Vitamins For Health

by Sintilia Miecevole

The word 'vitamin' has its root in 'vitamine' that means vital

amine. Vitamins are powerful organic compounds found mainly in

the food that we eat. Vitamins are essential for all human

beings because they help cells and tissues to perform basic

functions. Basically, vitamins are required for the growth of

the body.

There are two types of vitamins- the water soluble vitamins and

the fat soluble vitamins. Fat soluble vitamins are also called

hormones. All the commonly known vitamins are water soluble

vitamins, of which vitamin C or ascorbic acid is the most

common. Earlier it was believed that all these vitamins belong

to one group called B complex as they were all found in the

same source. Later they were categorized as different vitamins.

Vitamin A, B1, B3, B5, B9, D, E, H, K, P, Choline and Inositol

are some of the other vitamins. Few of these vitamins are known

by their biological names, like vitamin B1 is known as thiamine

and vitamin H, Biotin.

Vitamins form an essential component of the balanced diet that

we eat. People with chronic illnesses are advised to take

vitamin supplements by their doctors. Pregnant women and people

suffering from bowel disorders need to watch out their vitamin

intake. Bowel disorder retards the absorption of fat soluble

vitamin. Folic acid is prescribed for a person suffering from

thalassaemia. Patients with pernicious anemia have to be given

injections of vitamin B12 because of its acute deficiency in

their body.

We need small amounts of these vitamins on regular basis to

help the body function smoothly and remain healthy. These

vitamins help the organs to carry out their individual

functions. In the absence of these vitamins, our body falls

sick and suffers from vitamin deficiency diseases. There are

enough vitamins present in our foods but if we don't eat a

balanced diet the external supplements will do the needful.

Vitamins are useful and mandatory for the body, but excess of

everything is bad. Even vitamins taken in excess can cause

severe damage to the body. For instance, the body needs only

400 to 800 units of vitamin D in a day. If this amount is

exceeded, too much calcium gets absorbed by the bloodstream,

which can damage the kidneys. Moreover, supplements can never

replace the healthy diets, so it's better to take vitamin-rich

diet than take supplements.

Last word of caution: Do not take vitamins by gathering

information from here and there. Consult your doctor. Remember,

little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

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