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An Introduction
to the 13 Vitamins
By Thomas Parker
Vitamins are essential nutrients that
your body needs so that it can function effectively. Most
vitamins are sourced from the foods you eat but some can be
produced by your body as well. They are distinguished from
minerals because they come from plants and animals whereas
minerals come from the soil and water. Vitamins contain no
calories and are not used by the body for energy but without
them your body's cells cannot perform certain important
functions. In this article I am going to be providing you with
a simple introduction to each of the thirteen vitamins.
1) VITAMIN A:- The main function of
vitamin A is to assist with vision. A deficiency can lead to a
condition called night blindness where you struggle to see in
dim light and if left untreated this can develop into full
blindness.
2) VITAMIN B1 (THIAMINE):- This vitamin's
main function is to work with other B-complex vitamins and
help the body convert blood sugar into energy. Not getting
enough vitamin B1 can cause beriberi which has a number of
undesirable symptoms including pain, loss of feeling in your
extremities and in the worst cases death.
3) VITAMIN B2 (RIBOFLAVIN):- Vitamin B2's
main function is to work with the other B-complex vitamins and
help the body's cells break down carbohydrates, fats and
proteins for energy. A vitamin B2 deficiency can lead to skin
problems and also damage the eyes.
4) VITAMIN B3 (NIACIN):- The main
function of this vitamin is to work with other B-complex
vitamins and help the body's cells convert blood sugar into
energy. Not getting enough vitamin B3 can lead to the
development of pellagra, a condition which causes diarrhea,
dementia, delirium and ultimately death.
5) VITAMIN B5 (PANTOTHENIC ACID):- The
main function of vitamin B5 is to work with the other
B-complex vitamins and help the body's cells convert food into
energy. Not getting enough of this vitamin is very rare but
can lead to abdominal pain and muscle weakness.
6) VITAMIN B6 (PYRIDOXINE):- This
vitamin's main role is to help the body's cells break down
proteins into a form they can use. A vitamin B6 deficiency can
lead to weakness, tingling in your extremities and seizures.
7) VITAMIN B7 (BIOTIN):- The main
function of vitamin B7 is to work with other B-complex
vitamins and help the body's cells break down carbohydrates,
fats and proteins into a form they can use. Not getting enough
can lead to hair loss, skin problems and depression.
8) VITAMIN B9 (FOLIC ACID):- The main
role of vitamin B9 is to work with vitamin B12 and help the
body produce DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic
acid) which both contain important genetic information. A
deficiency can lead to anemia, diarrhea, stunted growth and
weight loss.
9) VITAMIN B12 (COBALAMIN):- The main
function of this vitamin is to work with vitamin B9 and help
the body produce DNA and RNA. Not getting enough vitamin B12
can lead to pernicious anemia, a condition where your body
produces fewer, larger red blood cells.
10) VITAMIN C (ASCORBIC ACID):- Vitamin
C's main function is to assist in the production of collagen,
a key component of connective tissue in animals that helps
wounds heal. Being deficient in this vitamin can lead to
scurvy, a condition which causes bleeding, swollen gums and
slow healing wounds.
11) VITAMIN D:- The main function of this
vitamin is to help the body use calcium and phosphorous which
both help to strengthen your bones and teeth. A vitamin D
deficiency can lead to weak bones that bend, break and
fracture easily.
12) VITAMIN E:- Vitamin E is a powerful
antioxidant that protects your body's cells from damage.
Failure to get enough of this vitamin can lead to age spots
(brown spots on the skin), hemolytic anemia (a condition where
your blood cells become delicate and rupture) and other forms
of cell damage.
13) VITAMIN K:- The main role of this
vitamin is to help the blood clot. Being deficient in vitamin
K makes it difficult for your blood to clot and in the worst
cases can cause heavy, uncontrollable bleeding.
As you can see each of the 13 vitamins
are unique but collectively they are essential for good
health. Being deficient in any of the above vitamins can lead
to numerous health problems and stop your body from
functioning properly. However, eating a healthy, balanced diet
should allow you to consume adequate levels of each of the 13
vitamins and keep your body performing at an optimal level.
Tom Parker owns and operates a number of
useful fitness resources and websites. You can learn more
about the 13 different vitamins and the numerous vitamin
health benefits by visiting his websites.
Courtesy by
www.infosecrets.mobi
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