Vitamins and Their Functions

Ever wondered why your parents keep telling you to eat your greens? Vitamins are the powerhouse nutrients that keep your body running smoothly, and each one has a specific job to do.

Vitamin A is brilliant for your eyesight - it actually forms something called visual purple that helps you see in dim light. You'll find it in full-fat milk, oily fish, meat, eggs, butter, and carrots. It's also essential for healthy skin and normal growth in children.

Vitamin B is your energy vitamin - it releases energy from carbohydrates so you can power through your day. Green leafy veg, breakfast cereals, bread, red meat, and liver are packed with it. This vitamin also helps form red blood cells, which prevents anaemia (when you don't have enough healthy red blood cells).

Quick Tip: Remember "ACE" - vitamins A, C, and E are antioxidant vitamins that work together to fight harmful chemicals in your body!

Vitamin C is your infection-fighting hero, found in kiwis, oranges, limes, blackcurrants, and green peppers. It speeds up healing of cuts and wounds whilst also preventing anaemia. Vitamin D comes mainly from sunlight but also oily fish, liver, egg yolk, flour, bread, and breakfast cereals - it prevents rickets in children and helps your body absorb calcium for strong bones.

Vitamin E keeps your skin healthy and reduces the risk of heart disease and some cancers - you'll get it from nuts, eggs, and seeds. Finally, vitamin K ensures your blood clots properly when you're injured, preventing dangerous blood loss and helping wounds heal. Find it in meat, green veg, cereals, and yellow fruits.