Drivers of Cell Processes Vitamins Drivers of Cell Processes

Vitamins Keep your body tissues healthy Help carbohydrates, fats and proteins do their work. Have antioxidant properties *Antioxidants protect body cells from harmful chemicals, certain foods and tobacco smoke.

Fat Soluble Vitamins Absorbed and transported by fat Stored by the body

Vitamin A Keeps skin and hair healthy Maintains healthy eyesight Found in: liver, sweet potatoes, carrots, mangoes, spinach, cantaloupe, dried apricots, milk, egg yolks, mozzarella cheese Prevents: Night blindness Deficiency: Dry scaly skin and fatigue Excess: Severe headaches, bone pain, hair loss, and liver damage

Vitamin D Regulates calcium in the bloodstream Maintains all body tissues Known as the sunshine vitamin Found in:eggs, orange juice, salmon, tuna, dairy Prevents: Rickets Deficiency: Osteomalacia or soft bones Excess: Causes toxicity and may effect kidneys and other soft organs

Vitamin E Maintains a healthy immune and nervous system Serves as an antioxidant Found in: seafood, cheese, nuts, avocado Prevents: Erythrocyte hemolysis in babies Deficiencies are rare Excess: May interfere with blood clotting

Vitamin K Coagulates blood Aids in mineral absorption for strong bones Found in kale, collards, spinach, and turnip greens are the highest. Deficiencies are rare Excess: Jaundice

Water Soluble Vitamins Dissolve in water Pass easily through the blood stream Not stored by the body Include Vitamin C and the eight B vitamins

B Vitamins Thiamin Normal functioning of nerves and muscles Prevents: Beriberi Found in turkey, liver, liver oil, tuna, chili peppers, lentils, bananas, potatoes!

Niacin Promotes healthy digestion Prevents pellegra Excess could result in rash, dizziness and low blood pressure

Riboflavin Helps body use carbohydrates, fats, and proteins Healthy skin and normal eyesight Prevents cracks around the mouth

Other water soluble vitamins B vitamins include: Pantothenic acid Biotin B 6 B 12 Folate

Vitamin C Also known as ascorbic acid Assists in formulating collagen Vital to the immune system Serves as an antioxidant Prevents: Scurvy Excess: Diarrhea, stomach cramps