Facts About Vitamins

Facts about vitamins, the benefits, the foods, and the side effects of vitamins

The following list of vitamin benefits relate specifically facts about vitamins, their benefits and side effects. Throughout this article you will find links to other articles related to the health benefits of vitamins as well as articles on vitamin deficiency and its consequences.

You will also find articles on vitamin overdose, and vitamins in food

The simplest way of describing vitamins is to say that they are a collection of substances that are vital for normal cell functioning, growth and development. Each specific vitamin has its own particular role to play in the health of our bodies.

The most commonly occuring problem we have is actually getting the correct amount of the necessary vitamins. this is referred to as a vitamin deficiency. It is however possible, although a lot rarer, to have too much of a particular vitamin. This is known as vitamin toxicity or vitamin overdose.

Our bodies need 13 very important vitamins if they are to function properly, these are often referred to as the essential vitamins. They are as follows,

Vitamin A, this is essential for the formation of strong healthy teeth and bones as well as for soft tissue and skin. What is Vitamin A?

Vitamin B is broken into several groups, you can read the facts about vitamin b benefits and the individual groups from the links below.

Vitamin B6, this is needed to help the body convert protein it helps with forming red blood cells and maintaining optimum brain function.

Vitamin B1, thiamine helps the body to convert carbohydrates into energy, also vital for healthy nerve cells and heart functioning. Find out more facts about Vitamin B1.

Vitamin B2, or riboflavin works along side the other B vitamins by promoting the growth and production of red blood cells. Find out more about Vitamin B2.

Vitamin B12, as with all other B vitamins it plays a crucial role in metabolism as well as the formation of red blood cells and maintaining the central nerve system. Read more health articles about vitamin b12 benefits or another page on vitamin b12 complex benefits

Health benefits of Vitamin b5, Panothenic acid, critical for proper metabolism of food, also helps with the production of hormones and cholesterol.

Vitamin C, often referred to as ascorbic acid a powerful antioxidant vital for helping the body to absorb iron and maintaining healthy tissue. Find out more facts on vitamin C.

Vitamin D, helps the body to absorb calcium which goes to help the formation and maintenance of strong healthy teeth and bones. often referred to as the sunshine vitamin this vitamin is created due to exposure to the sun. However even people living in sunny climates may still need to take Vitamin D supplements. Find out more about the benefits of Vitamin D

Vitamin E, another very powerful anti oxidant it helps to form red blood cells and also helps the body to utlize vitamin K. Find out more facts about the benefits of Vitamin E.

Vitamin K, this is not considered an essential vitamin, it helps the blood to clot or coagulate. Recent studies suggest that it may also play a large role in creating strong bones particularly hip bones in the elderly. Find out more about Vitamin K.

Biotin, crucial for the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins and also for the production of hormones and good cholesterol. Find out more about Biotin.

Folate, works along side Vitamin B12 in the formation of red blood cells. It is a critical part of the production of DNA inadequate folate levels are a particular problem for pregnant women as a deficiency of folate has been linked to birth defects such as spina bifida.

Niacin, another B Vitamin, it promotes healthy skin and nerves and can also help with lowering cholestrol.

Did you know that there are certain vitamins you can take that will help protect the quality of your vision?, discover the benefits of eye vitamins

Pre-natal vitamins are a category of nutritional supplements designed to meet the special body needs of pregnant and nursing women.Read more about the best prenatal vitamins

The best daily vitamin supplements contain 100% organic ingredients. There are two major types of vitamins available on the market: synthetic ones produced in the lab and natural vitamin supplements and extracts from fruit, herbs and vegetables. Read more about one a day vitamins

There is a delicate balance between the combinations of various vitamins and minerals. For some it is important to know the facts about vitamins because the side effects can far outweigh any benefits. Read more about Vitamin and Mineral Supplements