Vitamins are the vital substances present
in food items in very small quantity which are needed for proper growth and development, body maintenance and general health. The nutrient utilisation process of the body is influenced by different types of vitamins. Major vitamins include Vitamin A, Vitamin B (B-complex), Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E and Vitamin K. Only two of them viz., D and K can be synthesized by the body itself. Vitamin D is produced by the action of sunlight on the skin and Vitamin K may be synthesized by bacteria in the large intestine. The other types must be obtained through the food. The water soluble vitamins viz., B complex and C are easily lost during cooking. Moreover, if eaten in excess, these cannot be stored by the body but passed out through the urine. The excess fat soluble vitamins A,D,E and K can be stored in the liver. There is no need to eat them daily but the intake must be regular to ensure the proper supply. The deficiency of each type of vitamin results in the expression of particular deficiency symptoms.