Vitamins

Unfortunately, living a happy, healthy life requires a combination of exercise and healthy diet. However, most individuals simply do not receive the proper nutrients from their daily diet. As more people partake in an active lifestyle, it’s difficult to obtain a well-rounded diet that helps the body achieve adequate levels of vitamins and nutrients.

The term “vitamin” refers to any organic nutrient required by a living being. Vitamins must be obtained through diet or other biological means. Vitamins do not necessarily include minerals, amino acids, fatty acids or other nutrients. Each vitamin typically contains other compounds.

For humans, vitamins are categorized as fat-soluble or water-soluble. There are thirteen total vitamins (eight types of vitamin B, as well as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin K). Fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E and K) function through the body once they are absorbed through the intestines with the help of fats. They accumulate more readily in the body. Alternatively, water-soluble compounds are manufactured by bacteria and are not consistently stored throughout the body. This is why these vitamins (vitamin B and vitamin C) must be regularly consumed each day.

Here is a list of vitamins, foods where they are commonly found and their known health considerations:

vitamin A

commonly found in: apricots, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, cheese, cod, egg, milk and spinach

health benefits: immune system, eyesight, and healthy skin and teeth

vitamin B

commonly found in: bananas, lentils, liver, tuna, potatoes, whole grains and molasses

vitamin B 1: thiamine

health benefits: nerve function and metabolism

vitamin B 2: riboflavin

health benefits: good skin and vision

vitamin B 3: niacin or niacinamide

health benefits: metabolism and healthy skin

vitamin B 5: pentothenic acid

health benfits: healthy skin

vitamin B 6: pyridoxine, pyridoxal, pyridoxamine or pyridoxine hydrochloride

health benefits: metabolism and red blood cell production

vitamin B 7: biotin

health benefits: healthy neurological system

vitamin B 9: folic acid

health benefits: red blood cell production and improved memory

vitamin B 12: various cobalamins

health benefits: healthy nervous system

vitamin C

commonly found in: citrus fruits, strawberries, watermelons, pineapples, tomatoes, broccoli, green peppers and potatoes

health benefits: immune system functioning, would healing, weight loss and reduced cholesterol

vitamin D

commonly found in: beef liver, cheese, eggs, fish, milk, mushrooms and yogurt

health benefits: reduced inflammation and healthy teeth and bones

vitamin E

commonly found in: spinach, potatoes, almonds, asparagus, beets, broccoli and fortified cereals

health benefits: healthy cholesterol levels, immune system functioning

vitamin K

commonly found in: kale, broccoli, collard greens, spinach and turnip greens

health benefits: necessary for blood clotting

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. You should consult your physician before starting any new supplement, diet or fitness regimen.