Here’s what to know:
Vitamin A (retinoids/carotene): Beta carotene can be converted into vitamin A as needed. It plays an important role in vision, keeps tissues and skin healthy, and also is involved with bone growth.
Vitamin B1 (thiamin): Helps convert food into energy, and is essential for brain health and nerve function.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): This works with other B vitamins by promoting growth and the production of red blood cells.
Vitamin B3 (niacin): Helps convert food into energy. It’s also essential for healthy skin, blood cells, brain, and nervous system function.
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): Helps make lipids, neurotransmitters, steroid hormones, and hemoglobin in the body.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): This vitamin may reduce the risk of heart disease by helping to lower homocysteine levels. It also helps convert tryptophan into niacin and serotonin, a mood-regulating neurotransmitter.
Vitamin B9 (folate): Vital for new cell creation, it helps prevent brain and spine birth defects when taken early in pregnancy. It also may lower risk for colon cancer risk.
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin): Vitamin B12 is important for metabolism and energy production. It also helps form red blood cells and maintain the central nervous system.
Biotin: Biotin helps to metabolize proteins and carbohydrates. It also promotes healthy bones and hair.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): This is an important antioxidant that promotes healthy teeth and gums. It also helps the body absorb iron and maintains healthy tissue by promoting wound healing. Vitamin C may help boost the immune system to help with illness prevention or recovery.
Vitamin D (calciferol): Also known as the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D is made in the body after individuals spend time in the sun. It is hard to get enough vitamin D from food sources alone. Vitamin D also helps the body absorb calcium, which is vital for healthy bones and teeth.
Vitamin E (tocopherol): An antioxidant that helps the body form red blood cells and use vitamin K. Scientists also are studying a potential relationship between vitamin E and a lower risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
Vitamin K (menadione): Vitamin K activates proteins and calcium essential to blood clotting. It also may help prevent hip fractures.
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