Vitamins

Our bodies work hard to grow, heal, and stay healthy, and to do that, they need a group of nutrients called vitamins.

These are organic substances required in small amounts to keep the body functioning properly. There are thirteen essential vitamins, each playing a unique role in keeping you healthy.

For example, vitamin A keeps your vision sharp, vitamin B₉ helps make red blood cells, and vitamin K helps your blood clot when you get a cut.

Many of these vitamins come from the food you eat. For example, carrots and spinach give you vitamin A, while oranges are packed with vitamin C.

However, some vitamins are also made inside the body. For example, vitamin D is produced when exposed to sunlight, and vitamin B₁₂ and K are produced by bacteria in your body.

Even though your body can produce some vitamins, most of them come from your diet. Without enough vitamins, your body can struggle to stay healthy. For example, a severe vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy, a condition that causes bleeding gums and weakness.