Essential to the proper functioning of the human body, vitamins are accountable for maintaining a normal metabolism as well as proper cellular growth and development. Vitamins are divided into two categories: fat-soluble and water-soluble. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are the four fat-soluble vitamins with the others falling into the water-soluble category. If a vitamin is fat soluble, that means it can be stored in fat and used at a later date. Water-soluble vitamins must be used immediately (excess is expelled via urine).
Each vitamin serves a specific purpose within the human body. A deficiency in vitamins may lead to various health issues while possibly increasing your risk for conditions like heart disease, various cancers, and osteoporosis (weak bone density).