These vitamins are beneficial by influencing energy metabolism, blood cell production and development, as well as many other metabolic functions. Rarely will the B vitamins function alone, they will often need one or more to do their job.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant but is also vital for the production of collagen and enhances iron absorption.
The functions of the fat soluble group are more individual.
Vitamin A is required for vision, cell development, growth and division, immune function, red blood cell production, and as beta-carotene--an antioxidant.
Vitamin D maintains the level of calcium and phosphorus in our body; therefore, it is for bone health. It is also required for cell differentiation, and immunity.
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, quenching free radicals and preventing cell damage or death. It also assists in cell signalling or communication, immunity, and inflammation reduction.
Vitamin K produces proteins required for blood coagulation (clotting), bone mineralisation, and cell proliferation.
If the required amount of both fat soluble and water soluble vitamins is not consumed or there is an underlying condition that reduces the amount available to the body, then nutritional vitamin supplements are required. Because B vitamins often work together, if taking a high dose, single vitamin B, it seems logical that a daily multi-vitamin supplement or complete vitamin B supplement should also be taken.
The nutrition facts show the benefits of vitamins are numerous and vital for human health.
Daily vitamins are essential to life.
For more information on vitamins read what are vitamins and why are they important?
For information on minerals read " Health Facts: Natural Minerals"
Resources:
Bender DA. Nutritional Biochemistry of the Vitamins. 2nd ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; 2003.
Bland J, S., Costarella L, Levin B, Liska D, Lukaczer D, Schiltz B, et al. Clinical Nutrition: A Functional Approach. 2nd ed. Washington, USA: Institute for Functional Medicine; 2004.
