Vitamins are essential nutrients for the control of various bodily processes. They are crucial for the synthesis of nerve neurotransmitters, hormones, blood cells, genetic material and tissues.
Vitamins can function as coenzymes or catalysts. They act as catalysts by binding to proteins to create enzymes, which in turn trigger vital chemical processes in the body. As coenzymes, they transport chemicals from one body cell to another.
The only naturally occurring vitamin that the human body can manufacture is vitamin D. The rest must be consumed through food or supplements. Studies have been carried out to determine the benefits of vitamins.
Water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins
At present, there are different types of vitamins that are classified as water-soluble, among them the vitamin B group and vitamin C. These vitamins are rapidly eliminated from the body through urine, so they must be taken more regularly because they cannot be stored.
The fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins D, E, K and A. They enter the body and pass into the circulation after being absorbed by the digestive system. As they are more difficult to digest, the leftovers are stored in the liver or in body fat.
In summary, vitamins are crucial for good nutrition, as they provide the elements necessary for normal growth and development of the body. In general, the body needs thirteen different vitamins that come both from the daily intake of fresh foods and from supplements. Certain diseases or vitamin deficiencies are likely to occur if the body does not get enough vitamins.
