Vitamins

VITAMINS

Introduction

The vitamins are a group of complex organic compounds required in small quantities by the body for the maintenance of good health. They are not normally synthesized in the body and hence they should be supplied by the diet. The vitamins are present in foods in small quantities.

Unlike other groups of nutrients the vitamins are not chemically similar to each other. Each vitamin has a specific chemical structure and a specific function or functions in the living system. Most of the vitamins act as coenzymes in the body. Normally a well balanced diet will supply all the necessary vitamins in sufficient quantity.