Vitamins

Definition

Vitamins are organic compounds that organisms need in small quantities for essential metabolic reactions to occur in the body. Unlike macronutrients, which are consumed in larger amounts, vitamins are required in minute amounts and play critical roles in processes such as growth, digestion, and nerve function.

Related terms

Metabolism:

The set of life-sustaining chemical transformations within the cells of living organisms.

Nutrient Absorption: The process by which nutrients from foods are taken into the cells of the body after being digested and transported through its membranes.

Micronutrients: Essential dietary elements consumed in small quantities that support key bodily functions, including minerals and vitamins