Specific Vitamins Specific Functions

Vitamins work with enzymes and are necessary for a healthy life. They are needed for a normal metabolism, growth and development, and regular cell function. Each vitamin has a specific function and if the body doesn’t get the amount it needs it causes a deficiency disease that is particular to that vitamin.

Vitamin A helps in forming healthy teeth, bones, and soft tissues. It also is necessary for healthy mucous membranes and skin. Vitamin A is also known as retinal. It was called retinal because it makes the pigments for the working of the retina. It gives us good vision in dim light and is essential to prevent night blindness. Beta-carotene is a part of Vitamin A and has antioxidant properties that help erase free radicals.

Vitamin B6 and B12 are necessary to help the body use the protein. It helps in the formation of blood cells and helps in normal brain function. B12 is also important for managing metabolism in the body and to help maintain the central nervous system. The more protein a body takes in, the more B6 is needed to convert the food to energy.

Vitamin C, one of the most commonly known vitamins is important for healthy teeth and gums, helps the body absorb iron and preserves normal connective tissue. It also aids in healing and is an antioxidant.

The body makes Vitamin D, known as the “sunshine vitamin”, after it’s exposed to sunshine. Our body needs about 15 minutes of sunshine three days a week to supply the body’s need for Vitamin D. It is essential in keeping blood levels of calcium and phosphorus and is also necessary for healthy teeth and bones.

Vitamin E is also an antioxidant and is important in the forming of red blood cells and aids our body in using vitamin K.

Vitamin K is the clotting vitamin and if we don’t have enough in our body the blood doesn’t clot. Any injury could cause severe bleeding. Studies also infer it is important for seniors to have enough vitamin K to help keep their bones strong.

Thiamine, Riboflavin and Niacin are also B vitamins and important for our body to function properly. B1 or Thiamine helps convert carbohydrates into energy and is important for a healthy heart and nerve cells. B2 or riboflavin works with the other B vitamins to promote body growth and red blood cell production. It also helps release energy from carbohydrates. Niacin, another B vitamin, is important in preserving healthy skin and nerves and helps covert food to energy. It is thought to have an effect on lowering cholesterol.

Pantothenic acid is also necessary for the metabolism of food. It is important in the synthesis of hormones and cholesterol. Folate works with B12 in producing red blood cells and is important for the synthesis of DNA. DNA controls our hereditary genes and is important for those women who are carrying a child. Low levels of folic acid can result in severe birth defects.