A brief overview of Vitamins A through K

by kim standerline

A brief overview of Vitamins A through K

All of the vitamins available that are labeled with a letter are important to the health of your body. In this article, well cover some of the basics about vitamins A through K.

Vitamin A is a fat soluble compound which can be found in many of the different foods we eat. It is found in whole milk, eggs, carrots, peas, tomatoes, and a host of other vegetables. Beta-carotene is one of the most active Vitamin A compounds, meaning that is the most easily utilized by our body. When the body is deficient in this important nutrient, blindness can occur. This is not a problem commonly seen in industrialized nations, as our diets are fortified with Vitamin A. In addition to aiding eyesight, Vitamin A is also useful in the fact that it helps to create white blood cells, strengthening the human immune system.

The B-vitamins consist of 8 separate compounds which are responsible for the proper functioning of several important body functions. B-vitamins are water-soluble, meaning that they are maintained in the water in our body, and periodically flushed out, requiring a more stable regimen then other vitamins. The health of the liver, mouth, skin, eyes, and hair depends greatly on a regular consumption of the B-vitamins. In addition, the B-complex vitamins help our body to break carbohydrates down into simple glucose. Glucose is the basic sugar that our bodys cells use as fuel. You can find B-vitamins in such sources as whole grain cereal, bread, rice, meats, liver, and egg yolk.

Vitamin C is another water soluble vitamin that needs to be steadily consumed to maintain its level in the body. This vitamin helps to create collagen, a very important compound found practically everywhere inside the body. It also helps to protect Vitamin A and Vitamin E from oxidation, which is a type of damage that can decrease the vitamins efficiency. Vitamin C is found in most fruits and vegetables, especially the citrus fruits.

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that helps the body to maintain proper levels of calcium and phosphorous, resulting in more efficient bone mineralization. This helps to promote healthy bone growth and development. Our body cannot fully realize the effects of Vitamin D without adequate sunlight. The Vitamin D in our bodies is actually processed by our exposure to the sun, causing issues for those who cannot make it outside, such as the elderly. Luckily, in most industrialized nations, foods and beverages are fortified with Vitamin D to ensure that everyone meets their dietary needs. Fortified Vitamin D can be found in milk, cheese, butter, cream, and cereal.

Vitamin E is a compound that can be found in 8 separate forms, with the most efficient form for humans being Alpha-tocopheral. Vitamin E is a powerful anti-oxidant, which helps our bodies fight off harmful entities known as free radicals, which attack the cell membranes in our body. This effect may be beneficial to preventing cancer and cardiovascular disease. Vitamin E is found in foods such as wheat germ oil, almonds, sunflower seeds, sunflower oil, peanuts, corn oil, kiwis, mangoes, broccoli, and spinach.

Last, but not least, is Vitamin K. It works in tandem with Vitamin D to help provide our bones with a sufficient method of bone mineralization. In addition, it is responsible for healthy blood clotting. A lack of Vitamin K can result in problems with normal blood clotting. Vitamin K can be found in olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, broccoli, kale, spinach, lettuce, and mayonnaise.

Discover more about Vitamins A through K at www.vitaminsinfo.co.uk