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Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin stored in the liver. Our bodies get part of their vitamin A from animal fats and make the rest in the intestine from beta-carotene and other carotenoids in fruits and vegetables. It is essential to the health of the eyes; maintains the skin and cells that line the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts; is vital for normal reproduction, growth and development; and helps to build teeth and bones.
Vitamin D, also called the sunshine vitamin, is produced when the skin is exposed to the ultraviolet B (UVB) rays in sunlight. The basic function of vitamin D is to regulate blood levels of calcium and phosphorus, helping to build strong bones and teeth.
Vitamin E helps the body to use selenium and vitamin K and also protects cell membranes. Currently the superstar nutrient with disease-fighting potential as a powerful antioxidant, vitamin E assists in destroying or neutralising free radicals.
Vitamin K sets in motion the entire blood-clotting process as soon as a wound occurs. This vitamin also plays a protective role in bone health, combating the threat of osteoporosis.
Vitamin C is probably better known and more used than any other vitamin. Also called ascorbic acid, it helps to fight the damage caused by unstable oxygen molecules called free radicals, especially in those areas that are mostly water, such as the interior of cells. Vitamin C helps to strengthen the capillaries and cell walls, and is crucial for the formation of connective tissue.
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is involved in transforming proteins, fat and carbohydrates into fuel for our bodies. It also plays a vital role in the production of thyroid hormone, which speeds up metabolism. Riboflavin further helps to produce infection-fighting immune cells, works with iron to produce red blood cells (which transport oxygen to all body cells), is essential for tissue maintenance and repair, and converts vitamin B6 and niacin into their active forms.
Vitamin B6, also called pyridoxine, functions mainly as a coenzyme, a substance acting in conjunction with enzymes to speed up chemical reactions in our body cells. Other functions include forming red blood cells, helping in protein production, manufacturing brain chemicals and releasing energy from their stores.
Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is essential for cell replication and red blood cell production. It also protects the sheath around nerves (myelin), helps to convert
food to energy, and plays an important role in DNA and RNA production.
Folic acid, also called folacin, folate or vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin that's essential for all the functions in the body that require cell division. It is critical to DNA and RNA formation and makes sure our cells duplicate normally. It is especially important in foetal development and helps to produce key chemicals for the brain and nervous system.
