What are the vitamin names and their scientific classifications?

December 12, 2025 •

3 min read

There are 13 essential vitamins needed for normal body function, growth, and development. To maintain optimal health, it is important to know what are the vitamin names and how they are categorized to ensure a balanced intake from your diet.

Quick Summary

A comprehensive guide to the thirteen essential vitamins, detailing both their common names and scientific terminology. It also explains their classification into fat-soluble and water-soluble categories, vital for understanding dietary needs and bodily functions.

Key Points

Thirteen Essential Vitamins: There are 13 essential vitamins required for proper body function, including four fat-soluble and nine water-soluble types.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins (A, D, E, K): These vitamins are stored in the body's fatty tissues and can accumulate over time, requiring less frequent intake but posing a toxicity risk if over-supplemented.
Water-Soluble Vitamins (C, B-Complex): These vitamins are not stored in the body (with the exception of B12) and must be replenished regularly through diet or supplements.
Common and Scientific Names: Each vitamin has both a common letter name and a specific scientific name, such as Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) or Vitamin B1 (Thiamine).
Dietary Intake is Best: A balanced diet with a variety of whole foods is the best source of essential vitamins, providing a full spectrum of nutrients.
Balanced Diet is Key: Ensuring a balanced intake of both fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins is necessary for overall health, as they support diverse bodily functions.

Essential Vitamins: Common Names and Scientific Classifications

Understanding the list of essential vitamins is fundamental for anyone interested in nutrition and overall health. While we often recognize them by their common letter designations (A, C, D, E, K), each vitamin also has a specific scientific name that provides deeper insight into its chemical composition and function. The 13 essential vitamins are classified into two main categories: water-soluble and fat-soluble. This distinction is crucial, as it dictates how the body absorbs, stores, and utilizes them.

The Fat-Soluble Vitamins (A, D, E, K)

These four vitamins dissolve in fat and are stored in the body's fatty tissues, liver, and muscles for later use. Because the body can stockpile these vitamins, excessive intake from supplements can lead to a toxic buildup, or hypervitaminosis, which can be harmful.

Common and Scientific Names of Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Vitamin A: Also known as retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid. It is essential for vision, immune function, and cell growth.
Vitamin D: Its scientific name is calciferol. It supports bone health by aiding calcium and phosphorus absorption and can be produced with sun exposure.
Vitamin E: The chemical name is tocopherol. It acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage.
Vitamin K: Known scientifically as phylloquinone (K1) and menaquinone (K2). It's vital for blood clotting and bone health.

The Water-Soluble Vitamins (C and B-complex)

Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body and are excreted in urine, requiring regular dietary intake. This group includes vitamin C and the eight B-complex vitamins.

Common and Scientific Names of Water-Soluble Vitamins

Vitamin C: Scientific name is ascorbic acid. It is an antioxidant important for the immune system, skin health, and collagen production.
Vitamin B1: Thiamine. Helps convert food into energy.
Vitamin B2: Riboflavin. Supports energy production and cell function.
Vitamin B3: Niacin. Involved in energy metabolism and nerve function.
Vitamin B5: Pantothenic acid. Essential for coenzyme A synthesis and metabolism.
Vitamin B6: Pyridoxine. Important for amino acid metabolism and neurotransmitter production.
Vitamin B7: Biotin. Metabolizes fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.
Vitamin B9: Folate (or folic acid). Crucial for DNA synthesis and cell division.
Vitamin B12: Cobalamin. Vital for nerve function and red blood cell formation.

Comparison of Fat-Soluble and Water-Soluble Vitamins


Feature	Fat-Soluble Vitamins	Water-Soluble Vitamins
Types	A, D, E, K	C, and all 8 B-complex vitamins
Absorption	Absorbed with dietary fat.	Absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
Storage	Stored in the liver and fatty tissues.	Not stored (except B12).
Toxicity Risk	Higher risk.	Lower risk.
Intake Frequency	Less frequent.	Regular, often daily, intake is necessary.

Getting Your Vitamins Through Diet

A balanced diet rich in diverse whole foods is the best source for essential vitamins. Fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains provide a wide range of nutrients, including vitamins, fiber, and other beneficial compounds. For instance, leafy greens are high in vitamins A and K, while citrus fruits are known for vitamin C. While supplements can help address deficiencies, they should not be a substitute for a healthy diet.

Conclusion

Understanding the common and scientific vitamin names and their classifications is key to making informed dietary choices. These thirteen essential vitamins, whether fat-soluble or water-soluble, are vital for maintaining various bodily functions, from supporting the immune system and bone health to aiding in energy production. Prioritizing a varied and nutritious diet is the most effective way to meet your body's vitamin requirements.

For more in-depth information on vitamins and minerals, consult resources like the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health.

List of All Essential Vitamins

Fat-Soluble: A (Retinol), D (Calciferol), E (Tocopherol), K (Phylloquinone/Menaquinone).
Water-Soluble: C (Ascorbic Acid) and the B-Complex (B1/Thiamine, B2/Riboflavin, B3/Niacin, B5/Pantothenic Acid, B6/Pyridoxine, B7/Biotin, B9/Folic Acid, B12/Cobalamin).

Frequently Asked Questions

Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) dissolve in fat, are stored in the body's fat reserves, and can build up to toxic levels if over-consumed. Water-soluble vitamins (C and B-complex) dissolve in water, are not stored (except B12), and any excess is typically flushed from the body through urine.

Knowing the scientific names, such as ascorbic acid for vitamin C or thiamine for vitamin B1, is important for understanding their specific chemical functions in the body and for correctly identifying ingredients in fortified foods and supplements.

No, supplements should not replace a healthy diet. While they can help fill nutritional gaps, whole foods provide a wider array of nutrients, fiber, and other beneficial compounds that supplements cannot fully replicate.

The B-complex vitamins include eight water-soluble vitamins: B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate/folic acid), and B12 (cobalamin).

Vitamins D and K are particularly important for bone health. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, while vitamin K is essential for bone mineralization and blood clotting.

The scientific name for vitamin C is ascorbic acid. Its main functions include acting as an antioxidant, boosting the immune system, and aiding in collagen production for healthy skin and tissues.

Over-consuming fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) can be harmful because they are stored in the body and can build up to toxic levels. While excess water-soluble vitamins are generally excreted, excessive intake can still cause adverse effects.