Infographic “Functions of the 8 Essential B Vitamins”: Nervous system and energy metabolism – B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, and B12; Red blood cell formation – B2, B6, and B12; Immune system and homocysteine metabolism – B6, B9 (folate), and B12; Cell division – B9 and B12

Vitamins for Life — Overview & Functions

Vitamins are extremely importantfor our metabolismand play a role in many processes. A total of 20 vitamins are currently recognized by science—13 of which are considered essential for humans: theeight B vitamins, as well asvitamins A, C, D3, E, and K2. With a few exceptions, our bodies cannot produce them on their own. They must therefore be obtained through our diet, meaning they are essential nutrients.

Since the functions of vitamins in metabolism overlap and, in some cases, reinforce one another, it is important to ensure a consistent supply of all vitamins. The B vitamins work together particularly closely, so a B-complex vitamin is recommended. Vitamins D3, K2, and A also have functions that overlap significantly and are therefore a beneficial combination. In certain life situations, there is anincreased need for vitamins, such as with an unbalanced diet, stress, exercise, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in old age, and when taking certain medications or dealing with certain illnesses.

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What are vitamins?

Vitamins arecomplex organic compounds that occur only in living organisms. They do not provide direct energy, as carbohydrates do, for example, but areneededfor the breakdown of carbohydrates inenergy metabolism, as well as for many other functions.

Vitamins are produced in plants, bacteria, and animals and must beobtainedby humansthrough food. Only vitamin D3 can be synthesized by our bodies in significant amounts. However, this requires sufficient daily exposure to sunlight. In addition, vitamin K2 and various B vitamins are synthesized by the “good” bacteria in the gut. However, this occurs only in small amounts and primarily for the bacteria’s own metabolism. This is far from sufficient to meet our body’s daily needs. Some vitamins are also present in food as inactive precursors, known as provitamins. One example is the well-known beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. The body must first convert these provitamins into their active forms.

Water- and fat-soluble vitamins

Chemically, vitamins do not form a uniform group of substances, but they can be divided into two groups based on their solubility: water-soluble (hydrophilic) and fat-soluble (lipophilic). They are classified as follows:

  • Water-soluble: Vitamin C, Vitamin B complex (B1, B2, B3, B5 (pantothenic acid), B6, B7 (biotin), B9 (folic acid), B12)
  • Fat-soluble:Vitamins A, D3, E, K2

They differ in the way they are dissolved and absorbed by the body. Fat-soluble vitamins require fats to be transported and metabolized. The body can store them longer than water-soluble vitamins. Although water-soluble vitamins do not require fats for absorption, they are excreted more quickly by the kidneys.

Functions of the 13 Essential Vitamins

Vitamins have functions in the body that are sometimes similar, but sometimes also very different. Here is an overview of the most important functions of each vitamin.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A,also known as retinol, is particularly important for:

  • Immune System
  • Skin
  • Mucous membranes
  • Iron Metabolism
  • Vision 
  • Cell Specialization

Vitamin B Complex: The well-known vitamin B12 and seven others

Vitamin B Complex: The well-known vitamin B12 and seven others

The eight B vitamins are collectively known asthe B-complex vitamins. These include vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12, as well as pantothenic acid (B5), biotin (B7), and folic acid (B9). They work very closely together in metabolism. The B vitamins are particularly important for:

  • Energy Metabolism
  • Nervous System
  • Immune System
  • Formation of red blood cells
  • Cell Division
Infographic “Functions of the 8 Essential B Vitamins”: Nervous system and energy metabolism – B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, and B12; Red blood cell formation – B2, B6, and B12; Immune system and homocysteine metabolism – B6, B9 (folate), and B12; Cell division – B9 and B12

Vitamin C

Vitamin C,also known as ascorbic acid, is best known for its importance to the immune system. It also supports the immune system during and after intense physical activity. But it can do even more—vitamin C is a key building block of collagen and plays a vital role in other functions:

  • Collagen production for healthy bones, cartilage, blood vessels, skin, gums, and teeth
  • Energy Metabolism
  • The Nervous System and the Mind
  • Cell protection against oxidative stress

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3, alsoknown as cholecalciferol, is the form of vitamin D3 that is synthesized in the skin from cholesterol with the help of ultraviolet light. The amount of vitamin D3 the body produces depends, among other things, on the duration and intensity of UV-B radiation.

Vitamin D3 has many functions; for example, it is important for:

  • Absorption and Utilization of Calcium and Phosphorus
  • Blood calcium levels
  • Bone
  • Teeth
  • Immune System
  • Muscle Function
  • Cell Division

Vitamin E

The eight naturally occurring vitamin E compounds include four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. Vitamin E is known for protecting cells from oxidative stress.

Vitamin K2

Vitamin K comprises a group of substances that are similar in chemical structure. The two natural subgroups are vitamin K1, which is produced in plants (phylloquinones), andvitamin K2,which can be produced by gut bacteria (menaquinones). Vitamin K is particularly important for:

  • Bone
  • Blood Clotting

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Multivitamin supplements contain all the essential vitamins in a balanced combination. They are ideal for people who want to meet their daily needs—especially during times of stress, when following an unbalanced diet, when needs are increased, or during specific life stages. With Pro Multivitamin Complete, you get comprehensive basic nutrition.

It depends on the goal: Multivitamins provide broad-based coverage, while individual vitamins are used specifically when there is an increased need. Pro Multivitamin Complete is a good choice for daily basic needs, while Pro Vitamin C Ultra or Pro Vitamin D3 Öl 1.000, for example, can be used for targeted supplementation .

Basically, the body needs all 13 essential vitamins. Many of them complement each other, such as vitamins D3, K2, and A in our Pro Vitamin D3 Öl 1.000, or the eight B vitamins in the Pro Vitamin B Komplex. You’ll also find all these vitamins in our Pro Multivitamin Complete —for comprehensive daily nutrition.

In general, it is important to ensure an adequate intake of all 13 essential vitamins. The B vitamins, vitamin C, and vitamin D3—in combination with vitamins K2 and A—are particularly important, as deficiencies in these are more common.

Vitamin C and vitamin D3, in particular, contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system. Good options include, for example, Pro Vitamin C Ultra, Pro Vitamin D3 Öl 1.000, or the Immune Booster Package withvitamin C, zinc, selenium, and lactoferrin.

FACT-BASED KNOWLEDGE FOR YOUR HEALTH

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