Vitamins are essential nutrients that contribute to a healthy life. The body uses vitamins for a variety of biological processes, including growth, digestion, and nerve function. The 13 vitamins that the body absolutely needs are vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and the B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12 and folate).

Vitamins are essential to good health. Vitamin A helps to develop and maintain body tissues such as bone and skin, supports vision, nervous system function, reproduction, and growth. The B vitamins are responsible for increasing the production of energy from fats, proteins, and carbohydrates as well as assisting with metabolism, building red blood cells, and maintaining the protective covering of the nervous system. Vitamin C helps form tissues, cells, bones and teeth; heals wounds; and improves the immune system's performance. Vitamin E protects the outer cell membranes from harm, thus assisting the immune system. Vitamin K helps the body's blood clot in wounded areas when needed.