What is a Vitamin?
A Vitamin is an essential micronutrient that is required in the diet to maintain functioning of the body and prevent certain diseases.
There are two Groups of Vitamins -
1. Water-Soluble Vitamins: a water-soluble vitamin can dissolve in water. Water-soluble vitamins are carried in the body’s tissues but are not stored in the body. Thus, the levels in the body need to be replaced daily.
Examples: B-Complex Vitamins, Vitamin C and Folic Acid
Unit of Measurement: micrograms (µg), milligrams (mg), grams (g) and kilograms (kg)
2. Fat-Soluble Vitamins: a fat-soluble vitamin can dissolve in fats and oils. Fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed along with fats in the diet and can be stored in the body’s fatty tissue.
Examples: Vitamins A, D, E and K
Units of Measurement: International Units (IU)
