Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1, also called thiamine or thiamin, is found in both plants and animals and plays a crucial role in certain metabolic reactions. Your body needs it to form adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which every cell of the body uses for energy.
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2, also called riboflavin, works as an antioxidant, fighting damaging particles in the body known as free radicals. Free radicals can damage cells and DNA, and may contribute to the aging process, as well as the development of a number of health conditions, such as heart disease and cancer. Riboflavin is also needed to help the body change vitamin B6 and folate into forms it can use. It is also important for growth and red blood cell production.
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3, also called niacin, helps the body make various sex and stress-related hormones in the adrenal glands and other parts of the body. Niacin helps improve circulation, and it has been shown to suppress inflammation.
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B5, also called pantothenic acid, is critical to the manufacture of red blood cells, as well as sex and stress-related hormones produced in the adrenal glands, small glands that sit atop the kidneys. Vitamin B5 is also important in maintaining a healthy digestive tract, and it helps the body use other vitamins, particularly B2.
Vitamin B7
Vitamin B7, also called biotin, is needed for growth. It helps the body break down and use food. Lack of biotin may lead to muscle pain, dermatitis, or glossitis (swelling of the tongue). Signs of biotin deficiency include skin rashes, hair loss, and brittle nails.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is a vitamin found mainly in animal products. It is involved in the creation of red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. Vitamin B12 is also involved in the normal growth and function of a healthy nervous system. Additional vitamin B12 is important for people who are breastfeeding.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential for eye health. It also plays roles in the immune system, bone health, and maintaining the lining of blood vessels and the digestive tract. Carrots get their color from beta-carotene, a precursor that is converted into vitamin A in the body.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for forming and maintaining strong bones and teeth. It also plays a role in regulating normal immune system function and maintaining a healthy heart and muscles. Vitamin D can be produced by the skin, but people with darker skin or people who live in climates with limited winter sunlight may not produce enough vitamin D from sun exposure.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. It helps with maintaining healthy skin and eyes, as well as the functions of the brain and immune system. Vitamin E is commonly found in plant-based oils, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables like collard greens, kale, and spinach. It plays essential roles in blood clotting and bone health.
Hematocrit
Hematocrit is a measure of the proportion of red cells in your blood. Red blood cells are essential for carrying oxygen through your body.
Hemoglobin A1C
The hemoglobin A1C test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months and can be used to diagnose pre-diabetes or diabetes. Hemoglobin is the oxygen-binding protein in your red blood cells. When sugar enters the blood, it can attach to hemoglobin. A hemoglobin A1C test measures the percentage of your red blood cells that have sugar-bound hemoglobin.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral found in several plant foods like legumes, dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and fortified cereals. It is also found in meats and is an ingredient in laxatives. Magnesium regulates blood sugar and blood pressure and is essential for healthy and strong bones and teeth. It also acts as a conductor for muscle contraction and helps keep the heart beating steadily.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential trace mineral that helps cells grow and multiply. This means that is important at times of growth including childhood, adolescence, pregnancy, and wound healing. Zinc is also necessary for maintaining a healthy immune system. Zinc is present in many foods, including animal products (meat, dairy products, eggs), whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
Copper
Copper is a naturally occurring metal and trace nutrient found in high-protein foods like organ meat, shellfish, fish, nuts, and seeds, as well as whole grains, and chocolate. Copper plays an essential role in producing energy for the body, absorbing iron to build red blood cells, and maintaining healthy immune and nervous systems.
Selenium
Selenium is an essential trace mineral that helps make DNA and protect against cell damage and infections. It is also involved in reproduction and thyroid function. Selenium is found in common foods including bread, cereals, poultry, red meat, and eggs.
Arsenic
Arsenic is a toxin naturally found in soil and groundwater.
Mercury
Mercury is a toxic liquid metal. In the United States, exposure to methylmercury mainly occurs through eating fish and shellfish.
Cadmium
Cadmium is a natural element found in tiny amounts in air, water, soil, and food. It is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer.
DHEA
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone naturally produced in the adrenal gland that helps produce testosterone and estrogen. Since DHEA declines with age, people use DHEA as an anti-aging treatment and to treat symptoms of menopause.
Folate
Folate, also called folic acid or vitamin B9, is a vitamin critical during pregnancy. It is also useful in producing DNA and RNA and metabolizing proteins.
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin
Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) is a protein made by your liver that binds estrogen, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and testosterone to carry them through the blood. SHBG controls the amount of testosterone available for use in your body.