The 13 essential Vitamins
This article will breakdown the essential 13 vitamins that we as humans need. ASAP products make sure we’ve got you covered with all of your nutrients. We will outline what they do and what their deficiency or overuse means.
We will also give answers to these common questions:
What are common vegan deficiencies when it comes to vitamins? What vitamins do vegans need to supplement?
The 13 essential vitamins
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Vitamin A
Vitamin A, also called retinol, has many functions for the body. It is vital for:
- Vision
- Bone growth
- Reproduction and preventing fertility issues
- Tooth development
- Cell division and gene expression
- The immune system and preventing infections
Vitamin A deficiency can lead to blindness, measles and can increase the risk of disease and death [1]. These are both common among young children in areas with a high prevalence of vitamin A deficiency. These are generally poorer regions.
Too much vitamin A (usually achieved by supplementation) can negatively impact bone development and result in delayed growth in children and teenagers. Vitamin A toxicity can also cause severe birth defects. Long term overuse can cause high cholesterol levels, liver damage and nervous system changes.
Vitamin D
According to studies, it is estimated that close to 40% of the Irish population has low levels of vitamin D. On top of getting vitamin D from our food, we can also synthesize vitamin D from sunlight. This means that vitamin D deficiency is highest during the winter months where we get limited sunlight.
Vitamin D may play a role in regulating mood and decreasing the risk of depression [2]. It also helps to regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. On top of this it plays a role in protecting humans from illnesses. This is important at a time where the world is coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A lack of vitamin D can lead to osteoporosis, other autoimmune conditions, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders.
Vitamin D toxicity can lead to an increase in your blood calcium levels which can lead to the following health issues:
- nausea
- vomiting
- abdominal pain
- dehydration
Vitamin E
Vitamin E plays a role in maintaining healthy skin and eyes as well as supporting your immune system [3]. One should be able to get the required amount of vitamin E in their diet.
Vitamin E deficiency may cause nerve and muscle damage, loss of body movement control and muscle weakness.
High doses of vitamin E can cause excessive bleeding.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is important for helping blood to clot which prevents excessive bleeding [4].
Low levels of vitamin K can raise the risk of uncontrolled bleeding but deficiencies are rare.
Water-soluble Vitamins
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, has a wide range of benefits and functions in the body. It can lessen the severity of the common cold, act as an antioxidant and make collagen [5]. It cannot be made by the human body and so is an essential component of a diet.
A vitamin deficiency can lead to scurvy which is caused by the fact that collagen has not been formed. This disease causes easy bleeding, bruising and joint and muscular pain.
Vitamin C has low toxicity and so it is unlikely to reach the upper limit. If met however and for a period of time, kidney stones may appear.
Thiamin (Vitamin B1)
Thiamin (vitamin B1) is essential for energy metabolism, especially breaking down carbohydrates to produce energy [6]. It also allows oxygen to be used by the body.
Thiamin deficiency can cause beriberi disease. This will result in fatigue, weakness, psychosis, and nerve damage. Beriberi also causes tingling and numbness in the feet and hands.
There is no established toxic level of thiamin because our body can flush excess amounts out.
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is also used to release energy from food. On top of this, it keeps our eyes, skin and the nervous system healthy [7].
Riboflavin deficiency can cause endocrine abnormalities, such as thyroid hormone insufficiency, angular stomatitis, cheilosis, hair loss and reproductivce problems [8].
There is no observable toxicity seen from Riboflavin as of yet, most likely because of it’s solubility and capacity to be absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract are limited.
Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Like the previous two vitamins, Niacin (vitamin B3) is important for helping the body to release energy from food. It also creates cholesterol and fats as well as creating and repairing DNA [9].
Niacin comes in the form of either nicotinic acid or nicotinamide.
A severe niacin deficiency can lead to pellagra. It can also cause headaches, depression and fatigue.
Niacin toxicity can cause liver problems.
