About Vitamins
Vitamins are substances your body needs to grow and develop normally. There are 13 vitamins your body needs. These are:
- Vitamin A
- B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, and folic acid)
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
You can usually get all the vitamins you need from the food you eat. Your body can also make vitamins D and K. People who eat a vegan or vegetarian diet may need a vitamin B12 supplement. Each vitamin has specific functions. If you have low levels of certain vitamins, you can develop health problems. For example, if you don't get enough vitamin C, you can develop anemia. Some vitamins can help prevent medical problems. Vitamin A prevents night blindness. The best way to get enough vitamins is to follow a balanced diet with a variety of foods. In some cases, you may need to use vitamin supplements. It's a good idea to consult a doctor or dietitian first, as high doses of some vitamins can cause problems, as indicated by the RIVM and the EFSA.