Vitamins are organic compounds essential by all and needed as a nutrient in small quantities. The term is taken from two different words, vital and amine. Vitamins are needed for proper functioning of the human body and they were originally regarded as amines.

There are two types of vitamins-fat soluble and water soluble. Fat soluble vitamins are found in the fat tissues and are utilized by the body when it needs it. The fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins A, D, E and K. Unlike fat-soluble vitamins, water soluble vitamins are not stored in the body, but travel through the blood stream and whatever is not used, is given out by the body. As a result, these vitamins need to be replaced again and again. Vitamins C and B belong to this group.

Vitamin A plays a significant role in bone growth, cell division, vision, and cell differentiation. Vitamin A also facilitates lymphocytes in fighting infections more effectively. The main vitamin A deficiency is night blindness resulting in complete blindness with the passage of time. Vitamin A was discovered in 1909 and is main source is cod liver oil. It can also be found in milk, eggs, and liver and in dark colored vegetables.

Vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, folic acid, biotin, and pantothenic acid collective compose vitamin B. Vitamin B complex is also necessary for the metabolism of proteins and fats. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy nervous system. Vitamin B is also important for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Fish and poultry, green vegetables, whole grain, eggs and seafood are rich in vitamin B complex. Beri-beri, pellagra, edema are some of the diseases caused due to vitamin B deficiency.

Vitamin C is an important nutrient for the human body and unlike most mammals human beings do not have the power or the ability to make their own vitamin. It is therefore essential to include vitamin C in our diet. The main function of Vitamin C however, is the synthesis of collagen a significant structural component of bones, ligaments, tendons and blood vessels. It also helps in synthesizing neurotransmitter, important for brain functioning. Neurotransmitters are also said to affect the mood of a person. Discovered in 1912, lemons are the best source of this vitamin. Vitamin D was discovered in 1818 and the best source of this is vitamin is cod liver oil. It is a fat-soluble vitamin playing a major role in bone formation and mineralization. The important vitamin D deficiencies are rickets and osteomalacia. Rickets is common in children as a result vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin E is a family of eight antioxidants and helps in preventing breakdown of body tissues. The important foods that provide our regular dose of vitamin E are nuts, green vegetables, and cereals. Vitamin K causes impaired blood clotting with symptoms like bruising, bleeding gums, nose bleeds and blood in stools or even heavy menstrual bleeding. It is found in green leafy vegetables, cauliflower and liver.