Function Essay

Function Essay

Susan Smith

SCI/241

Glenn Johnson

May 27, 2012

Vitamins represent a group of complex organic compounds present in minuscule amounts in natural foods that are essential to normal metabolism and lack of which in the diet causes deficiency diseases. Vitamins are required in trace amounts in the diet for health, growth and reproduction. Vitamins have multiple roles and they work together to perform many purposes, from reducing infection to promoting metabolism.

Daily vitamin consumption is extremely important for all individuals including infants and children. If ones daily consumption of vitamins is below the recommended allowance, he or she may develop a condition known as malnutrition which can lead to vitamin deficiency symptoms and serious health problems as well. To avoid this from becoming an issue, health nutritionists have determined the ideal vitamin intake levels for the 13 essential vitamins that our body needs daily (Medicine Net, 2012). For maximum, health, our body requires a number of different vitamins and minerals.

According to Complete Book of vitamins and Minerals (2010), “Vitamins are divided into two groups: water-soluble, and fat-soluble.” Unlike water soluble vitamins that need routine replacement in our body, fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the liver and fatty tissues, and are eliminated more slowly than water soluble vitamins. Because fat soluble vitamins are stored for such long periods, they commonly pose a greater risk for toxicity than water soluble vitamins when consumed in excess. Eating a well-balanced diet will not lead to toxicity in otherwise healthy individuals. Eight of the water soluble vitamins are known as the B-complex group: thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, biotin and pantothenic acid. These vitamins are broadly distributed in foods we consume. Their impact is felt in many parts of one’s body. These particular vitamins function as...