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), like all the B vitamins is involved in releasing energy from food. It is essential for fatty acid synthesis [10].
A lack of pantothenic acid is uncommon. When someone does have a pantothenic acid deficiency is would usually be accompanied by other nutrient deficiencies. It can cause headaches, fatigue, disturbed sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances.
Again, cases of toxicity are very limited and so it’s effect is largely unknown.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is a group of six compounds. Vitamin B6 is vital in helping the body to use and store energy from protein and carbohydrates in food. It also helps the body form haemoglobin which carries oxygen around the body [11]. Vitamin is also linked with the regulation of mental function and being in a good mood [15].
Taking high levels of vitamin B6 for a long period of time can result in nerve damage and a loss of feeling in arms and legs [7].
Vitamin B6 deficiency can result in a weak immune system, anaemia and Scaly skin.
Biotin (Vitamin B7)
Biotin (Vitamin B7) is needed in small amounts only to help make fatty acids. It should be easily obtained in a balanced and varied diet. The bacteria that live in our bowel can also make biotin so there is rarely a need to supplement this [7].
Signs of biotin deficiency seem to be hair loss, brittle nails, skin rashes and redness around body openings[12].
There is no evidence in humans that biotin is toxic at high intakes.
Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)
Folic acid (vitamin B9) also known as folate, is essential in the formation of healthy red blood cells. It also helps in preventing birth defects in newborn babies and it can help to promote hair growth.
Deficiency in folic acid, can cause brain and spinal cord defects in unborn babies [13]. Maintaining the recommended amount is therefore very important. It can also cause anaemia and fatigue.
Having high levels of folate in your blood can increase the risk of poor cognition in older adults [14].
.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) has similar roles to folic acid. It is involved in helping the body:
- Release energy from good
- Make red blood cells
- Keep the nervous system healthy
- Use folic acid [7]
Vitamin B12 deficiency is extremely common in vegans. This is because it comes mainly from meat, fish and dairy products. Vitamin B12 is produced by the bacteria in the soil and because we wash our plants before eating them, we miss out on this vitamin. It is also produced by bacteria in the guts of animals (including humans). However, it is produced too far down the digestive system to be absorbed.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause fatigue and in rare cases, a condition called pernicious anaemia [7]..
Summary
ASAP meets 100% of your vitamin B12 and vitamin D recommended daily amounts (RDA). Vegans miss out on B12 in their diet, so it is important to supplement and why not do this through one of our delicious milks (link to our shop page).
In Ireland, skin cancer is the most common cancer. Therefore, we have decided that filling our drinks with 100% of your RDA of vitamin D will mean people don’t need to spend extended periods in the sun. We are a community here at ASAP and we endeavour to look after each other.
We have kept all vitamins within the upper limits to ensure they are safe. We have included smaller amounts of the other vitamins because we realise that in a balanced diet one will reach their other RDAs easily.
Want to read a similar article about minerals? Have a look at our Minerals breakdown (HP to minerals blog).
If you are worried that you are deficient or intaking levels that are too high in any of these vitamins we recommend that you consult your doctor.
References
- WHO (2021). Micronutrient deficiencies. Malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malnutrition (Assessed: 09/06/2021).
