Vitamins are organic substances present in small amounts in many foods. They are required for carrying out many vital functions of the body and many of them are involved in the utilization of the major nutrients like proteins, fat and carbohydrates.

FAT SOLUBLE VITAMINS

Vitamins can be broadly classified as water soluble and fat soluble vitamins. B-complex vitamins and ascorbic acid belong to the former group while vitamin A, D, E, K are the fat soluble vitamins. Water soluble vitamins are not accumulated in the body, but are readily excreted while fat soluble vitamins are stored in the body.

WATER SOLUBLE VITAMINS

They include riboflavin, nicotinic acid, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, folic acid, vitamin B12, biotin, choline and inositol.

Source

Robinson,C.N and Lawler, M.R 16 Edition. Normal and Therapeutic Nutrition. Oxford and IBH Publishing Co, Delhi.
Vijayapushpam et al. 2008, Micronutrients- the protective foods. NIN, Hyderabad.