Types of Vitamins and Their Purpose

There are 13 different types of vitamins that have been identified, that are necessary for our body’s well being and health. Each of them has a specific function, and a deficiency in any one can cause a health problem or a dysfunction of a body part or organ.

Vitamin A: Also known as retinol because it generates the pigments necessary for the proper functioning of the retina, Vitamin A aids in the formation of healthy teeth, skeletal and soft tissue, mucous membranes and the skin; it is also required for reproduction and breastfeeding and for good vision. A deficiency in Vitamin A can lead to night blindness, excessively dry skin and even dryness of the eyes. The body can obtain vitamin A from carotene, a vitamin antecedent found in vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, and broccoli among others. Our body can also absorb ready made vitamin A from plant eating animals. Some of these sources are milk, butter, egg yolk.

Vitamin B: These are water soluble vitamins and are together called vitamin B complex. They are considered extremely important for the break down of carbohydrates into energy. They are also important for the formation of red blood cells, regulation of the healthy functioning of the heart and nerve cells, absorption of proteins and synthesis of hormones and cholesterol. Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pyridoxine, Cobalamin, Folate, Panthothenic acid and Biotin are all different types of vitamin B.

Vitamin C: Also called ascorbic acid plays an important role in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. It also aids in the absorption of iron and is important for the formation and maintenance of collagen, the connective tissue that supports many body structures. It also promotes healing as it is an antioxidant. A deficiency of vitamin C can cause scurvy. Although it is widely believed that vitamin C prevents colds and flu, these claims have not been collaborated under scientific conditions. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, fresh strawberries, cantaloupe, pineapple, and guava and vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, spinach, kale, green peppers, cabbage, and turnips.
Vitamin D: Also known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’, our bodies are able to produce this vitamin by exposure to sunshine. Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium and phosphorous and is thus essential for bone formation and for healthy teeth. A deficiency of vitamin D can cause rickets, which is a deformity of the rib cage, skull and bones of the leg. Sources of vitamin D include egg yolk, tuna, dairy products like cheese, butter, margarine, cream, fortified milk and also cereals.

Vitamin E: This vitamin is known to play a role in the formation of red blood cells although its entire function in the human body is still not fully known. It is also known to be an antioxidant. Sources of vitamin E are wheat germ, olives, corn, nuts vegetable oils, liver, and leafy green vegetables.
Vitamin K: This vitamin is vital for the coagulation of blood. Vitamin K is found in alfalfa, liver, cabbage, cauliflower and cereals. The bacteria in our intestines also produces vitamin K.

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