Supplement Warehouse: Understanding The Importance And Functions Of Vitamins

Vitamins are nutrients that we receive from the foods that we eat or can be readily purchased at any supplement warehouse. We need them in specific amounts in order to remain healthy and disease free. They are responsible for metabolizing nutrients and starting various reactions in the body. The USDA has come out with specific minimum daily requirements of these nutrients which can be used as a guideline.

CLASSES

There are two classes of vitamins and this is based on solubility. Water soluble vitamins are those that are not stored by the body. Examples of these would be vitamin C and the B-Complex vitamins. They contain hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and sometimes sulfur.

Fat soluble vitamins on the other hand are stored by the body. Examples of these would be vitamins A, D, E and K. These also contain hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen but have no nitrogen or sulfur associated with them.

GENERAL FUNCTIONS OF VITAMINS

Vitamins are essential to the metabolism and digestion of the foods that we eat. They allow nutrients to be metabolized and absorbed into the body. They are responsible for the conversion of fats and carbohydrates into the energy that we require. They are involved in the production of antibodies which boost the immune system and keep us free of illness and disease. When they combine with proteins they produce enzymes which act as catalysts to initiate various chemical reactions required by the body. Finally they help form strong bones, strengthen cells, bind tissue and form blood cells.

SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS

In addition to the general functions that all vitamins have many will also have more specific functions. For example vitamin A promotes healthy eyesight, strong bones, properly functioning immune systems and reproductive health. It is also important in healthy and youthful looking skin.

While B-complex vitamins are responsible for converting food into energy as well as a number of other general functions each one individually have a more specific function. Let's look at some of these.

• B1 Converts carbohydrates into energy.
• B2 Enables growth and energy release
• B3 Responsible for healthy nervous system, skin and digestion
• B5 and B7 Required for metabolism and healthy growth
• B6 Formation of red blood cells and proper brain function
• B9 Needed for protein production
• B12 Forms red blood cells, promotes metabolism and a healthy nervous system

Vitamins A, C and E provide us with antioxidant properties. These antioxidants protect us from the harmful affects of free radicals. These vitamins are also needed for healthy blood vessels, strong bones and a healthy immune system. Vitamin D controls calcium levels in the blood protecting us from bone loss and osteoporosis. It facilitates the absorption of calcium into the body while controlling its elimination. It also plays a major role in protecting us from auto immune diseases.

You will sometimes hear vitamin E referred to as the anti ageing vitamin. It helps us prevent tissue damage which is caused by free radicals. It also helps to protect the liver along with fighting harmful side effects of prolonged use of some antibiotics.

In conclusion, vitamins perform many functions in the body that keeps us healthy and disease free. These functions are both general and specific. Having a good knowledge of the function of each vitamin can go a long way to helping you live a long and healthy life.

Visit us at the supplement warehouse and be on your way to a healthier lifestyle. We offer the highest quality products at very reasonable prices.

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