Vitamins in Food

The human body need vitamins in food since it cannot produce it in sufficient quantities on its own. The term became popular in the 19th century and is an abbreviation of "vital minerals"; the term does not include all vital minerals though, an example is iron.

Vitamins are classified into letter groups and so by which activity they are engaged in. They have various functions, I have described some below. If you you lack a vitamin you might contract various diseases, like scurvy from lack of vitamin C.

Vitamin A (Retinol) - Good for teeth, bones, soft tissue, mucous membranes and
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) - Help in energy production, essential for heart and nerve cells.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) - Body growth and blood cell production.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) - Healthy skin and nerves. Cholestorol lowering.
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) - Metabolism; hormone and cholesterol production.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) - Help use of protein and forming of blood cells.
Vitamin B7 (Biotin) - Metabolism; hormone and cholesterol production.
Vitamin B9 (Folic acid) - Blood cells, DNA, a must for during pregnancy.
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) - Good for metabolism and nervous system.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) - Good for teeth and gums. Promotes wound healing.
Vitamin D (Calciterol) - Good for blood, teeth and bones.
Vitamin E (Tocopherol) - Help forming red blood cells and use of vitamin K.
Vitamin K (Phylloquinone) - Help blood koagulation.

Though videly available as pills the best way to obtain them is through food. In other words, instead of eating vitamin C pills have some raw red peppers. A good and varied diet gives you all the vitamins you need!