Vitamins

Defined

• Do not add calories
  
• Essential for a healthy life
  
• Not a source of energy or used to build muscles
  
• Aids in utilizing energy in the body
  
• Deficiency or excess can lead to disease or various health problems
  
• Some people may need supplementation but this should be at the discretion of a physician

Types

Fat Soluble

• Vitamin A- vision, skin and mucous membrane
  
• Vitamin D- string teeth and bones, aid in absorption of calcium
  
• Vitamin E- red blood cells, work with vitamin K
  
• Vitamin K- assist blood clotting

Water Soluble

• Vitamin B1(Thiamin): aids brain, nerve and heart cells
  
• Vitamin B2(Riboflavin): assist in release of energy from food
  
• Vitamin B3(Niacin): healthy skin, DNA synthesis, assists nerves and digestion, release of energy from food
  
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): brain function, red blood cells, protein and amino acid reaction to the body
  
• Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): red blood cells, normal function of nervous system
  
• Vitamin C - healthy gums and teeth, iron absorption, connective tissue and capillaries
  
• Folacin - DNA synthesis, hemoglobin production
  
• Biotin - assists in the formation of fatty acids and metabolization of amino acids and carbs
  
• Pantothenic Acid - aids in energy release, protein and amino acidsMinerals
  
• Helps regulate the body and the formation of fatty acids
  
• Aids in the metabolization of amino acids and carbs

Click on www.mypyramid.gov to view proper nutrition guidelines based on your age, sex and activity level.