There are 13 essential vitamins that our bodies need to function properly. These vitamins play different roles in keeping us healthy. According to the National Institute on Aging, these vitamins are vital for older adults, and indeed, for everyone.
The 13 Essential Vitamins
These can be broken down into Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, and eight B vitamins.
| Vitamin | Type |
|---|---|
| Vitamin A | Fat-Soluble |
| Vitamin C | Water-Soluble |
| Vitamin D | Fat-Soluble |
| Vitamin E | Fat-Soluble |
| Vitamin K | Fat-Soluble |
| Thiamine (B1) | Water-Soluble |
| Riboflavin (B2) | Water-Soluble |
| Niacin (B3) | Water-Soluble |
| Pantothenic Acid (B5) | Water-Soluble |
| Biotin (B7) | Water-Soluble |
| Vitamin B6 | Water-Soluble |
| Vitamin B12 | Water-Soluble |
| Folate (B9) | Water-Soluble |
These vitamins are either fat-soluble or water-soluble, which affects how the body absorbs, stores, and eliminates them.
- Fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E, and K are stored in the body's fatty tissues.
- Water-soluble vitamins: C and the B vitamins are not stored in the body and need to be replenished regularly.
These vitamins all have different, important jobs to do in the body. Getting enough of each vitamin helps the body work properly and stay healthy!
