Know about all the essential vitamins.

Vitamins are Micronutrients needed by our body which have diverse

biochemical functions.

Some of the vitamins function as regulators of cell and tissue growth

and differentiation; some as coenzymes; some has a hormone-like
function as a regulator of mineral metabolism for bones and other
organs while some function as antioxidents.

Both deficient and excess intake of a vitamin can potentially cause

clinically significant illness, although excess intake of water-soluble
vitamins is less likely to do so.
 The term vitamin is derived from the word vitamine, coined in 1912 by
Polish biochemist Casimir Funk, All vitamins were discovered (identified)
between 1913 and 1948.
There are 13 Vitamins Your Body Needs
 They are vitamins A, C, D, E, K and the B vitamins (thiamine,
riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12
and folate).
 You can usually get all your vitamins from the foods you eat.
 Your body can also make vitamins D and K.
 People who eat a vegetarian food may need to take a vitamin B12
supplement.
Vitamins are Classified as Water-soluble or Fat Soluble

4 fat-soluble (A, D, E and K)

and

9 water-soluble (8 B vitamins and vitamin C).

 Water-soluble

Water-soluble vitamins dissolve easily in water, and in general, are

readily excreted from the body, to the degree that urinary output is a
strong predictor of vitamin consumption. Because they are not readily
stored, consistent daily intake is important. Many types of water-
soluble vitamins are synthesized by bacteria.

 Fat-soluble

Fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed through the intestinal tract with the
help of lipids (fats). Because they are more likely to accumulate in the
body, they are more likely to lead to hypervitaminosis than are water-
soluble vitamins.

Now go through these images to see the sources, benefits and

deficiency symptomes of all the vitamins required for proper
functioning of our body.