Most nutrition references define vitamins as organic compounds that the body needs in small quantities for normal functioning. With few exceptions the body cannot manufacture or synthesize them. They must be supplied in the diet or in dietary supplements. Vitamins are essential to the normal functioning of our bodies. They are necessary for our growth, vitality, and general well being. So in layman's terms; Vitamins are nutrients you must get from food because your body can't make them from scratch.

Another very important definition is; a nutritional supplement that can be taken to enhance the diet. Often times the terms vitamins, supplements and minerals are used interchangeable to describe this dietary supplementation.

Vitamins, dietary Insurance.

Do you need to take vitamins, if you eat a healthy diet? Not long ago, the answer from most experts would have been a resounding "no". Today, though, there's good evidence that taking vitamins makes sense for most adults. What's changed? Not only have scientists determined why we need vitamins for our normal daily bodily functions, but they are also accumulating evidence they do much more than ward off the so-called diseases of deficiency, things like scurvy and rickets. Intake of several vitamins above the minimum daily requirement may prevent heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, and other chromic diseases.

Most nutritional authorities claim that the American diet is no longer providing adequate amounts of essential nutrients. There are several factor that contribute to this problem. Pollution, pesticides and over farming have lead to vitamin and mineral depleted fruits and vegetables. Live stock exposed to many of these same factors and added chemical exposure's like steroids reduce the nutritional value we get from their meats, eggs and milks.

While nutrition research continues to show the declining nutrition value in the staple foods of the average diet, getting our nutrients from a healthy, balanced diet is no longer the answer, many Americans tend to fall short in a variety of vitamins and minerals.

The modern diet consisting of fast foods, over refined sugars and grains and heavily processed and preserved foods. With all these factors negatively affecting our dietary intake is no wonder that health and nutritional community has recognized the necessity of vitamin supplementation for a healthy diet. With vitamin and mineral supplementations newly recognized or suspected roles in health and disease, and evidence about possible new roles,daily Vitamin supplementation is essential in your diet.