Languages:

Vitamins

Definition:

Vitamins are a group of organic micronutrients that are required by the body for healthy growth, development and immune system functioning.

Certain vitamins are produced by the body but most vitamins are obtained from food or from manufactured dietary supplements.

Source: GreenFacts

More:

Vitamin A plays an important role in ensuring a healthy immune system, cell membranes, vision, growth and reproduction.

Vitamin B helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells, and is also needed to make DNA. (e.g: folate)

Vitamin C is essential for the healing of wounds, and for the repair and maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth.

Vitamin D helps to form and maintain strong bones. It is found in food – in particular in fish, milk, and dairy products – and can also be made by the body after exposure to ultraviolet radiation. A deficiency of vitamin D leads to decalcified bones and the development of rickets. It can also result in bone fragility in the elderly.

Vitamin E protects body tissue from damage caused by unstable substances called free radicals. Vitamin E is also important in the formation of red blood cells and it helps the body to use vitamin K.

Vitamin K plays an essential role in the clotting of blood.

Source: GreenFacts

Related words:

Nutrients - Provitamin

Translation(s):

Deutsch: Vitamin D
Español: Vitamina
Français: Vitamines

Related publications:
FacebookTwitterEmail
  • ABC - DEF - GHI - JKL - MNO - PQRS - TUV - WXYZ
  • Themes covered
    Publications A-Z
    Leaflets

    Get involved!

    This summary is free and ad-free, as is all of our content. You can help us remain free and independant as well as to develop new ways to communicate science by becoming a Patron!

    PatreonBECOME A PATRON!