Vitamins are organic compounds that are required by human beings. Although vitamins are vital nutrients for the body, their intake is required in limited quantities. Human bodies cannot synthesize these vitamins by themselves in sufficient quantities, and so these need to be obtained from the food that is consumed. However, other types of nutrients such as fatty acids, dietary minerals and amino acids are not included in the definition of vitamins. At present, a total of 13 vitamins are universally recognized. Vitamins can be either water-soluble or fat-soluble vitamins. Out of the 13 recognized vitamins in humans, 4 are fat-soluble, whereas 9 are water-soluble. As their very name suggests, water-soluble vitamins dissolve quickly and easily in water, whereas fat-soluble ones are taken in through the intestinal tract. It is done with the help of fats or lipids. Vitamins are essential for the growth and development of human beings. Once the growth is completed, however, vitamins become essential for the healthy maintenance of organs, cells and tissues. Hide this