Overview
There are 13 essential vitamins our bodies need to work properly:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
- Vitamin B3 (niacin)
- Pantothenic acid (B5)
- Vitamin B6
- Biotin (B7)
- Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
- Folate (folic acid and B9)
Functions:
Water soluble:
- Vitamin A: helps form and maintain healthy teeth, bones, soft tissue, mucus membranes, and skin.
- Vitamin C: is a strong antioxidant known for strengthening the immune system by fighting off colds and other infectious diseases. It helps promote cardiovascular and eye health, and ward off wrinkles and the signs of aging skin.
- Vitamin D: is supporting heart health, blood sugar levels, healthy aging, immunity, and strengthening bones. It plays a key role in helping the body absorb calcium.
- Vitamin E: is an antioxidant also known as tocopherol. It helps the body form red blood cells and use vitamin K.
- Vitamin K: is known for its blood clotting capabilities and is absolutely essential to building strong bones and cardiovascular health.
Fat soluble:
- Vitamin B1: helps the body cells change carbohydrates into energy. It is also essential for heart function and healthy nerve cells.
- Vitamin B3: helps maintain healthy skin and nerves. It also has cholesterol-lowering effects at higher doses.
- Pantothenic acid (B5): is essential for the metabolism of food. It also plays a role in the production of hormones and cholesterol.
- Vitamin B6: helps form red blood cells and maintain brain function. This vitamin also plays an important role in the proteins that are part of many chemical reactions in the body. The more protein you eat the more pyridoxine your body requires.
- Biotin (B7): is essential for the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates, and in the production of hormones and cholesterol.
- Vitamin B12: It also helps form red blood cells and maintain the central nervous system. Its important for your metabolism.
- Folate (folic acid and B9): is an essential player in the development of a healthy central nervous system in embryos. Ongoing, it supports nervous system function, repairs DNA damaged by toxins, and aids in the production of blood cells.
