Understanding Vitamin Benefits: Essential Roles for Health

Vitamins are needed to maintain healthy cells. Vitamins help cells efficiently use and process the chemical energy acquired from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. A healthy intake of vitamins ensures healthy skin, bones, muscles, heart, digestive system, immune system and nervous system.

Vitamin A

• All cells use vitamin A for cell division and growth. Vitamin A also boosts and supports the immune system.

Vitamin B

• There are six primary B vitamins---B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12---and they support the body's metabolism, nervous system function, production of red blood cells, and hormone balance in women.

Vitamin C

• The body uses vitamin C to form collagen, muscle, cartilage and blood vessels as well as maintain the bones and teeth. Vitamin C also assists with iron absorption.

Vitamin D

• Vitamin D promotes calcium and phosphorus absorption, which are needed to form and maintain strong, healthy bones.

Vitamin E

• Vitamin E helps strengthen the immune system, repair DNA, and protect blood cells, the nervous system and muscles.

Vitamins F and K

• Vitamin F helps regulate cholesterol, supports functions of the thyroid and adrenal glands, and builds tissue resiliency. Vitamin K aids in blood clotting, liver function and helps form and heal bones.