The Vitamin Alphabet

Vitamins work as regulators in the body.  Additionally they partner with proteins in the body to cause reactions to take place. Sure, but what does that mean?  Where can I find them? Let's work through it...

Vitamin A- Necessary for healthy eyes, skin and digestive tract and nose linings.
                   Food sources: orange and yellow fruits and vegetables, egg yolks, fortified milk, citrus fruits
   
B Vitamins - There are several B Vitamins each with different functions and sources.  They are necessary for healthy skin, growth, hormone production, production of red and white blood cells.
                      Food sources: dairy products, beans, enriched grains, vegetables, meats

Vitamin C - Necessary for healthy bones, teeth, and cartilage and enhancement of immune system
                    Food sources: citrus fruits, broccoli, green and red peppers, Brussels sprouts, potatoes

Vitamin D - Needed for calcium and phorphorus breakdown and use and for healthy bones
                    Food sources: fortified milk, sardines, sunlight

Vitamin E - Necessary for nourishing and strengthening cells.
                    Food sources: whole grains, nuts, vegetable oils

Vitamin K - Necessary for blood clotting
                    Food sources: spinach, broccoli, kale

These vitamins are broken up into two categories: Fat-soluble and Water-soluble.

• Fat-soluble vitamins dissolve in fat and are carried into the blood stream.  This is why moderate amounts of dietary fat is important.  Include Vitamins A, D, E, & K.
• Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water and are carried into the blood stream.  These are not stored in the body like fat-soluble vitamins, but instead the body uses what it needs then excretes the extra.  Daily intake of these vitamins are espcially important. Include B Vitamins and Vitamin C.

In other words....Eat a healthy, balanced and varied diet to keep up with the Vitamin Alphabet.