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Vitamins are essential in small amounts for proper body function and growth. Vitamins are either fat soluble: A, D, E, and K; or water soluble: vitamin B and C. The B vitamins include vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), and B 6 (pyridoxine), pantothenic acid, niacin, biotin, folic acid (folate), and vitamin B 12 (cobalamin). Vitamins may also be known as micronutrients.
The United States has determined a Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for Vitamins and Minerals in the body. Some say the RDA is the minimum amount needed to sustain life, for example Vitamin C – 60mgs is 100% RDA, since our bodies do not product Vitamin C we should take more like 60mgs every two – three hours since vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin. Taking a Time released Vitamin C is best so one dose is all that is needed.
Vitamins are also known as antioxidants that help protect the body from free radical that can contribute to disease like cancer. Stress can increase free radicals in the body and you may require more Vitamins. If there is an existing disease, one may require more vitamins then the RDA recommends.
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