Vitamins
Vitamins are vital substances that our body cannot produce itself and must therefore take with food or in the form of vitamin products. Vitamins are organic compounds that are needed for vital functions of the organism, but do not serve as energy carriers. Vitamins are divided into fat-soluble vitamins and water-soluble vitamins. Vitamins are involved in various important processes, for example in the formation and protection of cells. For example, some vitamins play an important role in the formation of bones or in blood formation. In addition, some vitamins also have so-called antioxidant properties. They prevent the formation of free radicals, which are partly responsible for the development of many diseases. Vitamins are produced by plants and microorganisms. Foods such as vegetables and fruit, vegetable oils, whole grain products and nuts are therefore an essential source of vitamins for humans. But animal products such as fish, meat, offal, milk and eggs also provide important vitamins. Below is a small overview & valuable information about some, important vitamins.
The B vitamin group comprises a total of eight vitamins that, as coenzymes, play a central role in many metabolic processes. Although these vitamins are grouped together as the B complex, the eight B vitamins are completely different substances and independent vitamins. Find out more here.
The body has only a limited storage capacity for vitamin B1 (thiamine). In its active form, vitamin B1 is a vital coenzyme for energy production. Read more about this here.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) belongs to the coenzymes (flavins) that are of central importance for carbohydrate, fatty acid and protein metabolism in the cell. Read more about it here.
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is found in foods and supplements in two forms: nicotinic acid and niacinamide. Both forms can be converted by the body into the metabolically active form niacin. Read more about it here.
Pantothenic acid plays a central role in the cell's energy metabolism. It is also involved in the body's production of sex hormones, steroid hormones, cholesterol and vitamin D. Find out more here.
Pyridoxine, also known as vitamin B6, is absorbed through food and requires sufficient zinc and vitamin B2 reserves in the body to be activated. As it is involved in over 100 processes in the body and vitamin B6 reserves in the body are not very large, we need a regular supply to prevent deficiency symptoms. Read more about this here.
Biotin is an essential component of enzymes responsible for fat, sugar and protein metabolism. Deficiencies can lead to skin inflammation, brittle hair and conjunctivitis, among other things. Read more about it here.
Folates (as found in food) and folic acid (a synthetic compound found in supplements) are important for cell division and function. This is why the need for folates is particularly high in early pregnancy. Read more here.
The forms of vitamin B12 most commonly used in preparations are hydroxycobalamin and methylcobalamin. A protein (intrinsic factor) produced in the stomach lining is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12. Read more here.
Vitamin C plays a key role in the formation of collagen (connective tissue, cartilage and bones), carnitine and hormones, among other things. Vitamin C must be obtained from food, as the human body, unlike animals, is unable to produce it itself. Since vitamin C cannot be stored in the body, it must be consumed on a regular basis. Read more here.
Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is the form of vitamin D that our skin synthesises from cholesterol when exposed to sunlight (UV-B). Vitamin D3 is activated in the liver and further converted into calcitriol in the kidneys. Read more about it here.
The main function of vitamin K is to activate so-called coagulation factors. Vitamin K also activates various proteins (e.g. osteocalcin, matrix Gla protein) that are important for bones and blood vessels. Read more here.