A vitamin is an organic moleculeImagine everything in your body is made of tiny building blocks. Organic molecules are like those essential building blocks that come together to form all living things! • Other Names: You might not hear other names for organic molecules very often… Read More, which means it’s a naturally occurring compound made up mostly of carbonCarbon is a chemical element, one of the fundamental building blocks that make up everything around us. It’s a versatile atom that can form bonds with other elements, including itself, creating an astonishing variety of molecules. Think of carbon as… Read More. Our bodies need vitamins in small amounts to function properly. They help with many important jobs, including:

• Building and maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and skin
• Converting food into energy
• Supporting our immune systemYour immune system is like your body’s own personal security force, constantly on guard against invaders like germs (bacteria, viruses, etc.). It’s a complex network of organs, cells, and proteins that work together to protect you from getting sick. But… Read More
• Regulating chemical reactions in the body (metabolismImagine your body as a bustling factory. In this factory, “metabolize” is the process of taking raw materials (like food) and transforming them into usable products (like energy). It’s the complex network of chemical reactions that sustains living things, ensuring… Read More)

Different Names and OriginsWhat is an origin? An origin is the starting point, the place or source where something begins. It’s like the very first chapter in the story of that thing. Examples: • The origin of a river: Where the river first… Read More:

The word “vitamin” is relatively new. A Polish biochemist by the name of Casimir Funk named it in 1912. He combined the Latin word “vita” (meaning “life”) with the chemical suffix “-amine” (commonly found in organicThe word “organic” has two main meanings related to living organisms and the natural world. Here’s a breakdown of its definition, origin, and how it applies to food and health: Etymology and Origin: • Origin: The word “organic” stems from… Read More compounds containing nitrogenNitrogen is an element that’s all around us! It makes up about 78% of the air we breathe. But more importantly, nitrogen is a crucial building block for many important molecules in your body. • Other Names: • You might… Read More). Interestingly, Funk’s original idea of what a vitamin was has been refined over time, but the name stuck!

Vitamins and Metabolism:

Metabolism refers to all the chemical reactions happening in our bodies that keep us alive and functioning. Vitamins play a crucial role in these reactions by acting as coenzymesA coenzyme is like a tiny but mighty sidekick that helps enzymes do their jobs in your body. Imagine a chef needing a special tool to perfectly chop vegetables. A coenzyme is like that special tool—it partners with an enzyme… Read More. Coenzymes are like tiny helpers for enzymesEnzymes are special proteins that speed up chemical reactions in your body. They’re like tiny helpers that get important jobs done quickly and efficiently. Examples: • Digestive enzymes: These break down food into smaller parts your body can absorb. (Example: Amylase… Read More, which are the workhorses of metabolism. They speed up and regulate countless chemical processes, ensuring our bodies can use food for energy, build tissues, and get rid of waste.

Synonyms for Vitamin:

Here are some well-documented synonyms for vitamin:

• Essential nutrientEssential nutrients are like the irreplaceable actors in a play – your body absolutely needs them to function properly. These nutrients come from the food you eat and are used for various vital processes, including fueling your metabolism. • Synonyms: Well-documented… Read More
• MicronutrientsMicronutrients are essential nutrients your body needs in small amounts to function properly. Think of them as the “fine-tuning” tools for your internal machinery. Unlike macronutrients, which provide us with a lot of energy, micronutrients work in smaller yet crucial… Read More (because we only need them in small amounts)
• Lifeactive substance (a historical term)

Remember:

There are 13 essential vitaminsEssential vitamins are like the tiny conductors in your body’s metabolic orchestra. They’re organic compounds, meaning they come from living things, that your body needs in small amounts to function properly. Imagine them as the conductors who guide and coordinate… Read More, each with a specific job in the body. A balanced diet is the best way to get the vitamins you need, but supplements can be helpful in some cases. If you have any concerns about your vitamin intake, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian.