Vitamins are essential in the diet because the body does not
produce enough of them, or may not produce them at all. There
are thirteen different vitamins, A, eight B-complex vitamins, C,
D, E, and K. Since the body (for the most part) is unable to
make vitamins, they must be supplied in the daily diet or
through supplements. One vitamin, Vitamin D, is produced in the
skin when it is exposed to the sun's rays. Vitamin K is not made
by the body at all, but is formed by microorganisms in the
intestinal tract only when green, leafy vegetables and vegetable
oils are eaten. The body's vitamin requirements are expressed in
terms of recommended dietary allowances, or RDAs. These amounts
are considered to be sufficient by the established medical
community, but I suspect they will learn that we need more or
need different nutrients than they presently think we do.
Proteins, carbohydrates, and fats combine with other substances
to furnish energy and build tissues. These chemical reactions
are enhanced by enzymes produc