Vitamins: Essential Micronutrients for Optimal Health

Vitamins

Vitamins function as indispensable micronutrients crucial for a myriad of physiological processes and for maintaining optimal growth and development. These essential nutrients are classified into 13 distinct types, including Vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, and the B-complex vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12). According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), these micronutrients are further categorized into two primary groups: fat-soluble vitamins, which are stored in hepatic and adipose tissues, and water-soluble vitamins, which require consistent intake due to their inability to be stored in the body. While vitamin deficiencies are relatively uncommon in Western societies, owing to the abundance of nutrient-rich foods and fortification practices, they can still manifest and result in a variety of health complications.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has documented vitamin deficiencies' global prevalence and impact. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides regulatory guidelines for vitamin supplements, and nutritional recommendations are disseminated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The role of vitamins in reducing disease risk and enhancing overall wellness has been corroborated by a plethora of clinical studies and scientific publications. These include research programs at Harvard Medical School, Ayurvedic Medicine principles from India, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices.