Vitamins are organic substances which play important roles in our bodies. Each person’s requirement for vitamins can differ, and certain varieties have different impacts on health than others. Most vitamins can be found naturally in food sources and supplementation may only become necessary due to dietary deficiencies or specific medical problems.
Folate and vitamin B-12 are two exceptions; most vitamins cannot be stored by the body and must be consumed regularly as part of a healthy diet. This Special Issue features research articles about how vitamins affect health and disease.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is used to maintain good eyesight, support normal organ and immune system functioning and promote the fetal development. Too much can harm the body.
Vitamin A can be found naturally in liver, eggs, whole milk, butter, fortified margarine and oily fish as well as being available as a dietary supplement. Retinoids, which derive their name from Vitamin A compounds are used to treat skin aging, acne and even certain cancers.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin found naturally in certain foods and supplements alike, with studies suggesting its use may shorten the duration of common cold symptoms.
Vitamin C is essential to human cells and has long been known to promote immunity health and fight signs of aging.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption and maintains adequate serum 25(OH)D concentrations to support normal bone development. Furthermore, vitamin D also has numerous other biological effects, such as anti-cancer, cardiovascular, and inflammatory benefits.
Under-consumption of vitamin D has been linked with childhood rickets and osteomalacia – softening of bones – among adults. Clinical trials indicate that supplementing with vitamin D helps lower cardiovascular disease risk; however, additional study needs to take place.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient known for protecting cells against free radicals (harmful molecules). It can be found naturally in vegetable oils, nuts, leafy vegetables and cereals as well as available as supplements in various forms like alpha-tocopheryl acetate or succinate.
Studies and trials have demonstrated that vitamin E supplements can lower the risk of heart disease in certain groups; however, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force advises against their routine use.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for blood clotting and bone health. It also plays an integral part in controlling how calcium is utilized by the body, thus helping prevent fractures and osteoporosis in older adults as well as protecting cardiovascular health by avoiding arterial calcification.
Vitamin K can be found in many different food sources, including green leafy vegetables and fat-rich sources such as soybean and canola oil. Furthermore, supplements may also contain this essential nutrient.
Vitamin B1
Thiamine (B1) assists cells in turning glucose into ADP – the body’s primary energy carrier molecule – for use as energy. Thiamine may also assist the heart in functioning properly and reduce symptoms associated with diabetes such as nerve pain and high blood sugar levels.
Thiamine is used to treat low thiamine levels, beriberi, and certain nerve disorders like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. There is also some evidence suggesting its use against fibromyalgia; further studies are warranted in this area.
Vitamin B5
Pantothenic acid (B5), also referred to as panthenol or calcium pantothenate, can be found both in plant and animal foods and is used to help breakdown proteins and lipids, promote healthy skin and hair care practices, as well as support energy production.
Many can meet their vitamin B5 requirements through diet alone; however, others may require supplementation with pantothenic acid or an entire B complex product. Pantothenic acid comes both as a standalone product and part of a complex vitamin B product line.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a water-soluble vitamin that supports your body in producing red blood cells while keeping them in good health, supporting nervous and immune systems and helping support overall wellbeing.
Studies suggest pyridoxine may help lower your risk of colorectal cancer; however, more evidence must be presented in order to reach any definitive conclusions.
High doses of this vitamin as a supplement has been associated with neurological issues in some individuals.
