Health cannot be sustained without vitamins. The human body specifically requires 13 of these compounds to grow and develop: vitamins A, C, D, E, K and the B vitamins (folate, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothentic acid, biotin, and vitamins B-6 and B-12). Each of these vitamins performs its own job: vitamin A, for instance, supports vision; while B vitamins help with energy production. A balanced, whole-foods-based diet will provide the majority of vitamins needed by children, adults and seniors, but even the healthiest people may need to fill in important nutrient gaps. Research shows, for example, that 70 percent of U.S. kids are deficient in the essential nutrient vitamin D. This is where dietary supplements, such as a multivitamin or vitamin D drops, or functional foods and beverages can help support optimal health. When taken in supplement or fortified food form, however, it is possible to get too much of a good thing--particularly of fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E and K, which can build up in the body. Water-soluble vitamins, like C and the Bs, are not stored in the body and need to be replaced each day.
