I think it is important that we all know how vitamin intake or lack thereof, really affects the function of the human body. I found the below excerpt in the ACE (American Council on Exercise) Lifestyle and Weight Management Manual. This information goes hand-in-hand with any biology or medical textbook out in circulation today.
"Vitamins are organic (organic=compounds that contain carbon), noncaloric micronutrients that are essential for normal physiological function. Vitamins must be consumed by foods, with only three exceptions: vitamin K and biotin, which can be produced by normal intestinal flora (bacteria that live in the intestines and are critical for normal gastrointestinal function), and vitamin D, which can be self-produced with sun exposure.
No "perfect" food contains all the vitamins in just the right amount. Instead, a variety of nutrient-dense foods must be consumed to ensure adequate vitamin intakes. Many foods (such as breads and cereals) have been fortified with some nutrients to cut the risk of vitamin deficiency. And some foods contain inactive vitamins, which are called provitamins. Fortunately, the human body contains enzymes to convert these inactive vitamins into active vitamins.
Humans need 13 different vitamins, which are divided into two categories: water-soluble vitamins (the B vitamins and vitamin C) and fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K). Choline - is called a "quasi-vitamin" because it can be produced in the body, but also provides additional benefits through consumption of foods - plays a crucial role in neurotransmitter and platelet functions, and may help prevent Alzheimer's disease." (ACELWMC p.143)
Stay tuned this week to learn about the different types of vitamins that are essential for normal function of the human body and which foods contain the different vitamins for an optimal healthy lifestyle.
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