The body cannot produce all the compounds it needs to function properly from the simple substances it gets by digesting carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Any of a group of organic substances essential in small quantities to normal metabolism. Our cells cease to grow and replenish themselves; and our blood does not deliver our daily dose of nutrients. The words vital, vitality, vigor, vivacious, alive, vibrant, and many more are related to it. The word vitamin comes from the Latin word Vita, meaning Life.

The compounds needed must be gotten ready-made from the diet, and. We feel run-down and show symptoms of minor illness, and then over our lifetime, many grow to be major diseases. Without the proper amount, the body does not assimilate any of them, and can't effectively do its job. Vitamins are essential for the growth and health of any living organism.

As this holds true, we look around us and soon realize the life-force in all edible plants and animals give us what is essential to keep our bodies alive. Many interesting words are derived from this which are also full of life.

So exactly what is a vitamin.