Vitamins: Essential Nutrients for Everyday Health
Vitamins are important nutrients that the human body needs to support many normal functions. They help the body use energy from food, support the immune system, maintain healthy skin, contribute to normal vision, and play roles in bones, blood, and nervous system function. Most vitamins are obtained through a varied and balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, eggs, meat, fish, nuts, and other nutritious foods. Because different foods contain different vitamins, eating a variety of foods can help provide a broad range of essential nutrients. What Are Vitamins? Vitamins are organic compounds required by the body in relatively small amounts. Unlike carbohydrates, protein, and fat, vitamins do not provide significant amounts of energy themselves. Instead, they participate in many biological processes that allow the body to function normally. There are several different vitamins, and each has its own role. Some vitamins are stored in the body, whi...