Sep 25, 2002 06:48 PM
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(Updated Sep 25, 2002 06:52 PM)
Vitamins are essential for the normal functioning of our body.They are necessary for our growth, vitality and general well being.With few exceptions the body cannot manufacture or synthesize vitamins.They must be supplied in diet or in dietary supplement.Vitamins help regulate metabolism, help convert fat and carbohydrates into energy and assist in forming bone and tissue.
Following are the uses of the different vitamins and minerals in our body-
VITAMIN A
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Helps in the formation and maintenance of healthy skin and hair, promotes proper bone growth and tooth development, helps to maintain good vision, fortifies the immune system and maintains protective lining of lungs, intestine, urinary tracts and other organs.
VITAMIN B
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Aids in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism, essential for normal nerve cell functioning, functioning of the heart, enhances blood circulation, red blood cell formation, promotes healthy skin and normal functioning of the eye, releases energy from carbohydrates, fats and proteins, lowers blood cholesterol
VITAMIN C
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Essential for health tissues, teeth, bones, gums, ligaments and bone vessels.Helps in the healing of wounds.Helps prevent the clots that causes hearth attack.
VITAMIN D
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Helps in regulating blood calcium level, required for the formation of healthy bones and teeth, helps absorb phosphorus, magnesium and zinc
VITAMIN E
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Important for cell health and proper functioning of immune system, ensure normal cell structure and enzyme function, helps in formation of red blood cells thereby preventing anemia
VITAMIN K
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Essential for the formation of prothrombin, a blood-clotting compound, converts glucose to glycogen for storage in liver.
CALCIUM
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Builds and maintains stong bones and teeth, helps to regulate heart beat and muscle contraction, is needed for proper blood clotting, aids in regulation of blood pressure and water balance in cells.
IRON
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Essential to the formation of hemoglobin(carries oxygen in the blood) and myoglobin(carries oxygen in muscle), it is part of several enzymes and proteins.
SODIUM
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It helps maintain acid-base balance, helps regulate blood pressure and water balance in cells, aids in muscle contraction and nerve impulse transmission.
POTASSIUM
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It helps maintain acid-base balance, helps regulate blood pressure and water balance in cells, aids in muscle contraction and nerve impulse transmission.Helps with proper functioning of heart and kidneys.
IODINE
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Helps with the regulation of thyroid hormones, needed for normal growth and development.