Vitamin K Other name(s): antihemorrhagic factor, menadiol, menadione (vitamin K-3), menaquinone (vitamin K-2), methylphytyl naphthoquinone, phylloquinone (vitamin K-1), phytonadione General description Vitamin K, one of the fat-soluble vitamins, is involved in promoting blood clotting. The major source of vitamin K, phylloquinone, is found in green plants. Another form of vitamin K, menaquinone, is produced by bacteria living in the intestine. Menadione, the synthetic form of vitamin K, is the most pote...

Zinc Other name(s): zinc gluconate, zinc sulfate General description Zinc is an essential trace element. It is almost as plentiful in the human body as iron , and is concentrated in the eyes, brain, pancreas, kidneys, liver, and adrenal gland. In 1956, it was recognized as an essential nutrient. Zinc is necessary for insulin to work effectively, and is involved in protein and DNA synthesis. Bone and teeth need zinc for proper mineralization. Zinc is necessary to prevent birth defects. Zinc functions in ...

Biotin Other name(s): vitamin H (archaic), coenzyme R, d-biotin, hexahydro-2-oxo-1H-thienol[3,4-d]-imidazole-4-pentatonoic acid General description Biotin is classified as a B vitamin. It is water soluble and readily absorbed when taken orally. It is found in a variety of foods and is also produced by bacteria inside the large intestine. Biotin deficiency is rare. Like the other B vitamins, biotin plays an important role in energy production. Biotin works with carboxylase enzymes, ATP, and magnesium to ...

Folic Acid Other name(s): vitamin B 9 , folacin, folate, tetrahydrofolic acid, tetrahydropteroylglutamic acid, THF General description Folic acid, folate, or vitamin B 9 , is a water-soluble vitamin. It plays an important part in cell division, in the creation of cells in the blood-forming organs and bone marrow, and in the proper development of the fetal spinal cord during pregnancy. Like the other B vitamins, folic acid plays an important role in energy production. The body converts folic acid to tetr...

Vitamin C Other Name(s): anti-scorbutic agent, ascorbic acid, calcium ascorbate, dehydroascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate General Description Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin found in many fruits and vegetables. It is a popular supplement, and many people feel that large doses (megadoses) provide additional benefits for the body. Vitamin C is important in the development and maintenance of the connective tissues of the body. Vitamin C is also a potent antioxidant . Some studies show th...

Vitamin D Other Name(s): calciferol (vitamin D-3), cholecalciferol, dihydrotachysterol (a synthetic vitamin D), ergocalciferol (vitamin D-2), ergosterol (provitamin D-2), 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D-3), 22-dihydroergosterol (vitamin D-4 or provitamin D-4) General Description: Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is necessary for bone growth and development. Because it is stored by the body, taking too much vitamin D can cause toxicity problems. Vitamin D deficiency may result in rickets (a dis...

Vitamin E Other name(s): alpha tocopherol, alpha-tocopherol, tocotrienol, 5,7,8 trimethyl-tocotrienol General description Vitamin E is a series of fat-soluble compounds called tocopherols. Alpha-tocopherol is the most potent and widely used form of vitamin E. Tocopherols are found in the oily residue of plants. Tocotrienols are also found in plants and have vitamin E-like activity. Vitamin E, vitamin C , and vitamin A are the antioxidant vitamins, and protect the body from oxidative damage. Vitamin E is...

Niacin Other name(s): vitamin B 3 , niacinamide, nicotinamide, nicotinic acid, nicotinic acid amide General description Niacin is a member of the B family of vitamins ( B Complex ). Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin and excess amounts are excreted through the kidneys. Like the other B vitamins, niacin plays an important role in energy production. Niacin functions in two important enzyme systems (NAD and NADP) that affect all the tissues of the body. These enzyme systems help transport hydrogen within th...

Pantothenic Acid Other name(s): vitamin B 5 , chick antidermatitis factor (archaic), pantothenyl alcohol General description Pantothenic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that belongs to the B group of vitamins. Like the other B vitamins, pantothenic acid plays a role in energy production. It is also essential in the production of fatty acids and important hormones, and helps maintain the health of muscles and the digestive system. Pantothenic acid is an essential component of coenzyme A, which functions ...

Pyridoxine Other name(s): vitamin B 6 , pyridoxal phosphate, pyridoxamine, pyridoxol, pyridoxyl-5-phosphate General description Pyridoxine, also known as vitamin B 6 , is a water-soluble vitamin. Like the other B vitamins, pyridoxine plays an important role in energy production. B-6 was isolated in 1939. It is required for the proper functioning of more than 60 enzymes in the body, especially in the synthesis of non-essential amino acids. Pyridoxine is essential for the synthesis of neurotransmitters su...