Vitamins & Sources
Vitamins don't give you calories or energy but do help you stay healthy. You cannot make vitamins so you must get them from the foods you eat.Vitamins are only needed in small amounts and most people can meet their vitamin needs by eating a variety of healthy foods. Some people may need extra vitamins to help them meet their special needs.
There are two types of vitamins: - Water soluble vitamins include vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, vitamin C, biotin and folate. They are not stored in large amounts in the body, and any extra is lost through your urine.
- Fat soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E and K and they can be stored in your body. High amounts of fat soluble vitamins are not recommended, as these can cause health problems.
| Vitamin | Function | Food Sources
| Vitamin B1
(Thiamin) | Helps with energy production in your body. | Whole grains, enriched grains
Liver, pork, dried beans, nuts and seeds
| Vitamin B2
(Riboflavin)
| Helps with energy production in your body.
Helps your body use other B vitamins.
| Soybeans, meat and poultry, liver and eggs
Mushrooms
Milk, cheese, yogurt
Whole grains, enriched grains
| Vitamin B3
(Niacin)
| Helps your body to use protein, fat and carbohydrate to make energy.
Helps enzymes work properly in your body.
| Mushrooms
Peanut butter, meat, fish, poultry
Whole grains, enriched grains
| Biotin
| Allows your body to use protein, fat and carbohydrate from food.
| Sweet potatoes
Nonfat milk, yogurt
Peanuts, almonds, eggs, liver, soy protein
*The biotin content in food can vary greatly
| Vitamin B6
(Pyridoxin)
| Helps your body to make and use protein and glycogen which is the stored energy in your muscles and liver.
Helps form hemoglobin which carries oxygen in your blood.
| Potatoes, bananas
100% bran, instant oatmeal
Meat, fish, poultry, liver, soybeans, chickpeas, lentils, pistachio, nuts, sunflower seeds
| Vitamin B12
(Cobalamin)
| Works with the vitamin folate to make DNA.
Helps to make healthy blood cells. Low levels of vitamin B12 can cause a type of anemia.
Keeps nerves working properly.
| Milk, cheese, yogurt, fortified soy or rice beverages
Meat, fish, poultry, liver, eggs, fortified soy products
| Folate
(Folic acid)
| Helps to produce and maintain DNA and cells.
Helps to make red blood cells and prevent anemia.
Getting enough folic acid lowers the risk of having a baby with birth defects like spina bifida.
| Asparagus, cooked spinach, romaine lettuce, Brussels sprouts, beets, broccoli, corn, green peas, oranges, orange juice
Bread, enriched pasta, wheat germ
Liver, dried beans, soybeans, chickpeas, lentils, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds
*Folic acid is the type of folate found in Vitamin supplements and fortified foods.
| Vitamin C
| May help prevent cell damage and reduce risk for certain cancers, heart disease and
other diseases.
Helps heal cuts and wounds and keeps
gums healthy.Protects you from infections by keeping yourimmune system healthy.
Increases the amount of iron your body absorbs from some foods.
| Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits and
their juices, kiwi,strawberries, mangoes,
papaya
Red, yellow and green peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes,raw dark leafy vegetables
| Vitamin A
| Helps you to see in the day and at night.
Protects you from infections by keeping
skin and other body parts healthy.
Promotes normal growth and development.
| Liver, some fish
Milk, cheese
| Carotenoids
| Carotenoids are not vitamins but some types can turn into vitamin A in the body. Act as antioxidants which protect your body from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals.
| Cantaloupe, pink grapefruit, tomatoes, broccoli, dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, beet greens and Swiss chard, dark orange vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes
| Vitamin D
| Increases the amount of calcium and phosphorus your body absorbs from foods. Deposits calcium and phosphorus in bones and teeth, making them stronger and healthier. Protects against infections by keeping your immune system healthy.
| Milk, fortified soy and rice beverages
Fortified margarine
Some fish, eggs, organ meats, fish liver oils
| Vitamin E
| Helps to maintain a healthy immune system and other body processes.
Acts as an antioxidant and protects cells from damage.
| Vegetable oils
Avocados, leafy green vegetables
Wheat germ, sunflower seeds, some nuts, peanut butter
| Vitamin K
| Makes proteins that cause our blood to clot, when you are bleeding.
Involved in making body proteins for your blood, bones and kidneys.
| Broccoli, soybeans, dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, collards, turnip/beet greens and spinach
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