Vitamins are organic compounds essential for numerous metabolic processes in the human body. They must be obtained through food since the body cannot produce them at all or in sufficient amounts on its own. Vitamins can be categorized into two groups: water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins include the B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12) and vitamin C, which need to be consumed regularly as the body cannot store them. Fat-soluble vitamins — vitamin A, D, E, and K — can be stored in body fat and are therefore not required daily.
Vitamins are critical for maintaining body functions, including growth, vision, skin health, nerve function, and immune defense. They play a central role in energy production, blood formation, and the synthesis of essential molecules. An inadequate supply of vitamins can lead to specific deficiency symptoms and health disorders.
The integration of vitamins in dietary supplements serves to ensure adequate intake of these essential nutrients, especially in individuals with increased needs or limited food choices.
