What are vitamins? Types of vitamins and their roles in the body

1. What are vitamins?

Vitamins are chemical compounds that are essential for growth, health, and maintenance of basic body functions. Although the human body cannot produce some vitamins, they play important roles in many biological processes.

Vitamins are generally divided into two main groups: water-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins.

1. Water Soluble Vitamins:

   • Includes B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12) and vitamin C.
   • Usually found in water and fluids, it is soluble and excreted by the body in urine if needed.

2. Fat-Soluble Vitamins:

   • Includes vitamins A, D, E, and K.
   • Requires fat for absorption, and can be stored in body fat tissue.

Each vitamin has a specific role in growth, protecting the body from disease, and maintaining basic functions such as creating energy from food, supporting the immune system, and maintaining the health of hair, skin, and eyes.

Vitamins are usually obtained through food and nutritional supplements. A balanced and varied diet usually ensures that people get all the vitamins their bodies need.

2. When should you take vitamins?

Vitamin use can be appropriate for many different people, but the decision should often be made based on each person's specific needs and personal health status. Here are some groups of people who are often encouraged to take vitamin supplements:

1. People on Restricted Diets:

   • People on weight-loss diets, special diets, or food restrictions may need to take vitamin and mineral supplements to ensure adequate nutrition.

2. Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women:

   • Pregnant women need especially high amounts of vitamins and minerals to support the development of the fetus. The use of vitamins for pregnant and lactating women is often encouraged.

3. Seniors and Elderly:

   • Older people often have difficulty absorbing enough nutrients from food, so vitamin supplements can help ensure they get enough of the nutrients they need.

4. Sick People:

   • People with medical conditions or taking medications that can affect the absorption of nutrients from food, and the use of vitamins may be recommended as directed by a doctor.

5. People on a Nutrient Deficient Diet:

   • People whose diets are deficient in certain nutrients or restricted in certain foods may need vitamin supplements to avoid deficiencies.

6. People Performing Heavy Activities:

   • People who regularly exercise heavily or engage in physical activities may need high levels of energy and nutrients, and taking vitamins can support this process.