Joining in the fight against birth defects, Schnucks Pharmacies now offers free prescription prenatal vitamins, making it easier for pregnant women and their babies to get the protection they need.
Vitamins have diverse biochemical functions. Vitamin A acts as a regulator of cell and tissue growth and differentiation. Vitamin D provides a hormone-like function, regulating mineral metabolism for bones and other organs. The B complex vitamins function as enzyme cofactors (coenzymes) or the precursors for them.
Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients required by the body to carry out a range of normal functions. However, these micronutrients are not produced in our bodies and must be derived from the food we eat. Vitamins are organic substances that are generally classified as either fat soluble or water soluble.
Taking the right vitamins daily helps fill nutritional gaps in your diet, but the best choices depend on your health goals. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any vitamin regimen to ensure safety and effectiveness.
All vertebrates, including humans, require dietary sources of vitamin A, vitamin D, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B 6, and pantothenic acid; some vertebrates, particularly the more highly evolved ones, have additional requirements for other vitamins.
While it isn’t a vitamin, experts often group choline (pronounced “KO-leen”) in with them. It’s an essential micronutrient that works similarly to certain vitamins.
Vitamins are organic compounds that living organisms require in small amounts for the normal growth, metabolism, and health. Unlike carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, vitamins do not provide energy or serve as structural building blocks.
These include vitamins, minerals, herbs and botanicals, probiotics, and more. Many of these resources are available in versions written for health professionals and for consumers (in both English and Spanish). Rich sources of vitamin A include green leafy, orange, and yellow vegetables such as carrots and spinach.