Vitamins
The role of vitamins in the body
Vitamins themselves do not provide the body with energy. They serve das essential links to regulate metabolic reactions that facilitate release of energy bound in food molecules and control tissue synthesis. They are needed for growth, our immune, hormonal and nervous system functioning.
The body cannot manufacture vitamins, so it is essential they are included in the diet. The water-soluble vitamins cannot be stored, and therefore must be regularly obtained from a balanced diet. However, the freshness of the food, the method of cooking and levels of other nutrients in the diet can affect the absorption of some vitamins.
Some people will have an increased requirement for certain vitamins. It is suggested that those who exercise have a higher requirement, however they also tend to have a higher calorie intake, so tend to naturally increase the amount of vitamins they consume without making any changes to the diet.
Classification of vitamins.
There are two classifications of vitamins:
- Fat soluble: A, D, E and K
- Water soluble: Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin), Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine), Vitamin B-12, Niacin, Folacin (Folic acid), Biotin, Pantothenic acid, (All B vitamins) and Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)
