Vitamins are organic substances essential to the normal functioning of our body. They are necessary for the growth and vitality. The greater part of vitamins cannot be produced by our body and need to be obtained through foods or food supplements. The skin absorbs three vitamins: A, D and E. We know thirteen vitamins: 4 are lipo-soluble (A,D, E and K), the rest is water-soluble.

A water-soluble vitamin is a vitamin that dissolves in water. It cannot be stored in the body for a long time. She travels through the body and everything that the body does not need is dismissed through the urine. There is a need to renew this type of vitamin all days.

An oil soluble vitamin is absorbed using the grease. It may be stored in the liver and the fatty tissues of the body. This kind of vitamins should not be ingested in quantities too large because the kidneys cannot eliminate it. A high rate in fat soluble vitamins can be toxic.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an antioxidant, which inhibits the formation of nitrosamines (suspected carcinogens).  It is important for the maintenance of bones, teeth, collagen and blood vessels and improves the formation of red blood corpuscles. It also fosters the efficient use by the body of other nutrients, such as iron, B vitamins, vitamins A and E, calcium and certain amino acids. By favoring the formation of a connective tissue strong, it helps to heal the wounds and burns. The stress, fever and infections increase the needs of the body in vitamin C.

A deficiency can have as consequences of soft reverse gingivitis with bleeding, of decay, of blues, anemia, loss of appetite, injuries and fractures that take time to heal, swollen joints or painful, nosebleeds, muscle weakness, bleeding from the skin, fragile hair and a weakened digestion.


Thiamine is necessary for the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. She warns the beri beri, stabilizes the appetite and promotes growth and muscle tone. It is essential for the normal functioning of the nervous system, the muscles and the court.

A deficiency can have consequences such as loss of appetite, weakness, fatigue, paralysis, irritability, weight loss, insomnia, small aches and pains, a nervous breakdown, a constipation and heart problems and gastrointestinal problems.


The riboflavin is essential for the development of cells and for the enzymatic reactions through which the body metabolizes protein, carbohydrates and fats. It also helps in the formation of antibodies and red blood cells and helps to normal vision and to the health of hair, nails and skin.

A deficiency can have as consequences of itching and inflammation in the eyes, bloodshot eyes, dermatitis, digestive disorders, a purplish tongue, indigestion in the mouth and on the lips, a delay of growth, of apathy, a flickering skin and oily.


Niacin is important for the metabolism of carbohydrates, the training of testosterone and other hormones and the formation of red blood corpuscles. It helps the body to metabolize the proteins, sugar and fats, and is necessary for a nervous system and digestive tract which works well. Niacin also improves circulation and reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood.

A deficiency can have as consequences of fatigue, of the disorders gastrointestinal disorders, headaches, indigestion, loss of appetite, a nervous breakdown, the nervousness, of small aches and pains, insomnia, skin problems, muscle weakness, a bad breath and indigestion.


THE pantothenic acid is necessary for the normal functioning of the adrenal glands, which directly affects the growth. It is also essential for the formation of fatty acids and participated in the use of the riboflavin and to the release of energy from carbohydrates, fats and proteins. In addition, it improves the physical resistance to stress, help the adrenal glands and fight the infections in constructing of the antibodies.

A deficiency can have as consequences of the feet that burn, the digestion, the small moments of dizziness, muscle cramps, restlessness, a delay of growth, abnormalities at the level of the skin, a stress stomach and vomiting.


Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is essential in the metabolism of proteins. It facilitates the release of glycogen from the liver and muscles and helps to maintain the proper balance in sodium and potassium, which regulates the body fluids and promotes the proper functioning of the nervous systems and muscle. It also helps in the formation of antibodies, improves the health of the skin and reduces the numbness of the hand, the cramps in the legs, muscle spasms and nausea.

A deficiency can have as consequences of anemia, insomnia, loss of hair, nervousness, skin rashes, loss of muscle control, cramps in the arms and legs and the retention of water.


The folate (folic acid) is a vitamin of the complex AB who works with vitamin B12 and vitamin C in the use of proteins. The folate is found naturally in the food (also known as
The food folate) whereas the acid folate is the synthetic form of this vitamin that is found in supplements and fortified foods. It is also necessary for the development of red blood cells. The folate is essential during pregnancy!!!! In order to prevent neural tube defects during the development of the fetus. In addition, it is essential for the synthesis of DNA and RNA which is necessary for good growth and reproduction of all cells of the body.

