A vitamin is an organic compound necessary for the maintenance of normal physiological functions in humans and animals. Vitamins (German translation: Vitamine) are important micronutrients that the body cannot synthesize in sufficient quantities on its own and must therefore be ingested with food. Some vitamins are also produced by intestinal bacteria and released into the intestines. Vitamins are responsible for a number of key functions in the body, including their role in the metabolism, maintaining the function of the immune system, growth and development, maintaining healthy skin and many other processes. They often serve as coenzymes (German: Coenzyme) or prohormones.

Vitamins are divided into two main groups:

• Water-soluble vitamins: These vitamins are water-soluble (translation into German: wasserlöslich) and usually cannot be stored in the body, therefore they must be taken daily with food. The water-soluble vitamins include vitamin C and the various B vitamins (e.g. B1, B2, B6 etc.).
• Fat-soluble vitamins: These vitamins are fat-soluble (German: fettlöslich) and can be stored in the body. Only four vitamins are fat-soluble: Vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin K.

Each vitamin fulfills certain functions in the body. Here are some examples:

• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): Supports the immune system, is involved in collagen synthesis (important for skin health) and helps with the absorption of iron from food.
• Vitamin D: Regulates calcium and phosphate levels in the bones and blood, which is important for bone health.
• Vitamin A (retinol): Important for vision, growth, the development of skin cells and the maintenance of healthy mucous membranes (German translation: Schleimhäute).
• Vitamin K: Is involved in blood coagulation and wound healing.
• Vitamin B12 (cobalamin): Essential for the normal functioning of the nervous system and hematopoiesis (i.e. blood formation).

A vitamin deficiency can lead to a variety of diseases and symptoms. It is therefore important to learn to ingest vitamins through a varied and balanced diet or, in some cases, by taking dietary supplements.

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