Vitamins are an essential part of our diet and are included in the vast majority of foodstuffs in varying quantities. They are nutrients and they are needed for functions such as the repair of tissues, the maintenance of healthy bones, aiding growth and supporting the immune system. We need them and eating a balanced diet will help to make sure that we get exactly what we need. Supplements can be useful but they are not a substitute.

There is a total of 13 different vitamins and everyone needs all of them. The existence of vitamins was discovered in 1912. They were divided into two groups – those that are fat-soluble and those that are water-soluble. This defines how the body stores and processes the vitamins.

Fat-soluble

The body’s fat cells will store this type of vitamins. It also means that a certain amount of fat is required for the body to absorb the vitamins. Vitamins A, D, E and K are all vitamins that fall into this category.

Water-soluble

These are the vitamins that the body cannot store. Anything it does not need it will remove through the waste removal process. This means that the body needs to have a regular supply of these vitamins. Vitamins B and C fall into this category.

It is important that you know where to find these vitamins. For vitamin A, look to spinach, carrots, potato and eggs. For vitamin D, it is mainly found in dairy products. Vitamin E is found in seeds and nuts as well as leafy green vegetables. It is well-known that vitamin C is abundant in citrus fruits. Vitamin B is different as there are different types of it, but a good balanced diet will help to cover all types of Vitamin B.