- Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E, and K.
- They’re absorbed with the help of dietary fats and are stored in body tissues for future use.
- Vitamin A is important for vision, immune system function, and reproductive health.
- Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption, promoting bone and teeth health.
- Vitamin E protects body cells from damage, helping to maintain a healthy skin and eyes.
- Vitamin K aids in blood clotting and is important for bone health.
Water-Soluble Vitamins
- Water-soluble vitamins include the B-vitamins and vitamin C.
- Unlike fat-soluble vitamins, they can’t be stored in the body and should be consumed regularly.
- The B-vitamins are a group of eight different vitamins responsible for helping metabolise and provide energy from food.
- Vitamin B12 is crucial for the formation of red blood cells and neurological function.
- Folate (or folic acid) helps with cell division, particularly during pregnancy and infancy when growth is rapid.
- Vitamin C helps with immunity, collagen production and the absorption of iron.
Vitamin Deficiency
- A lack of vitamins, known as vitamin deficiency, can lead to various health problems.
- Vitamin A deficiency can lead to blindness and an increased risk of disease.
- Lack of Vitamin D can cause rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.
- Vitamin C deficiency can result in scurvy, characterised by fatigue, swollen gums, and joint pain.
- Deficiency of B-vitamins can lead to tiredness, irritability, and anaemia.
Importance of Balanced Diet
- Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and healthy fats can provide all the necessary vitamins.
- Certain people, like pregnant women, the elderly, or those with specific dietary restrictions might require vitamin supplements.
- It’s important to remember that supplements cannot replace a balanced diet and should only be used under professional guidance.