Vitamins are substances that the body needs to grow and develop normally. Your body needs 13 vitamins. These are:
- Vitamin A
- B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, and folate or folic acid
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Vitamins usually come from the foods you eat. The body can also make vitamins D and K. People on a vegetarian diet may need a vitamin B12 supplement.
Each vitamin has specific functions. If you have low levels of certain vitamins, you may have health problems. For example, if you do not get enough vitamin C, you may develop anemia. Some vitamins can help prevent medical problems. Vitamin A prevents night blindness.
The best way to get enough vitamins is to eat a balanced diet with a variety of foods. In some cases, a daily multivitamin may be needed. It is a good idea to talk to your health care provider about this. High doses of some vitamins can cause problems.
In this edition we will talk about the Vitamin
What is vitamin A?
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that the body acquires through food and helps maintain good vision, the immune system and the ability to reproduce. It also provides benefits for the heart, lungs, and kidneys, among other organs.
Vitamin A is divided into two types: preformed vitamin A, which is found in meat, fish, and milk products; and provitamin A, which is found in fruits, vegetables, and berries.
Functions
Vitamin A helps the development of bones, teeth, soft tissues, mucous membranes and skin. It is closely related to acne, as vitamin A deficiency in the diet can lead to acne. It also helps in the formation of the retina, which is why it is also known as retinol. It also contributes to the prevention of infectious diseases, especially of the respiratory system, or other pathologies such as measles. No consensus has been reached on whether it can help prevent the appearance of lung or stomach cancer.
