Different Types of Vitamins and their Functions

Vitamins have different functions in your body and do benefit your health in a lot of ways. A shortage of certain vitamins can lead to weakness, unhealthy looking skin,and in some cases, it can lead to serious illness. Vitamins connect with other nutrients in processes such as metabolism, digestion and developing blood cells and some vitamins are said to slow down the ageing process, prevent cancerous cells harming the body and invigorating the immune system. 

There are 2 types of vitamins that you can find: fat-soluble and water-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed from dietary fats in the intestine and are then stored in the liver until needed. Water-soluble vitamins play an important part in the break down, metabolism and digestion of protein, fats and carbohydrates and the subsequent release of energy into the body and without an adequate supply of these vitamins, these processes may not be properly completed. 

Fat Soluble Vitamins:

Vitamin A (Retinol)

Vitamin A prevents eye problems, promotes a healthy immune system, is essential for the growth and development of cells, and keeps skin healthy. Excellent sources of vitamin A include orange fruits and vegetables, dark green leafy vegetables, liver and milk.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C show that it can reduce the severity of cold symptoms, acting as a natural antihistamine. The vitamin may be useful for allergy control for the same reason: It may reduce histamine levels. By giving the immune system one of the important nutrients it needs, extra vitamin C can often shorten the duration of the cold.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, regulates the amount of calcium and phosphorus in the blood, and is very important in the prevention of chronic diseases. This vitamin is unique — your body manufactures it when you get sunlight on your skin! You can also get vitamin D from egg yolks, oily fish such as salmon, tuna, and sardines, and fortified foods like milk, soy milk, and orange juice.

Vitamin E (Tocopherol)

Vitamin E is an important antioxidant that protects the cells and tissue from harmful substances and free radicals. It also helps to form red blood cells and the use of vitamin K.  This vitamin is often added to skin creams due to claims that it may delay the ageing process. 

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting, which is important if large amounts of blood is lost. It also helps to maintain strong bones and could prevent osteoporosis. Signs of deficiency include easy bruising and bleeding.

Water Soluble Vitamins:

Vitamin B Complex

B vitamins help the body to produce energy and form red blood cells. Many people take vitamin B complex to increase energy, enhance mood, improve memory, and stimulate the immune system. Vitamin B complex is comprised of eight vitamins:

• Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 
• Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
• Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
• Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
• Vitamin B12

If you're not getting enough vitamins from your diet, taking a certain Vitamin supplement or a Multivitamin supplement may be good for you. By keeping adequate intakes of vitamins, consult your doctor to find out what Vitamin supplements you need to have.