January 30, 2024
Vitamins are essential organic compounds that facilitate numerous physiological processes, including supporting the immune system, bone health, eye health, heart health, neurological function, and energy production. Many vitamins are also antioxidants that protect against free radicals and oxidative stress, while others are critical for cell growth and repair. The body can’t produce essential vitamins in sufficient quantities to fuel these processes and relies on dietary sources to meet its nutritional needs. The 13 essential vitamins include vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, C, D, E, and K. PureBulk carries all the essential vitamins as standalone products or vitamin blends, as well as several vitamin-related compounds.
Deficiencies in these vitamins can lead to various health problems, ranging from mild symptoms to severe conditions. For example, a vitamin A deficiency may lead to night blindness, a vitamin C deficiency can cause scurvy, and inadequate vitamin D can result in bone disorders. Maintaining a balanced and varied diet that includes a wide range of nutrient-rich foods is essential to ensure adequate vitamin intake. However, some situations may require supplementation, as certain populations are more susceptible to developing vitamin deficiencies. These include: [1 - 11]
Understanding solubility is crucial when taking vitamin supplements. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water and absorb directly into the bloodstream from the digestive tract. However, the body can only store these vitamins for a limited time before excreting them through the urine. As a result, they require daily consumption to replenish them. In contrast, fat-soluble vitamins dissolve in fat, meaning the body can keep them in its fat stores for longer. However, the body also holds fat-soluble vitamins in the liver, which increases the risk of toxicity if consumed in excess or too often. [12, 13]
B Vitamins