A vitamin is an essential nutrient that is required by the body. The word vitamin comes from the Latin words "vita" (meaning life) and "amine" meaning amino (a group of organic compounds).
Vitamins are considered micro nutrients because they are required in very small amounts when compared to proteins, carbohydrates, and fat. Different vitamins perform different functions. There are basically six types of vitamins needed to sustain human life. If you aren't getting enough of one or more of these types of vitamins you could be a victim of a vitamin deficiency. If so, a supplement is in order.
Vitamins can be classified into two groups: water-soluble and fat soluble. Water soluble-vitamins must be taken into the body daily as they can't be stored, and are excreted from the system within one to four days. Fat-soluble vitamins can be stored for short periods of time in the body's fatty tissue and liver, and even though they don't necessarily need to be ingested daily, replenishing what's used up in daily activity is important. Again a supplement might be useful to prevent a deficiency.
A vitamin deficiency can be caused by inadequate intake, impaired absorption, and/or increased metabolic demand. Inadequate intake would be, for example, insufficient amounts of fruits and vegetables that contain one or more specific vitamins. Impaired absorption could be because of a disease of some sort, most frequently diagnosed in the small intestine. Increased metabolic demand can be caused by exercise, pregnancy, or other lifestyle stresses.
The six vitamin families are vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K. Vitamin B and C are water-soluble and as mentioned above, need to be replenished daily. The others are fat-soluble and though equally essential, can be stored by the body for reasonable periods until needed. There are several different types of B and B-complex vitamins. Supplements are available for all the different vitamins.
For more information on specific vitamins, simply click on the hyperlinked (underlined) text in the paragraph above, or visit our site map.
|
Vitamin sites that we've reviewed and recommend
|
InternationalVitaminPower.com -- Lots of tips, techniques and secrets for Optimum Health, Weight Loss, Weight Gain, Bodybuilding that will boost your health and have you looking feeling your best in 30 days! Great selection, great prices, free shipping on $50 orders. If nothing else, check out the great informational articles on the site!
Come to WebVitamins and Save!
-- WebVitamins.com has a great selecton of vitamins, minerals, and supplements. Their web site makes it easy to shop by category or by brand, and the prices are great!
VitaminLab.com
-- VitaminLab.com's manufacturing facility has been making the highest quality nutritional supplements for the most recognized and well-known brands in the industry. Now, thanks to the Internet, VitaminLab.com can deliver these products directly to you! Quality and potency guaranteed. Buy direct and save!
