How many vitamins exist in total? A complete guide to the 13 essential vitamins

November 18, 2025 •

3 min read

According to major health organizations, there are exactly 13 essential vitamins required for the human body to function properly. These vital organic compounds are categorized into two main groups: fat-soluble and water-soluble, each with distinct roles in supporting everything from energy metabolism to vision and immunity.

Quick Summary

There are 13 essential vitamins required for human health, divided into fat-soluble and water-soluble categories. Each plays a specific and crucial role in bodily functions, from energy production to bone health and immune support. Obtaining these through a balanced diet is key to preventing deficiency.

Key Points

13 Essential Vitamins: For humans, there are a total of 13 essential vitamins needed for proper bodily function, including four fat-soluble and nine water-soluble types.
Fat-Soluble Storage: Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble, meaning they are stored in the body's fatty tissues and liver, which can lead to toxicity if over-supplemented.
Water-Soluble Replenishment: The nine water-soluble vitamins (C and B-complex) are not stored and must be replenished regularly through diet, with the exception of B12.
Balanced Diet is Best: The most reliable way to obtain all essential vitamins is by eating a balanced and varied diet, which also provides other crucial nutrients like fiber.
Specific Functions: Each vitamin serves a distinct purpose, from supporting vision (Vitamin A) and blood clotting (Vitamin K) to aiding metabolism (B-complex vitamins) and boosting immunity (Vitamin C).

The Definitive Count: 13 Essential Vitamins

For humans, the number of truly essential vitamins is 13. These are nutrients the body cannot produce sufficiently and must be obtained through diet. This list is divided into two categories based on how the body handles them: fat-soluble and water-soluble.

The Fat-Soluble Vitamins

There are four fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E, and K. These are absorbed with dietary fats and stored in the liver and fatty tissues. Because they can accumulate, excessive supplement intake can lead to toxicity.

Vitamin A (Retinol): Important for vision, immune function, and reproduction, as well as organ function.
Vitamin D (Calciferol): Aids bone health by helping calcium absorption and supports immune function.
Vitamin E (Tocopherol): An antioxidant protecting cells from damage, also involved in immune function.
Vitamin K (Phylloquinone): Crucial for blood clotting and bone health.

The Water-Soluble Vitamins

There are nine water-soluble vitamins: vitamin C and the eight B-complex vitamins. These do not store easily in the body, with excess typically excreted in urine, making regular intake important. Vitamin B12 is an exception as it can be stored in the liver.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): Essential for growth, development, and repair of body tissues, collagen formation, and iron absorption.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Helps convert carbohydrates to energy; vital for heart and nerve function.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Supports growth and red blood cell production, works in metabolism.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Maintains healthy skin and nerves, impacts fat and cholesterol.
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): Essential for food metabolism and hormone production.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Aids red blood cell formation and brain function.
Vitamin B7 (Biotin): Important for protein and carbohydrate metabolism.
Vitamin B9 (Folate/Folic Acid): Crucial for red blood cell formation and cell growth, vital during pregnancy.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): Important for metabolism, red blood cells, and the central nervous system.

The Importance of a Balanced Diet

A well-rounded diet is the best source for most people to obtain essential vitamins, providing easily absorbed nutrients and other components like fiber. Supplements are generally not a replacement for a healthy diet and should be used under healthcare guidance due to potential interactions or toxicity.

Comparison of Fat-Soluble vs. Water-Soluble Vitamins


Feature	Fat-Soluble Vitamins (A, D, E, K)	Water-Soluble Vitamins (B-complex, C)
Storage	Stored in fatty tissue and liver.	Not easily stored; excess is excreted (except B12).
Absorption	Absorbed with dietary fats.	Dissolve in water, absorbed into bloodstream.
Toxicity Risk	Higher risk with excessive supplementation.	Lower risk as excess is typically flushed out.
Frequency of Intake	Not needed daily due to storage.	Required regularly.
Examples	Vitamins A, D, E, and K.	Vitamin C, and B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12.

Conclusion

There are 13 essential vitamins for human health: four fat-soluble and nine water-soluble. Each plays a critical role in bodily functions. While fat-soluble vitamins are stored, increasing toxicity risk with high doses, water-soluble vitamins require regular intake as they are not significantly stored. A balanced diet is the best way to get these nutrients. Consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice. More information is available from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements.

Important Considerations

Vitamins work with other essential nutrients like minerals and fatty acids for overall health. A comprehensive approach to nutrition, ensuring adequate levels of all micronutrients, supports long-term well-being. For instance, vitamin D is needed for calcium absorption.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are 13 essential vitamins required for human health: vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and the eight B-complex vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12).

Fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed with dietary fats and stored in the body, while water-soluble vitamins are not stored and must be consumed regularly.

Yes, especially with fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), which are stored in the body and can build up to toxic levels if taken in excessively large doses over time. Excess water-soluble vitamins are typically flushed out in urine.

A deficiency in any essential vitamin can lead to health issues. For example, Vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy, while a lack of certain B vitamins can lead to anemia or nerve damage.

The best way to get all your vitamins is by eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and fortified foods.

The 'B-complex' is a group of eight different water-soluble vitamins, each with its own specific functions in the body.

While some foods contain vitamin D (like fatty fish and fortified milk), the most effective way for the body to produce it is through exposure to sunlight.