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Term	Description
Vitamin	An organic nutrient (as opposed to a mineral, which is inorganic) essential for normal physiological and metabolic functions of the body. Most vitamins cannot be synthesized by the body and must be ingested in food or supplements.
Vitamin A	An important fat soluble vitamin that helps in the formation and maintenance of healthy teeth, skeletal and soft tissue, mucous membranes and skin. It is also known as retinol, as it generates the pigments that are necessary for the working of the retina. It promotes good vision, especially in dim light. It may also be required for reproduction and lactation. beta-carotene, which has antioxidant properties, is a precursor to vitamin A. Because it is fat-soluble, it can accumulate in the liver, so overdosing is possible.
Vitamin B12	Also known as cyanocobalamin, is a water soluble vitamin involved in protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism, as well as blood formation and nerve function. Sources are liver, kidneys, fish and meats. Deficiency, commonly called megablastic anemia, can occur in strict vegetarians and also in those who have a problem absorbing B12 due to a lack of intrinsic factor, a substance secreted essential for absorption of vitamin B12. This can also occur as we age.
Vitamin B2	A water-soluble vitamin (also known as riboflavin) required by the body for health, growth and reproduction; part of the vitamin B complex. It is important for red cell production and helps release energy from carbohydrates. Dietary sources include lean meats, eggs, legumes, nuts, green leafy vegetables and dairy products. Breads and cereals are often fortified with Riboflavin. Oral contraceptives can reduce riboflavin levels.
Vitamin B3	Also known as niacin or nicotinic acid, it is used to treat various medical conditions such as high cholesterol, peripheral vascular disease and migraines. If supplementing with Niacin, be sure to get the flush-free variety. High doses can stress the liver.
Vitamin B6	Also known as pyridoxine, this water-soluble nutrient plays a role in the immune System's synthesis of antibodies, helps maintain normal brain function and form red blood cells. It is also required for the chemical reactions of proteins. Vitamin B6 is found in beans, nuts, legumes, eggs, meats, fish, whole grains and fortified breads and cereals. The higher the protein intake, the greater the need for this nutrient. Deficiency of this vitamin is not common in the United States. Excessive doses can cause neurological disorders and numbness.
Vitamin C	This water-soluble vitamin, also known as ascorbic acid, is an antioxidant that has been shown to play a role in boosting the immune System. The Recommended Daily Intake RDI) is 60-75mg per day, but Linus Pauling and other complementary practitioners recommend considerably higher doses for preventing the common cold. Sources of vitamin C include strawberries, peaches, plums, tomatoes, celery, onions and cabbage.
Vitamin D	Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble secosteroids responsible for enhancing intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate. In humans, the most important compounds in this group are vitamin D3 (also known as cholecalciferol) and vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). Cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol can be ingested from the diet and from supplements. The body can also synthesize vitamin D (specifically cholecalciferol) in the skin, from cholesterol, when sun exposure is adequate (hence its nickname, the "sunshine vitamin").
Vitamin K	A fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in blood clotting, vitamin K is found in vegetables, including cabbage, cauliflower, spinach and other leafy greens, as well as in cereals and soybeans. The bacteria lining of the gastrointestinal tract also makes vitamin K. Vitamin K counteracts the effects of oral anticoagulant drugs such as Coumadin.
VLDL (very-low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol	The type of lipoprotein made primarily by the liver cells to transport lipids to various tissues in the body.