List of Vitamins

Here is a list of vitamins that may help prevent and used as remedies to treat various conditions and disease that are caused by vitamin deficiency. Included are facts about vitamins, vitamin supplements, the benefits of vitamins and natural sources of each vitamin.

Vitamins are organic substances or compounds that are present in almost all foods and are essential for normal metabolism and other body functions. The body needs to get vitamins from foods because it cannot manufacture them.

There are about 13 types of vitamins of which vitamin B and vitamin C are water soluble while vitamins A, D, E and K are fat soluble. Water soluble vitamins are those that dissolve in water before they are transported through the body. Excess of water soluble vitamins are excreted and this is one of the reasons why you have to keep getting them in your diet. Fat soluble vitamins are absorbed by fat and stored in it.

Each vitamin has unique structure and specific functions but some of them work together to perform certain activities.

List of Vitamins - Water Soluble and Fat Soluble

Vitamin A is necessary for healthy bones, lungs, skin, teeth, urinary tract and vision. Vitamin A is available as retinol and beta carotene or provitamin A in which it is converted into vitamin A in the body. It is also an antioxidant and it supports immune function. Vitamin A and vitamin B2 combined help improve and maintain mucous membranes in the digestive tract.

A deficiency in vitamin A can cause blindness, a weak immune system and breakdown of enamel on teeth. A rich source of vitamin A is fish oil. Vegetarians can get vitamin A from colorful fruits and vegetables such as carrot, cantaloupe, dark leafy green vegetables and pumpkins.

B vitamins consist of vitamin B1 or thiamine, vitamin B2 or riboflavin, vitamin B3 or niacin, vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid, vitamin B6 or pyridoxine, vitamin B9, folate or folic acid,> vitamin B7 or biotin and vitamin B12 or cobalamin. Choline is also grouped in the B vitamins.

All the B vitamins are involved in energy production and amino acid production. But each B vitamin has unique functions. B1 for example helps improve brain functions, vitamin B2 helps produce antibody, vitamin B3 is beneficial for the nervous system, vitamin B5 helps fight stress and vitamin B6 is important for brain functions and benefits the heart. Vitamin B7 maintains healthy hair and skin and is required to utilize other B vitamins, folic acid is essential for pregnant women and vitamin B12 helps prevent anemia. And choline is necessary to ensure proper transmission of nerve impulses.

Some of the symptoms of vitamin B deficiency include mental problems, chronic fatigue, attention deficiency, insomnia, tingling in hands, fingers and toes, indigestion and heart palpitations.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and it is helpful in strengthening the immune system to fight against diseases. It is also involved in about 300 metabolic functions in the body. Its functions include supporting tissue repair and ensuring healthy gums. One of the rich sources of vitamin C is papaya.

Severe vitamin C deficiency can cause scurvy which among the symptoms includes loss of appetite, bleeding, diarrhea, discomfort in legs, fever and rapid breathing.

One of the functions of vitamin D is to optimize calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Vitamin D may also help prevent serious diseases such as diabetes type 2, osteoporosis and high blood pressure. The natural source of vitamin D is sunlight. It is found in foods such as salmon, sardines, shrimp, cow's milk and boiled eggs. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis and poor muscle strength.

Vitamin E is also an antioxidant and its benefits include maintaining cardiovascular health, boosting the immune system. Vitamin E is also beneficial for brain, eye and skin health. You can get vitamin E from almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds and spinach. Severe vitamin E deficiency can cause neurological symptoms.

Included in the list of vitamins is vitamin K. Vitamin K is important to ensure blood to clot normally. It may also prevent liver cancer, prostate cancer and postmenopausal bone loss. Vitamin K is present in collard green, Brussels sprout, broccoli, kale, spinach and turnip greens. Vitamin K deficiency can cause hemorrhage and also lead to osteoporosis.

List of Vitamins to Prevent or Treat Various Conditions and Diseases

1. Vitamins for Anxiety
   
   
2. Vitamins for Energy
   
   
3. Vitamins for Eyes
   
   
4. Vitamins for the Hair
   
   
5. Vitamins for Prostate Health
   
   
6. Vitamins for the Skin

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