Vitamins are primary active nutrients, supporting specific functions in the body. They're used for practically every function, and many of them act as health agents, supporting the immune system. Vitamin supplements are used to restore levels of deficiency, which can cause ill health.
However, a balanced diet and some selective eating can provide all the vitamins you need. Vitamins are all based on types of food, and in many cases the food also provides additional materials like trace elements which work with them, like electrolytes.
(Please note: There's no scientific or medical proof that mega doses of vitamins are even particularly useful, let alone cures for anything. Very high levels of Vitamin A are toxic, and too much Vitamin C will only give people diarrhea, a very negative result, losing the value of your food. Vitamin supplements should be taken strictly according to dosage.)
Vitamins obtained from natural food do not, except in extremely rare, unusual circumstances, have any risk of toxicity. Most doctors and dieticians recommend food as the preferred source of vitamins, because of the supplementary nutrition which makes the vitamins more functional and the low risk of toxicity.
Vitamin A is the all rounder of the vitamins. It's used for all functions in the body. This is a vitamin which is stored in the liver, helping eyesight, improving skin conditions and supporting the immune system. It's useful with colds, asthma and flu, for example. It's also been shown to be beneficial in repairing lung damage. It also supports dentition and bone generation.
The B group vitamins are water-soluble, meaning they travel through the body more rapidly than fat-soluble vitamins. These vitamins need to be obtained regularly. The B vitamins are best used as a group, because they have related functions in the nervous system.B1 (Thiamine) Used for digestion of carbohydrates
B2 (Riboflavin) Used in the immune system, metabolism, energy supply, manufacture of red blood cells
B3 (aka Niacin, niacinamide, nicotinamide) Used for releasing energy from carbohydrates, nervous system functions, skin care
B5 (Pantothenic acid) Used for digestion, enzyme production, nervous system/brain functions
B6 Used for hundreds of body functions, including immune, cardiovascular and other ailments, including depression. (Note: B6 overdoses are toxic, affecting the nervous system)
B12 (Aka cobalamine, cyanocobalamine) The body's answer to caffeine, without the lows. This is a true 'smart' vitamin used in brain function, cell replication, conversion of food to energy, nerve functions, red blood cell production and genetic production.
Biotin (aka Vitamin H. See Vitamin B5) Works in conjunction with B5
Choline: Used for fat metabolization, relates to the extremely important acetylcholine functions of metabolism and nerve functions. Also used in treatment of addictions.
Folic acid This B vitamin is famous for use in pregnancy with good reason. Folic acid is used for cell replication, and is directly related to the functions of B12.
B vitamins are obtained from:
The must-have of the commonly known vitamins, Vitamin C is a major asset for practically everything, including:
Also known as calciferol or cholicalciferol, Vitamin D is unique as well as essential. The body actually synthesizes its own to a large extent through exposure to sunlight. This is a critical vitamin in bone health, dentition and has a role in calcium absorption.
Also known as tocopherol, Vitamin E is actually a group of tocopherols, alpha, beta, gamma and delta.
It's used for
Usually produced by gut bacteria, Vitamin K is an unusual vitamin, providing medical anti-hemorrhagic functions. Its main use in the body is as a bone builder. It's used specifically under medical supervision for anti osteoporosis treatments.
Natural sourcesGreen leafy vegetables