· Vitamin A
· Vitamin D
· Vitamin E
· Vitamin K
· Vitamin C
· Vitamin B1 - Thiamin
· Vitamin B2 - Riboflavin
· Vitamin B3 - Niacin
· Vitamin B6
· Vitamin B Complex - Folate
· Vitamin B12
· Vitamin B Complex - Biotin
· Vitamin B5 - Pantothenic Acid
Vitamin A refers to the family of similarly shaped molecules called ‘retinoids ‘. It’s a fat soluble vitamin that promotes the health of all the body’s cells and tissues. This vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that assists your immune system and even helps you see in the dark. People deficient in Vitamin A may experience vision problems including night blindness, dry and scaly skin, reproduction problems and poor growth.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that promotes the absorption of calcium from the food or drinks you consume. Vitamin D is present in small quantities in a small number of foods making it difficult to obtain sufficient levels of Vitamin D from food. Our body produces Vitamin D when direct sunlight hits our skin. Adults deficient in Vitamin D are at greater risk of developing Osteoporosis.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps prevent illness and cancer. It’s believed that Vitamin E may help prevent and treat heart disease. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant which is believed to help protect cell membranes against the damaging effects of free radicals. Vitamin E deficiencies are very rare as this vitamin is abundant in many foods.
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that is partially synthesised in the gastrointestinal tract. It is an essential nutrient for blood clotting.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that helps the body absorb iron from food. It helps build and repair red blood cells, bones and tissues, protects against bruising, keeps the walls of blood vessels firm and helps protect from infection by keeping the immune system healthy. Not enough vitamin C can result in scurvy.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) is a water-soluble vitamin that is a cofactor in the conversion of glucose to other sugars. It helps the body’s cells produce energy. Deficiency in this vitamin may result in irritability, depression, muscle weakness and poor coordination.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) is a water-soluble vitamin that supports the metabolism of energy in the cell and is required in the support of bodily processes involving Vitamin B6, niacin, folate and Vitamin K. Signs of Vitamin B2 deficiency includes include scaly, dry skin, cracks in the skin at the corners of the mouth, swollen purplish tongue and burning, itching eyes.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) is a water-soluble vitamin that supports energy metabolism and helps enzymes function in the body. Not enough vitamin B3 may cause diahorrhea, skin problems and mental disorientation.
Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that performs a wide variety of functions in the body. It helps the body make protein and convert tryptophan into niacin and serotonin. It also helps to produce chemicals like haemoglobin, insulin and infection-fighting antibodies. Low levels of Vitamin B6 can lead to depression, nausea and flaky skin
Vitamin B Complex (Folate or Folic Acid) is a water-soluble vitamin which is important for the production of DNA and RNA to make new cells which is especially important during times of rapid cell division and growth such as infancy and pregnancy. Folic acid is the synthetic form of Folate that is found in supplements and added to fortified foods. Vitamin B Complex is especially important for women planning pregnancy because low levels of Folate during the first stages of pregnancy may lead to neural tube defects in the baby.
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that works in tandem with Folate to support cellular replication. Vitamin B12 also synthesises myelin to protect nerve fibres. Low levels of vitamin B12 may lead to anaemia and nerve damage.
Vitamin B Complex (Biotin) is a water-soluble vitamin that helps the cells metabolise protein, fat and carbohydrates and produce energy. Biotin deficiency is rarely observed since it is widely available in foods, however symptoms may include hair loss, anorexia, nausea and muscle pains.
Pantothenic acid is a water-soluble vitamin which helps the body’s cells produce energy. Deficiencies in this vitamin are rare as it’s widely found in the food we consume.
It is generally agreed that a well-balanced diet (and sunlight) will ensure that sufficient amounts of the aforementioned vitamins are ingested with the food we eat. However, if you don’t want to take the risk, a high quality multivitamin is a good insurance policy.
Speak to your Doctor, Naturopath or Nutritionist before starting a supplement program or if you have any questions or concerns.
Visit Australia’s vitamin information and comparison website – HealthyComparisons.com.au to compare vitamins and discuss vitamins on our vitamin forum.
Disclaimer
Healthy Comparisons does not give or purport to give any medical or healthcare advice and is not qualified to do so. You should not under any circumstances substitute qualified medical advice with information found in this fact sheet. The information contained in this fact sheet does not take into account the physical state, medical status or health requirements of any particular individual which are relevant to the proper diagnosis and treatment of any problem, condition or disorder. You should never use or act upon this information without first properly consulting, and seeking proper information and advice from, a qualified healthcare professional.Healthy Comparisons, its related companies and its licensors expressly disclaim all responsibility for and liability in respect of the accuracy of the information provided in the website, its improper application and the consequences of anyone’s failure to obtain a proper medical examination and advice from a qualified healthcare professional in the relevant circumstances.© Kristy Lee 2008.
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