what is vitamin taken for
Calcium and vitamin D: a partnership. Calcium and vitamin D work in tandem to strengthen and protect your bones. For years, experts have recommended that postmenopausal women take calcium and vitamin D supplements to prevent osteoporosis. The bone-thinning disease is a major cause of devastating fractures in old age.
Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep the body's nerve and blood cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. Vitamin B12 also helps prevent a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia that makes people tired and weak. Two steps are required for the body to absorb vitamin B12 from food. First, hydrochloric acid in the stomach separates vitamin B12 from the protein to which vitamin B12 is attached in food.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin found in many foods, fats, and oils. It is also an antioxidant, a substance that may help prevent damage to the body's cells. Antioxidants may provide protection against serious diseases including heart disease and cancer.
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in many foods. Vitamin A is important for normal vision, the immune system, and reproduction. Vitamin A also helps the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other organs work properly. There are two different types of vitamin A. The first type, preformed vitamin A, is found in meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products. The second type, provitamin A, is found in fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based products. The most common type of provitamin A in foods and dietary supplements is beta-carotene.
Vitamins K3-5 are synthetic and can be purchased as supplements. Vitamin K plays a major role in blood clotting, bone metabolism and the regulation of blood calcium levels. It is absorbed in the small intestine and stored in fatty tissue and the liver. Vitamin K is utilized by the liver in the production of prothrombin (clotting factor).