Overview

Vitamins are organic substances found mainly in foods that are essential in minute quantities for growth and health. Vitamins aid in regulating the body's metabolism and serve as catalysts for important chemical processes throughout the body. Some vitamins are necessary to aid in the release of energy from digested food. Others assist in the formation of hormones, blood, bones, skin, glands, and nerves. Only vitamin D can be manufactured by the body; all others must be introduced through the diet. Lack of sufficient vitamin intake has contributed to disease and dysfunction throughout the history of the world. During the early twentieth century, the important role of diet in the prevention of disease and maintenance of health was confirmed with the discovery of vitamins. Recent advances in chemistry, physiology, and...