Vitamin

Vitamins are organic compounds that are essential micronutrients that an organism needs in small quantities for the proper functioning of its metabolism. Essential nutrients are those that the body cannot synthesize in sufficient quantities, and therefore must be obtained through the diet.

Vitamins perform a wide range of biochemical functions in the body, including acting as antioxidants (Vitamin C, Vitamin E), hormones (Vitamin D), and coenzymes (most B vitamins). Coenzymes help enzymes facilitate chemical reactions.

Vitamins are classified as either fat-soluble or water-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) are absorbed with dietary fats and can be stored in the body's fatty tissues. Water-soluble vitamins (B vitamins and Vitamin C) dissolve in water and are not stored in the body to a significant extent; excess amounts are typically excreted in urine.

A sufficient intake of all vitamins is crucial for maintaining optimal health. Deficiencies in vitamins can lead to a variety of health problems, including scurvy (Vitamin C deficiency), rickets (Vitamin D deficiency), and night blindness (Vitamin A deficiency). However, excessive intake of some vitamins, particularly fat-soluble vitamins, can also be harmful and lead to toxicity. Therefore, it is important to maintain a balanced diet and follow recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) or adequate intakes (AIs) for vitamins.