Types of Vitamins
Considered as perhaps the most vital nutrients required by the human body, vitamins are key to a healthy and long life. Obtained from our daily diet, vitamins are necessary to be consumed daily to sufficiently support life development. In general vitamins are divided into fat and water soluble vitamins.
Vitamins A, D, E, and K are considered fat soluble vitamins. Vitamin A is beneficial in improving one’s eyesight, cell development, growth, red blood cell production, as well as act as an antioxidant. Vitamin A is commonly found in eggs, milk, carrots, fish-liver oil, and spinach just to name a few. Vitamin D helps in strengthening a person’s bones and teeth. It does this by maintaining the level of phosphorus and calcium in the body. Vitamin D is also necessary for immunity and cell differentiation. Rich sources of vitamin D include fish and dairy products. Vitamin E, regarded as a powerful antioxidant and commonly found in wheat and leafy green vegetables, aids in the production of red blood cells, prevents cell damage, and keeps the lungs healthy. Protein protection to keep blood clotting at normal levels is instigated by vitamin K. Vitamin K can be obtained from pork and various dairy products.
Water soluble vitamins on the other hand are transported through water around the body and excess vitamins are passed through urines as the body is unable to store them. Vitamin B which comes from yeast or liver consists of multiple vitamins which include vitamins B1, B2, B6, and B12. Vitamin B promotes the production and development of blood cells and influencing of the energy metabolism. The other water-soluble vitamin is vitamin C. Obtained from citrus fruits, tomatoes, and strawberries, vitamin C strengthens a person’s gums and muscles.
It is vital that a person varies the amount and type of vitamins taken in as too much or too little of a vitamin can cause serious health issues. Thus the key to a good intake of balanced vitamins are through varied and balance diets.
