What do vitamins do for the body?

This research paper explores what vitamins are, what they do for the human body, and how they can be beneficial or detrimental if not consumed in the proper amounts.

Vitamins are essential nutrients that the body needs in order to function properly. They are required for a variety of biochemical reactions and processes within the body, and they help to support the immune system, bones, and teeth. There are 13 essential vitamins that humans need to survive, and these include vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K. While most people get the majority of the vitamins they need from their diet, some people may require supplementation due to poor nutrition or certain medical conditions.

Vitamin A is important for vision, bone growth, and the immune system. Vitamin B vitamins are important for energy metabolism, red blood cell production, and nerve function. Vitamin C is important for collagen production, wound healing, and immune system function. Vitamin D is important for calcium absorption and bone health. Vitamin E is important for tissue repair and antioxidant protection. Vitamin K is important for blood clotting and bone health.

While vitamins are essential nutrients that the body needs to function properly, they can also be detrimental if not consumed in the proper amounts. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble vitamins, meaning that they can be stored in the body's fatty tissues and liver. This can lead to toxicity if these vitamins are consumed in excess, as the body will not be able to eliminate them quickly enough. Conversely, water-soluble vitamins (vitamin C and the B vitamins) are not stored in the body and any excess is excreted in the urine. This means that it is much more difficult to overdose on these vitamins, as the body will simply flush out any that it does not need.

While most people get the majority of the vitamins they need from their diet, some people may require supplementation due to poor nutrition or certain medical conditions. For example, people with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease may have difficulty absorbing nutrients from their food, and as a result, may need to take vitamin supplements. Pregnant women and young children are also at risk for vitamin deficiencies, and may need to take supplements as well.

In conclusion, vitamins are essential nutrients that the body needs in order to function properly. While most people get the majority of the vitamins they need from their diet, some people may require supplementation due to poor nutrition or certain medical conditions. Vitamins can be beneficial or detrimental if not consumed in the proper amounts, and it is important to speak with a doctor or registered dietitian before starting any supplement regimen.