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Vitamins are essential nutrients that the body needs to grow, function properly, and resist infections:
They are organic substances made by plants or animals.

There are 13 essential vitamins, including vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, as well as the complex of B vitamins.
Each vitamin has a different job in the body, such as helping your body get energy from food, keeping your nerves healthy, or helping your blood clot when you get a cut.
You can get vitamins from the foods you eat, such as eggs, leafy green vegetables, and whole grains. You can also take vitamin supplements if your diet is lacking.
Vitamins are categorized as either fat-soluble or water-soluble:
Fat-soluble vitamins: Vitamins A, D, E, and K are stored in the body’s liver, fatty tissue, and muscles.
Water-soluble vitamins: Vitamins C and the B complex vitamins are not stored in the body. Your body excretes any excess water-soluble vitamins through urine.
The term “vitamin” was coined in 1912 by biochemist Casimir Funk, who derived the word from “vita” meaning life and “amine” referring to a nitrogenous substance essential for life.

Imagine your body is like a super-cool robot that needs special helpers to work its best! Vitamins are like those tiny helpers.

  • What they do:
    • They help your body grow strong, have lots of energy, and fight off sickness.  
    • They help your eyes see, your skin stay healthy, and your brain think clearly.
  • Where they come from:
    • You get vitamins from the foods you eat, like fruits, veggies, and even milk!  
    • Different foods have different vitamins, so it’s important to eat a variety of things.  
  • Why they’re important:
    • Without enough vitamins, your body might not work properly. You might feel tired or get sick more easily.  
    • It is like if a robot did not have the right oil or fuel, it would start to have problems.

So, vitamins are like tiny superheroes that help your body stay healthy and strong!

Sources
Gemini AI, a digital mind and language model, offered part of this explanation.

https://medlineplus.gov/definitions/vitaminsdefinitions.html
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002399.htm
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/vitamins-and-supplements/vitamins-and-minerals-older-adults
https://www.healthline.com/health/nutrition/what-are-vitamins
https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/nutrition/vitamins-and-minerals
https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/vitamins/

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