Tag: Vitamin definition

According to MedlinePlus, there are 13 essential vitamins needed for normal cell function, growth, and development. This guide answers the common question: Which of the following is the correct definition of vitamin? and clarifies their crucial functions for optimal health.

Vitamins are organic compounds required in small amounts by the body for normal metabolism and cellular function. To provide a short answer to the question, what is the definition of a vitamin, it is best to understand their core characteristics.

Vitamins are essential nutrients that the human body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy. The formal definition specifies they are organic compounds, meaning they contain carbon, and are distinct from other macronutrients like proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. A fundamental aspect of what are vitamins defined as is that, with some exceptions, they cannot be synthesized by the body in sufficient quantities and must be obtained from food.

Globally, millions of people suffer from conditions caused by vitamin deficiencies, highlighting why understanding **what two characteristics define a compound as a vitamin** is critical for proper nutrition. A vitamin is an organic, essential nutrient that the body cannot synthesize itself, making dietary intake mandatory.

Did you know that there are 13 essential vitamins the human body needs to function correctly? But what is a vitamin, and what exactly do these powerful, tiny organic compounds do for our overall health and well-being?