A deficiency can have as consequences of anemia, disorders of the gastrointestinal, a deficiency of vitamin B12 and hair prematurely gray.


Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is necessary for the normal development of nervous tissue and is active in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It is essential for the normal functioning of all the cells of the body, particularly those of the spinal cord, the gastrointestinal system and the nervous system. It is also necessary for the formation of red blood corpuscles, improves the functions of the iron into the metabolic cycle and attended the folic acid in the synthesis of choline. Vitamin B12 also fostered the growth of children and played an important role in the production of DNA and RNA, the genetic material of living cells.

A deficiency of vitamin B12 has for consequence of cells of abnormal size, wide, because they are not divided as it should be. Because they are too big, the blood cells have more difficulties to carry oxygen, causing fatigue. A deficiency of vitamin B12 can have serious effects on the nerve cells, the spinal cord and the brain. The symptoms are confusion, a nervous breakdown, irritability, inability to concentrate, tingling and numbness in the fingers, arms and legs, a loss of sensation and, finally, a paralysis. Other problems that can occur are diseases of the heart, of the attacks or a delay in growth among children.

Vitamin B12 can be found in the bacteria. If we do not wash our food, we would have of the B12 in many other sources. Vitamin B12 can be found in animal products, because the animals consume the particles of soil or manure when they eat grass or hay. The bacteria that produce the vitamin B12 are consumed and the vitamin ends in the flesh!!! Or the milk of the animal.

There is no food source reliable vitamin B12 for vegans. The veganes can ensure they take enough of B12 by consuming the fortified products, such as soy milk or rice enriched in B12 or breakfast cereals fortified with B12. In the light of all the information currently available, it is recommended that the vegan to take a supplement with vitamin B12.
Vitamin A (retinol, carotene) is essential for normal growth and development of the body (more particularly for bone and teeth), the protection of mucous membranes against infections, normal vision (especially the night vision), breastfeeding and the health of the skin and hair.

A deficiency can have consequences such as a night blindness, skin a gravelly, dry and peeling , an increased susceptibility to infection, the loss of smell and of appetite, fatigue and bad teeth.


Vitamin D regulates the amount of calcium and phosphorus in the blood by improving their absorption and their use. It is required for bone and teeth formation. It also maintains the stability of the nervous system and a normal operation of the court. Vitamin D can be manufactured by the enzymes that are located in the skin by exposing himself directly in the sun and may also be found in certain foods. The D2 (ergocalciferol) is usual vegane, whereas the D3 (cholicalciferol) is normally the result of a source animal.

A deficiency can have as consequences of rickets, a bone-weakening, a loss of energy, of decay, of fractures badly treated, a muscle weakness, an inadequate absorption of calcium and a retention of phosphorus in the kidneys.

15 Minutes of daily exposure of the face and the arm in the sun are sufficient (there must be more for the people with darker skin).  If there is not enough sunlight, it is possible to buy the vitamin D thanks to:
  • Of products fortified with vitamin D, such as the soy milk or rice enriched with vitamin D or breakfast cereals fortified with vitamin D.
  • Supplements of vitamin D.
Vitamin E (tocopherol) is a nutrient important antioxidant which protects cell membranes, fat and vitamin A of destruction due to oxidation. It also inhibits the oxidation of LDL cholesterol ( "bad" cholesterol), which can reduce the risk of heart disease. In addition, it helps to protect the red blood cells, brought food to the cells, prevents and dissolves blood clots and provides oxygen to the blood, which is then transported to the court and to the other organs, relieving fatigue.

A deficiency can result in the rupture of red blood cells, a lack of sexual vitality, deposits of abnormal fat in the muscles, the degenerative changes in the heart and other organs and a dry skin.



Vitamin K is made by bacteria which live in the intestines and can also be found in certain foods. It is necessary in the formation of prothrombin, a necessary component to the clotting of blood, which is critical in the event of injury. Vitamin K is also essential for the functioning
The liver, the storage of glycogen, a form of sugar transformed later in energy, and for a good growth of bone by helping the body to carry the calcium.
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