Vitamins are vital to your health. Derived from the foods you eat, these organic molecules act as catalysts to facilitate chemical reactions and the proper functioning of your body's organs. In fact, the human body needs at least 13 different vitamins.

To help you understand just what vitamins do for your body's health, we have put together the following information.

Vitamin A
An enzyme in the stomach produces Vitamin A (Retinol) when you eat foods rich in beta-carotene. Vitamin A's main role is to produce retinal which helps your eyes sense light. The body cannot produce retinal without vitamin A, and without retinal you cannot see. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant and is plentiful in vegetables and fruits.

	Can Supplements Help?
	While a host of vitamin supplements are available, the best way to ensure that you are getting the correct amount of vitamins is to eat healthy, balanced meals. However, If you're over 50 years of age, a daily multi-vitamin can be helpful. Recent studies have also shown that taking high doses of vitamin E and vitamin C may help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's. However, before you add any supplements to your diet, be sure to consult with your physician to ensure they are compatible with any medications you are taking.

The Busy B's
The B-complex vitamins are a group of six vitamins, which include B1, B2, B3, B6, B9 and B12. These vitamins are found in liver, whole-grain cereals, nuts, milk, eggs, meats, fish, fruits and leafy green vegetables.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) is essential for processing carbohydrates into glucose. It is also important for the proper functioning of the nervous system.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) is needed for the maintenance of the skin and mucous membranes and the cornea of the eye.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) is needed for the metabolism of food, the maintenance of healthy skin nerves and the gastrointestinal tract. A niacin deficiency can result in pellagra the symptoms of which are diarrhea, dermatitis, dementia and ultimately death.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) helps the body breakdown carbohydrates, proteins and fats. It also is used in the production of red blood cells.

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) interacts with B12 in the synthesis of DNA, which is important to all cells of the body. It also works with B12 and vitamin C in the formation of hemoglobin. A deficiency of B can result in anemia, poor growth and irritation in the mouth.

Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) also is used for processing carbohydrates, proteins and fats. It helps to make all of the blood cells in our bodies. Vitamin B12 also acts as a coenzyme in the synthesis and repair of DNA.

C Stands for Citrus
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) is vital to the production of collagen which is vital to the connective tissue of skin, bone, teeth, tendons and ligaments and the connective tissue of certain organs (liver, spleen and kidneys). It is found in citrus fruits such as oranges, limes, and grapefruit and many vegetables, including tomatoes, green pepper and potatoes.

Sunny Vitamin D
Vitamin D (Calciferol) is found in many foods, but also can be made in your body after exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. The major function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D also aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones.

A deficiency of vitamin D can occur when dietary intake of vitamin D is inadequate and exposure to sunlight is limited.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E (Tocopherol) is found in dark leafy vegetables, almonds, olive oil and sunflower seeds. It can help reduce the risk of cancer and prevent arteries from being clogged.

Vitamin K
Vitamin K (Menadione) is called the clotting vitamin. Without it, blood would not clot. It is found in cabbage, cauliflower, spinach and other green leafy vegetables, cereals, soybeans, and other vegetables. The bacteria that line the gastrointestinal tract also make Vitamin K. Individuals with vitamin K deficiency have a propensity to bruise and bleed.