Find out from WebMD's slideshow which vitamins and minerals your body needs, what they do, and what foods you can eat to get them.. In humans there are 13 vitamins: 4 fat-soluble (A, D, E, and K) and 9 water-soluble (8 B vitamins and vitamin C). Water-soluble vitamins dissolve easily in water and, in general, are readily excreted from the body, to the degree that urinary output is a strong predictor of vitamin consumption.

Understanding the Context

[51] Vitamins are organic compounds that living organisms require in small amounts for the normal growth, metabolism, and health. Unlike carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, vitamins do not provide energy or serve as structural building blocks. Vitamins, on the other hand, generally cannot be synthesized in amounts sufficient to meet bodily needs and therefore must be obtained from the diet or from some synthetic source. For this reason, vitamins are called essential nutrients.

Key Insights

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Final Thoughts

Find out about the vitamins and minerals that are essential for your health, where you can find them and when you may need to take supplements.