There are 13 essential vitamins that your body needs to function properly, and each one plays a unique role. These vitamins are:
- Vitamin A: important for vision and immune function.
- Vitamin C: essential for skin health, wound healing, and immune function.
- Vitamin D: helps regulate the amount of calcium in the body, important for bone health.
- Vitamin E: functions as an antioxidant and supports the immune system.
- Vitamin K: important for blood clotting and bone health.
- Thiamin (B1): helps the body convert food into energy.
- Riboflavin (B2): helps the body produce red blood cells and maintain good vision.
- Niacin (B3): helps the body convert food into energy and maintain healthy skin.
- Vitamin B6: helps the body produce hormones and red blood cells.
- Folate (B9): important for cell growth and development, especially during pregnancy.
- Vitamin B12: helps the body produce red blood cells and maintain a healthy nervous system.
- Biotin (B7): helps the body convert food into energy.
- Pantothenic acid (B5): helps the body produce hormones and maintain healthy skin.
It’s important to get a balanced and varied diet to ensure you get enough of all of these vitamins. Some vitamins can be toxic in large amounts, so it’s best to get your vitamins from food rather than supplements, unless your doctor recommends otherwise.