Get to know your vitamins
Mixey Blob
November 06, 2010
If you are in any way health conscious then you have probably taken some form of vitamin supplement in the past, and consequently know all about vitamins and their usefulness. However, even if you have never taken a vitamin supplement I have written this article especially for a generally health-conscious audience, so that you will understand what each of the vital vitamins is for and why you should look at taking health supplements such as vitamins.
Let's start with the first letter of the alphabet …
Vitamin A. This vitamin is very important for the body because it aids in protein synthesis which means helping single amino acids to combine into a more complex protein. Different proteins are of course substances that are vital for life because they are used among other things to create new muscle tissue. Vitamin A also plays an important role in the production of glycogen (the carbohydrates retained within the body) and most famously it is the vitamin which helps to improve and maintain good eyesight.
Vitamin B1: also called "thiamine", this is essential for producing haemoglobin (found in red blood cells) which is the chemical that transports oxygen around our bodies. B1, like all the B vitamins, is a vital element for healthy metabolism, and B1 in particular is also valuable in keeping the nervous system in good condition.
Vitamin B2: the famous riboflavin. B2 helps in the process of turning body fat to energy by converting carbohydrates into usable fuel.
Niacin or vitamin B3: this helps to increase the blood flow around the muscle tissue which allows a person to look more vascular and full in the outside. It is also considered by some to be useful in maintaining heart health. Niacin is often found in the form ´nicotinamide´ or ´niacinamide´ which has some slightly different effects in the body but still represents this important B vitamin.
Vitamin B6, also called Pyridoxine, is involved in the manufacture of red blood cells and antibodies, and is important for maintaining a healthy digestive system as well as healthy skin. Like several B vitamins, it is vital for metabolic function, particularly breaking down proteins, fats and carbohydrates from the food we eat for the release of stored carbohydrates. This vitamin is also important for the body to build several types of hormone to enable normal function of the body´s nervous system.
Vitamin B12 is, like other B-vitamins, water-soluble; it is also called cobalamin. B12 plays a major role in enabling the healthy functioning of the brain and the nervous system. It is also vital for the formation of blood, and is involved in the metabolic action of every single cell through out our bodies. As you may know, B12 is mostly found in animal products, especially meat, and so vegans and some vegetarians may need to take extra care to make sure they get enough of it.
Biotin: Biotin is yet another of the B-vitamins and it's needed for the formation of fatty acids and glucose, which are both essential for the production of energy from food. Biotin also plays an important role in helping with the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
Vitamin C: probably the best-known vitamin of all! Apart from its reputation as a boost for the immune system in general, it is involved in the creation of collagen (the substance which keeps the joints and other connective tissue in your body in a good healthy state) and also in amino-acid metabolism. On top of that, it is needed for the creation of steroid hormones within the body and, additionally, it also allows the body to absorb iron more easily.
I hope this gives you a useful introduction to some of the important vitamins which we should all eat enough of. Other essential vitamins include Vitamin D and E and some would include F and K too! Remember, they were named ´vitamins´ because they really are ´vital´ to good health. Whether you are trying to improve your athletic performance, work out "how to lose love handles, or you´re starting a quick weight loss diet, you need to know how to eat well and eat healthy!
Let's start with the first letter of the alphabet …
Vitamin A. This vitamin is very important for the body because it aids in protein synthesis which means helping single amino acids to combine into a more complex protein. Different proteins are of course substances that are vital for life because they are used among other things to create new muscle tissue. Vitamin A also plays an important role in the production of glycogen (the carbohydrates retained within the body) and most famously it is the vitamin which helps to improve and maintain good eyesight.
Vitamin B1: also called "thiamine", this is essential for producing haemoglobin (found in red blood cells) which is the chemical that transports oxygen around our bodies. B1, like all the B vitamins, is a vital element for healthy metabolism, and B1 in particular is also valuable in keeping the nervous system in good condition.
Vitamin B2: the famous riboflavin. B2 helps in the process of turning body fat to energy by converting carbohydrates into usable fuel.
Niacin or vitamin B3: this helps to increase the blood flow around the muscle tissue which allows a person to look more vascular and full in the outside. It is also considered by some to be useful in maintaining heart health. Niacin is often found in the form ´nicotinamide´ or ´niacinamide´ which has some slightly different effects in the body but still represents this important B vitamin.
Vitamin B6, also called Pyridoxine, is involved in the manufacture of red blood cells and antibodies, and is important for maintaining a healthy digestive system as well as healthy skin. Like several B vitamins, it is vital for metabolic function, particularly breaking down proteins, fats and carbohydrates from the food we eat for the release of stored carbohydrates. This vitamin is also important for the body to build several types of hormone to enable normal function of the body´s nervous system.
Vitamin B12 is, like other B-vitamins, water-soluble; it is also called cobalamin. B12 plays a major role in enabling the healthy functioning of the brain and the nervous system. It is also vital for the formation of blood, and is involved in the metabolic action of every single cell through out our bodies. As you may know, B12 is mostly found in animal products, especially meat, and so vegans and some vegetarians may need to take extra care to make sure they get enough of it.
Biotin: Biotin is yet another of the B-vitamins and it's needed for the formation of fatty acids and glucose, which are both essential for the production of energy from food. Biotin also plays an important role in helping with the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
Vitamin C: probably the best-known vitamin of all! Apart from its reputation as a boost for the immune system in general, it is involved in the creation of collagen (the substance which keeps the joints and other connective tissue in your body in a good healthy state) and also in amino-acid metabolism. On top of that, it is needed for the creation of steroid hormones within the body and, additionally, it also allows the body to absorb iron more easily.
I hope this gives you a useful introduction to some of the important vitamins which we should all eat enough of. Other essential vitamins include Vitamin D and E and some would include F and K too! Remember, they were named ´vitamins´ because they really are ´vital´ to good health. Whether you are trying to improve your athletic performance, work out "how to lose love handles, or you´re starting a quick weight loss diet, you need to know how to eat well and eat healthy!
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