Fine tuning for a healthier lifestyle

 

Vitamins


Vitamins are complex chemical substances contained mainly in food. They enable the body to break down and use the basic elements of food, proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Certain vitamins are also involved in producing blood cells, hormones, genetic material and chemicals in your nervous system. Unlike carbohydrates, proteins and fats, vitamins and minerals do not provide calories. However, they do help the body to use the energy from food. Most vitamins cannot be made in your body, so they must be acquired from food. One exception is vitamin D, which is made in the skin when it is exposed to sunlight. Bacteria present in the gut can also make some vitamins.

Different Types of Vitamins


There are two types of vitamins: (1) fat soluble and (2) water soluble.


Fat soluble vitamins are found in fatty foods and can be dissolved in fat.


Water soluble vitamins are found in non-fatty, water based food such as fruit and vegetables and can be dissolved in water.

Fat Soluble


Examples: Vitamin A (Beta-carotene), Vitamin D (Ergocalcipherol), Vitamin E (Tocopherol) and Vitamin K (Phylloquinone)


Water Soluble


Examples: Vitamin B1 (Thiamin), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid), Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin), Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Folate (Folic Acid)