Vitamins have been used by people worldwide for many years, but only recenlty in the last few years have scientists and researchers been able to identify how vitamins are able to help our bodies remain healthy. A vitamin is a group of 13 organic substance that are essential to the nutritional health of plants and animals. Since these compounds can not be produced naturally by the body, they must be obtained in trace amounts through external means such as diet or supplementation.
These body function regulating chemicals are divided into two categories: fat soluble and water soluble. Fat soluble vitamins include Vitamin A, D, E, and K while Vitamins C and B are water soluble. Body functions such as health, reproduction, growth, energy, and metabolism are all regulated by vitamins.
When the body is not able to intake the required amount of vitamin over time can result in disease. Some common vitamin deficiencies include rickets (Vitamin D), scurvy (Vitamin C), and pellagra (niacin). Some vitamins are able to be stored in the body for long periods before problems start to develop, while other vitamins such as Vitamin B3 will only last a few weeks.
The word vitamin originates from the term "vital amines". Casimir Funk, the Warsaw-born scientist who coined the term, thought that it was a chemical amine and was vital to support life.
Supplements are a recent medical discovery that can help people who are not getting enough vitamins in their regular diet. While more research is being conducted, there is strong scientific evidence to support the claim that supplements can be exetremely helpful and possibly life-saving for certain individuals who are not receiving the proper amount of vitamins through their diet.
More Information
Last Modified: April 21, 2007. 08:28:40 PM