What are vitamins defined as? A Comprehensive Guide to Essential Micronutrients
                                
                                
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                                    4 min read                                
                            
                                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.