The 14 essential vitamins can be classified into two groups:
fat-soluble and water-soluble. The fat-soluble vitamins include
A, D, E and K, and have many functions, including promoting
healthy eyes and bones. The water-soluble vitamins include all
the B vitamins, choline and vitamin C. Most of these are
involved in essential enzyme systems and energy metabolism. The
word “vitamin” was invented by researchers studying beriberi, a
disease caused by severe deficiency of vitamin B1 (thiamin). The
researchers described a compound believed to act as a cure, as a
“vital amine” after its chemical characteristics. Make sure you
get vitamins from whole foods as taking vitamin supplement pills
may pose health risks ranging from toxicity to nutrient
displacement. The Journal of Clinical Investigation found
vitamin E pills actually increased LDL (bad) cholesterol in
animal studies. A National Institutes of Health "state-of-the-
science" panel found insufficient evidence on the benefits and
safety of multivitamins/minerals