Vitamins

Vitamins are essential nutrients that the body needs in small amounts to support vital functions. They play a crucial role in regulating metabolism, cell function, tissue growth and repair, and maintaining a strong immune system.

There are 13 different vitamins, which are divided into two main categories: fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) and water-soluble vitamins (B vitamins and vitamin C).

Find out more about the individual vitamins and the consequences of vitamin deficiencies.

  • Folate Deficiency

    A folate deficiency can throw the body out of balance and should be treated in a timely manner.

    Folsäuremangel
  • Folic Acid

    Folic acid (folate) is important for cell division, blood formation and fetal development during pregnancy.

    Folsäure
  • Vitamin B12

    Vegans in particular often have a vitamin B12 deficiency. Attention should be paid to the form of vitamin B12.

    Vitamin B12
  • Vitamin C

    Vitamin C is a crucial co-factor for various processes in the body. Different points should be taken into account when supplementing.

    Vitamin C
  • Vitamin D Deficiency

    A vitamin D deficiency can lead to a variety of disorders and imbalances in the body. An individual adjustment is important.

    Vitamin-D Mangel
  • Vitamin C Deficiency

    A vitamin C deficiency can affect many physical processes and throw the body out of balance.

    Vitamin-C-Mangel
  • Vitamin B12 Deficiency

    A vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by insufficient B12 intake or inhibited absorption in the intestine.

    Vitamin-B12-Mangel
  • Vitamin D

    Vitamin D plays an important role in the function of the immune system and bone metabolism.

    Vitamin-D

Fat-soluble Vitamins

The fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body’s fatty tissue and can act as a depot over long periods of time. They are crucial for maintaining healthy skin, eyes, bones and the immune system. For example, vitamin D is important for bone health and the regulation of calcium metabolism, while vitamin A is essential for vision and skin health.

The fat-soluble vitamins include:

  • Vitamin D (calciferol)
  • Vitamin K2 (menaquinone)
  • Vitamin A (retinol)
  • Vitamin E (tocopherol)

Fat-soluble vitamins can easily be overdosed. Care should be taken to avoid overdosing when taking food supplements in order to avoid physical imbalances.

Water-soluble Vitamins

Water-soluble vitamins, on the other hand, are only stored by the body to a lesser extent or not at all and must be supplied regularly through the diet. They are involved in a variety of metabolic processes, including energy production and the functioning of the nervous system.

The water-soluble vitamins include:

  • Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
  • Vitamins B1 (thiamine)
  • Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
  • Vitamin B3 (niacin)
  • Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
  • Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
  • Vitamin B7 (biotin)
  • Vitamin B9 (folic acid)
  • Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)

Vitamin C, for example, is a powerful antioxidant that strengthens the immune system and promotes collagen production, while the B vitamins, such as B6, B12 and folic acid, have a positive effect on energy metabolism and the nervous system.

A harmonious diet, characterized by a variety of industrially unprocessed sources, is undoubtedly the optimal way to provide our body with all essential vitamins.

In many cases, however, supplementation with specific food supplements may be necessary. Great care should be taken to ensure that the supplements are of the highest quality, free from unnecessary harmful additives and any exposure to heavy metals.

Complete Blood Count / Blood Test for Vitamins

Evidence of the exact concentration of vitamins can be obtained by means of a blood test, also known as a complete blood count. Blood tests of vitamins in their active form measure the biologically active amount of a vitamin in the blood and provide specific information about the nutrient status. Analyses of vitamins in their inactive form, on the other hand, show the total amount of vitamins in the blood without specifically addressing biological availability. The choice between the two methods depends on the diagnostic requirements.

An analysis of vitamins by an experienced doctor can help to determine whether the body is sufficiently supplied with all essential vitamins. It is important to choose the right laboratory and test methods and to evaluate the results individually and without errors.

The blood test plays a decisive role in promoting health and the preventive treatment of diseases, as a lack of vitamins can damage the body in the long term.