Vitamins are a group of organic
micronutrients that are required by the
body for healthy growth, development and immune system functioning.
Certain vitamins are produced by the body but most vitamins are obtained from
food or from manufactured dietary supplements.
Source: GreenFacts
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Vitamin A plays an important role in ensuring a healthy
immune system, cell membranes, vision, growth and reproduction.
Vitamin B helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood
cells, and is also needed to make DNA. (e.g: folate)
Vitamin C is essential for the healing of wounds, and for the
repair and maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth.
Vitamin D helps to form and maintain strong bones. It is
found in food – in particular in fish, milk, and dairy products – and can also
be made by the body after exposure to ultraviolet radiation. A deficiency of
vitamin D leads to decalcified bones and the development of rickets. It can also
result in bone fragility in the elderly.
Vitamin E protects body tissue from damage caused by unstable
substances called free radicals. Vitamin E is also important in the formation of
red blood cells and it helps the body to use vitamin K.
Vitamin K plays an essential role in the clotting of blood.