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Vitamins are essential nutrients required by the body in small amounts to perform specific functions. For example, vitamin C is needed for the synthesis of collagen, while vitamin A is required for vision. Vitamins cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through diet or supplementation. They are required for the proper development and function of many systems in the body, including the immune system, nervous system, and reproductive system. Vitamins also play a role in energy production, metabolism, and cell growth.

There are 13 vitamins essential for human health: vitamin A (retinol), vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), folate/vitamin B9 (folic acid), biotin/vitamin H, pantothenic acid/vitamin B5, as well as vitamins C (ascorbic acid), D, E, K . Each of these vitamins has specific functions in the body and can be obtained from dietary sources. For example, Vitamin A is important for vision and immunity while Vitamin C is necessary for collagen production and wound healing. While some people may obtain sufficient amounts of these vitamins through their diet alone others may require supplementation due to certain health conditions or lifestyle choices that impact nutrient absorption or increase nutrient needs such as pregnancy or smoking cigarettes.

Why are Vitamins Important?

A lack of vitamins can lead to deficiency diseases. For instance, scurvy, which is caused by a lack of vitamin C, results in bleeding gums and easy bruising. Night blindness, which is caused by a lack of vitamin A, can lead to complete blindness if left untreated. Vitamin deficiencies can also lead to other health problems, such as anemia, osteoporosis, and birth defects. While most people in developed countries do not have to worry about vitamin deficiencies, those who have poor diets or have trouble absorbing nutrients from food (such as the elderly or people with gastrointestinal disorders) are at risk.

Vitamin supplements are available for those who may be at risk for deficiencies. It is important to speak with a doctor or registered dietitian before taking any supplements, as too much of certain vitamins can be dangerous. For example, vitamin A supplements can cause birth defects, while too much vitamin D can lead to kidney stones.

While most people in developed countries do not have to worry about vitamin deficiencies, those who have poor diets or have trouble absorbing nutrients from food (such as the elderly or people with gastrointestinal disorders) are at risk. Vitamin supplements are available for those who may be at risk for deficiencies.

Vitamin deficiencies can lead to a variety of health problems ranging from mild to severe depending on which nutrient(s) is lacking from one’s diet as well as how long the deficiency lasts. For example someone with a mild case of iron deficiency anemia might experience fatigue whereas someone with more severe anemia could have shortness of breath or chest pain with exertion . If left untreated some deficiencies can lead to serious complications or even death such as scurvy resulting from prolonged lack of Vitamin C which leads to bleeding gums & teeth loss eventually causing organ damage if not corrected . Therefore it’s important to be aware of symptoms associated with various deficiencies & take steps towards correcting them through dietary changes and/or supplementation when needed under medical supervision.

In conclusion, vitamins are essential nutrients required by the body in small amounts to perform specific functions. A lack of vitamins can lead to deficiency diseases, such as scurvy and night blindness. Vitamin deficiencies can also lead to other health problems, such as anemia, osteoporosis, and birth defects.