What do vitamins do?
With so many vitamins and so many complex scientific functions, it can be extremely hard at times to just find out the basics in what vitamins do. To make it a great deal clearer we will be giving you a rundown of each vitamin and how the body uses it to optimize our health. So read on to discover the truths in 'vitamins and what they do?'
First and foremost though, when we ask the question what do vitamins do we can look at it in general. Unlike carbohydrates, proteins and fats - vitamins are not used directly to provide us with energy. They are however, used in the process of breaking down carbs, fats and proteins to make use of their energy sources. Teamed with enzymes, they help to release that energy but do not supply us with energy themselves.
Photo courtesy of Microsoft Clipart
Vitamin B1, Thiamin - High levels in Quorn
B1 or Thiamin vitamin helps the body to convert blood sugars into a source of energy. It is also crucial to maintaining the health of mucous membranes. Aside from these it also plays a role in the functions of the following systems: muscular, nervous and cardiovascular.
Vitamin B2, Riboflavin - High levels in Marmite
The B2 vitamin works together with other vitamins from B complex. Not only does it aid the process of extracting energy from carbs, fats and protein but it is an essential vitamin for healthy skin and vision.
Vitamin B3, Niacin - High levels in Wheat Bran
Once again, Niacin is a primary vitamin in the B Complex that helps the body to extract energy from carbs, fat and proteins. Furthermore, this vitamin is essential for a healthy digestive system, skin and nervous system.
Vitamin B6, Pyridoxine - High levels in Liver
The B6 vitamin converts proteins into energy that is especially used in functions carried out by the brain. It may also be key to eliminating harmful amino acids in the blood which can be a cause for premature heart attacks.
Vitamin B12, Cobalamin - High levels in Sardines
B12 is a key player in maintaining the health of your central nervous system and it also works together with Folic Acid to make healthy red blood cells.
Vitamin A, Retinol - High levels in Cod Liver Oil
Vitamin A is one of the vitamins that act as an antioxidant - ridding the body of harmful free radicals. It's main purpose though is to provide aid to our eyesight such as when we adjust to lights. Our skin and mucous membranes also benefit from the A vitamin.
Vitamin C, Ascorbic Acid - High levels in Blackcurrant
Yet another antioxidant with claims of anti-aging properties, this vitamin is absolutely crucial for healthy skin, teeth, gums and the healing of wounds. It also plays a vital role in keeping our immune system functioning at optimum levels.
Vitamin D - High levels in Herring
Vitamin D absorbs calcium from our food or supplements and puts it to use where it is needed. A lot of vitamin D is needed when our bones are growing or repairing from a break or fracture. Our teeth are also formed with the aid of Vitamin D, as are our nails on the hands and feet. Furthermore, it acts as a support to both muscular and nervous functions.
Vitamin E - High levels in Sunflower Oil
Vitamin E is a very important vitamin and does a variety of things from within our bodies. It is for one, an antioxidant which neutralizes any free radicals that could cause damage to the tissues or cells. It will also help to keep the circulatory system working properly and if a cut is incurred it will be there to help clot the blood and reduce further loss of blood.
Vitamin K - High levels in Spinach
It is essential that our bodies have vitamin K for helping to stop bleeding and speed up the process of blood clotting. Vitamin K is also an essential attribute to the functions of our kidneys and for the growth of bones. It has been recorded that an increase in vitamin K to those suffering with osteoporosis has indeed helped as it aids the recovery of weak, fractured or broken bones.
Related Searches
Please Note
All the Information within this site is for reference only with no guarantee of accuracy; it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. Statements about the products efficacy have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
It is important to emphasize that you should not reject mainstream medical attention and guidance and the use of recommended products, treatments, and remedies for individual disorder should be approved and monitored by your health care provider. See disclaimer for more!
