vitamins

Vitamins are essential nutrients required in very small amounts and serve as facilatators for normal metabolism, growth and physical well being.  Most vitamins are not made in the body so they must be obtained from the diet.

The 13 major vitamins are found in a wide range of foods and each has a different function in the body. Many are essential for the biochemical processes within our cells and tissues.

Vitamins are either fat soluble or water soluble. Fat-soluble means they dissolve in fat and unsued supplies can be stored in the body. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water and cannot be stored in the body. Therefore we need a daily supply from the diet.

Fat-soluble vitamins
Vitamin A	Vitamin D	Vitamin E	Vitamin K
Water-soluble vitamins
Thiamin	Riboflavin	Niacin	Vitamin B6	Folate
Vitamin B12	Pantothenic acid	Biotin	Vitamin C

A varied diet based on wholegrains, fruit and vegetables, should provide all the nutrients essential for health.

Some individuals are at high risk for vitamin deficiency and have higher individual needs for vitamins which will not be covered by diet alone.