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What
are Vitamins? Vitamins are necessary for growth and vitality. They are found in all natural foods. We must obtain vitamins from foods or dietary supplements. It is impossible to sustain life without all the essential vitamins. What Vitamins are Not Vitamins are not replacements for food. By themselves, they have no calories. Vitamins are not substitutes for protein, fats, minerals, carbohydrates or other nutrients. You cannot stop eating, take vitamins and expect to be healthy. What do Vitamins do? Vitamins have hundreds of different functions. Some examples of what vitamins do:
What is a Vitamin Deficiency? Vitamin Deficiency occurs when your body doesn't have enough of the vitamin that it needs. Some deficiencies can be cured simply by eating foods that contains the vitamin that you need. Other deficiencies lead to diseases and conditions that are more difficult to treat. What is a Water-soluble Vitamin? A water-soluble vitamin is a vitamin that dissolves in water. Vitamin C and Vitamin B are water soluble vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins cannot be stored in the body for long periods of time. Water-soluble vitamins travel through your body and the whatever your body doesn't need, comes out in your urine. These kinds of vitamins need to be replaced daily. What is a Fat-soluble Vitamin? A fat-soluble vitamin is a vitamin that can be stored in the liver and fat tissues of your body until your body needs them. Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins can be stored in your body for up to six months. Should you take Vitamin Supplements? It is best to get your vitamins through the food you eat. However, if you believe you are not getting the vitamins you need, consider taking a vitamin. Before you start taking vitamins, consult with your doctor. Sometimes you are consuming the vitamins that you need but your body is unable to absorb them. If this is the case, your doctor will help you determine why you are not absorbing your vitamins.
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