Vitamin

Vitamins are widely available from the natural foods we eat. So, before you reach for the vitamin jar, try eating your vitamins from natural foods.

Unlike protein, carbohydrates and fats, vitamins do not yield usable energy when broken down. They assist the enzymes that release energy from carbohydrates, proteins and fats, but they do not provide energy themselves.

Vitamins:
What the vitamin does & Significant food sources:

B1 (thiamin): Supports energy metabolism and nerve function. Found in: spinach, green peas, tomato juice, watermelon, sunflower seeds, lean ham, lean pork chops, soy milk.

B2 (riboflavin): Supports energy metabolism, normal vision and skin health. Found in: spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, eggs, milk, liver, oysters, clams.

B3 (niacin): Supports energy metabolism, skin health, nervous system and digestive system. Found in: spinach, potatoes, tomato juice, lean ground beef, chicken breast, tuna (canned in water), liver, shrimp.

Biotin: Energy metabolism, fat synthesis, amino acid metabolism, glycogen synthesis. Widespread in foods.

Pantothenic Acid: Supports energy metabolism. Widespread in foods.

B6 (pyridoxine): Amino acid and fatty acid metabolism, red blood cell production. Found in: bananas, watermelon, tomato juice, broccoli, spinach, acorn squash, potatoes, white rice, chicken breast.

Folate: Supports DNA synthesis and new cell formation. Found in: tomato juice, green beans, broccoli, spinach, asparagus, okra, black-eyed peas, lentils, navy, pinto and garbanzo beans.

B12: Used in new cell synthesis, helps break down fatty acids and amino acids, supports nerve cell maintenance. Found in: meats, poultry, fish, shellfish, milk, eggs.

C (ascorbic acid): Collagen synthesis, amino acid metabolism, helps iron absorption, immunity, antioxidant. Found in: spinach, broccoli, red bell peppers, snow peas, tomato juice, kiwi, mango, orange, grapefruit juice, strawberries.

A (retinol): Supports vision, skin, bone and tooth growth, immunity and reproduction. Found in: mango, broccoli, butternut squash, carrots, tomato juice, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, beef liver.

D: Promotes bone mineralization self-synthesis via sunlight. Found in: fortified milk, egg yolk, liver, fatty fish.

E: Antioxidant, regulation of oxidation reactions, supports cell membrane stabilization. Found in: polyunsaturated plant oils (soybean, corn and canola oils), wheat germ, sunflower seeds, tofu, avocado, sweet potatoes, shrimp, cod.

K: Synthesis of blood-clotting proteins, regulates blood calcium. Found in: Brussels sprouts, leafy green vegetables, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, liver.