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Among the 13 compounds as yet classified as vitamins, four -- A, D, E, and K -- are fat-soluble (meaning they dissolve in fat), and therefore, accumulate within the body. There are also nine water-soluble vitamins (including vitamin C and eight B vitamins -- biotin, folate, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, thiamin, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12).
These nutrients have been shown in studies to possess a variety of vital advantages for daily and overall health. Here is some additional information about the fat-soluble vitamins, along with the water-soluble vitamin C. For some information about the B Complex vitamins, the following entry may provide some useful answers:
- Vitamin A (also known as retinol, retinaldehyde, and retinoic acid) ? this is an antioxidant shown to greatly enhance immunity and vision health. It has been shown to benefit immune development, stimulation and enhancement, such as tissue growth and healing and infection resistance. Vitamin A deficiencies can lead to increased susceptibility to infections. It has been shown to offer vital benefits for proper eye function, growth and repair, as well as vision. This nutrient may be vital for bone and teeth formation, and is thought to be crucial for the development of embryos in pregnancy. And, it may contribute to nerve health and gland and hormone function. Deficiencies of this nutrient may result in rough or dry skin, loss of smell and appetite, and frequent fatigue.
- Vitamin D (calciferol) ? this nutrient may be considered vital for the absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus, bone and teeth formation, and the maintaining of a stable nervous system and normal heart action. In addition, vitamin D is needed for the absorption of vitamin A. It may also enhance immunity, and may help to defend against such chronic diseases as cancer, arthritis, multiple sclerosis and diabetes. Also known as the ?sunshine vitamin,? it can be created naturally within the body with sufficient sunlight exposure. However, it is estimated that 1 in 7 adults suffers from a vitamin D deficiency. This may lead to tooth decay, softening of bones, improper healing of fractures, muscular weakness, inadequate absorption of calcium, and retention of phosphorus in the kidneys.
- Vitamin E (tocopherol, tocotrienol) ? an antioxidant found to slow cellular aging, this nutrient may provide a variety of cardiovascular benefits, including supplying oxygen to the blood, strengthening the capillary walls, preventing red blood cells from delivering destructive poisons, and preventing and dissolving blood clots. It may also help to defend LDL (?bad?) cholesterol, as damaged LDL cholesterol may lead to heart disease. This nutrient may possess many additional benefits, including those for chemotherapy, tissue growth, inflammation, and vitamin K utilization. Vitamin E deficiencies may lead to a rupture of red blood cells, lack of sexual vitality, degenerative changes in the heart and other muscles, and dry skin.
- Vitamin K (phylloquinone) ? this nutrient displays valuable benefits for blood clotting (it is also known as the ?clotting? vitamin) and proper bone formation and repair. Plus, it was shown in a published study to possess possible benefits for cancer protection. Other studies have found that vitamin K supplementation may decrease the incidence and/or severity of osteoporosis (brittle, weakened bones) and slow bone loss. Deficiencies may result in nosebleeds or internal hemorrhaging.
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) ? a powerful antioxidant considered vital for healthy teeth, gums and bones. Among its other proposed benefits are the prevention and treatment of the common cold, allergies, scurvy, and possible infection and virus-fighting abilities. Studies have illustrated its cardiovascular abilities, including helping to lower blood pressure, increase ?good? (HDL) cholesterol levels, and reduce heart disease risks. This nutrient may also benefit skin health and wound healing, aid in iron absorption, and provide relief and benefits for vision and eye diseases. Deficiencies may result in bleeding gums, painful joints, bruising, nosebleeds, tooth decay, loss of appetite, muscular weakness, capillary weakness, and anemia.
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