Some say they are healthy. Some say they are in great shape and excellent health, perhaps the best of their lives. Others say their health is not so good. What do you think distinguishes these two groups of people in their healthcare lives? Could vitamins have something to do with this or are they overrated? Vitamins aren't just for "health freaks." It is a fact that they are essential for life. By definition, vitamins are “organic compounds that the body needs to maintain health and function” (Merritt). The definition clearly states that vitamins are a must in our daily diet. In general, what could happen if people do not take the right amount of vitamins? There are four stages of deficiency. The first is “Preliminary,” which means that the amount of vitamins available to the body is inadequate. The second step is “biochemical deficiency,” which means that all stored vitamins are depleted. The third step is “physiological deficiency,” which means there are no specific signs or symptoms of health problems; however, general weakness, fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite may occur. The last phase is the most serious of all phases. “Clinical malnutrition” presents specific signs and symptoms of health-related problems, but depend on vitamin deficiency. (Merritt)There are thirteen different vitamins. They were named in alphabetical order as they were discovered: A, C, D, E, K and the B vitamins which are thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, B-6, B-12 and folate . B vitamins are chemically the same, but have different arrangements. All thirteen are micronutrients, meaning you need them in small amounts (Merritt). Some find this fact a little surprising. Vitamins contain no calories... half paper... hype. The RDA is 80 mg for males and 65 mg for females. There are no known symptoms of toxicity for vitamin K (Merritt). The chemical formula of vitamin K is C31H46O2. There are 31 carbon, 46 hydrogen and 2 oxygen atoms. The molar mass is 173 g/mol (Hermenstine). Vitamins are needed. Without them we would be non-existent. After examining everything they do for us, such as their functions, and observing what happens when we don't have enough of them, do you now understand why they are so important to us? After looking at the foods you should be eating versus the foods you actually eat in your regular diet, can you confidently say you are eating well? If you're not, why not start today? You may notice a dramatic change in how you feel. By eating right and getting adequate amounts of all 13 vitamins, you will discover what true health is.