|
A vitamin is an organic compound which required as a nutrient in tiny amounts by an organism. A compound is called a vitamin when it cannot be synthesized in sufficient quantities by an organism, and must be obtained from the diet. Vitamin is derived from the words vital and amine. An organic compound is considered a vitamin if a lack of that compound in the diet results in overt symptoms of deficiency. Vitamins A, B, C, and D are the most common vitamins. |