- TILDA (2020). Vitamin D deficiency in Ireland – implications for COVID-19. Available at: https://tilda.tcd.ie/publications/reports/pdf/Report_Covid19VitaminD.pdf (Assessed: April 2020)
- HSE (2022). Vitamin E. Vitamins and Minerals. Available at: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-e/
- HSE (2022). Vitamin K. Vitamins and Minerals. Available at: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-k/
- HSE (2022). Vitamin E. Vitamins and Minerals. Available at: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-c/
- National Institutes of Health (2021). U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Thiamin. Available at: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Thiamin-HealthProfessional/ (Assessed at March 2021)
- HSE (2022). B vitamins and folic acid. Vitamins and Minerals. Available at: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/b-vitamins-and-folic-acid/
- National Institutes of Health (2021). U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Riboflavin. Available at: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Riboflavin-HealthProfessional/ (Assessed at March 2021)
- Harvard T.H Chan (2022). The Nutrition Source. Niacin – Vitamin B3. Available at: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/niacin-vitamin-b3/)
- National Institutes of Health (2021). U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Pantothenic Acid. Available at: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/PantothenicAcid-HealthProfessional/ (Assessed at March 2021)
- National Institutes of Health (2021). U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Vitamin B6. Available at: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB6-HealthProfessional/ (Assessed at March 2021)
- National Institutes of Health (2021). U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Biotin. Available at: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-HealthProfessional/ (Assessed at January 2022)
- NHS (2022). B vitamins and folic acid. Vitamins and Minerals. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-b/
- Trinity College Dublin (2021). The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). Available at: https://tilda.tcd.ie/news-events/2020/2018-olderadults-folate/ (Assessed at August 2021)
- Malouf, R. and Evans, J.G., 2003. Vitamin B6 for cognition. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (4).
Our products
-
Mixed Pack M*lk Shakes
- 100% Vegan
- 20g Plant Protein
- Vitamins and minerals
Full Ingredient Information
Ingredients List:
Water, Pea Protein Isolate, Chicory dietary fibre, Coconut cream, Sugar, Sunflower oil, Fat Reduced Cocoa Powder (0.75%)(Rich Chocolate flavour only), Vitamin blend, Calcium Carbonate, Natural flavourings, Salt, Stabiliser: Carrageenan, Acidity Regulator: Trisodium Citrate, Sweetener: Steviol Glycosides
Vitamins & Minerals:
Per 100 ml
% NRV* Per 100 ml
Per Bottle (330ml)
% NRV* Per 330 ml
Calcium
122mg
15%
403mg
50%
Vitamin A
39ug
5%
129
16%
Vitamin D
1.52μg
30%
5.02μg
100%
Vitamin E
0.58mg
5%
1.9mg
16%
Vitamin K
3.6ug
5%
11.88ug
16%
Vitamin C
3.9mg
5%
12.87mg
16%
Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
0.05mg
5%
0.17mg
16%
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
0.07mg
5%
0.23mg
16%
Niacin (Vitamin B3)
0.7mg
5%
2.54mg
16%
Pantothenic (Vitamin B5)
0.29mg
5%
0.96mg
16%
Vitamin B6
25mg
31%
83mg
15%
Biotin (Vitamin B7)
2.45ug
5%
8.09ug
16%
Vitamin B9
0.2μg
10%
0.4μg
15%
Vitamin B12
0.758ug
30%
2.50ug
100%
* NRV: Nutrient Reference Value
Our Super Plant Powered Ingredients:
Pea Protein Pea protein contains all 9 of the essential amino acids and naturally occuring BCAAs.
Chicory Root Fibre Easy to digest plant based fibre from Chicory Root to help support a healthy and happy gut.
Cacao Powder Fair trade certified cocoa powder, which is high in theobromine. This can help lower inflammation and help protect against cancer, heart disease and diabetes!
Sunflower Oil Sunflower oil has many health benefits because it is low in saturated fat and high in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. PUFAs include omega-3s and omega-6s which can reduce cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. MUFAs may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Natural Sweetness and low in sugar Delicately sweetened with cane sugar, and a dash of stevia leaf to balance the sweetness and keeping the total sugar level low. So low in fact we have 50% less sugar than Dairy protein milks AND we don't use any nasty artificial sweetners such as sucralose.
Calcium We've packed our m*lks full of calcium so you can build and maintain strong bones. Your heart, muscles and nerves also need calcium to function properly, so count on us for your calcium fix. Who needs dairy?
Vitamin A Vitamin A, also called retinol, is vital for your vision, bone growth, reproduction and preventing fertility issues, tooth development and preventing infections.
Vitamin D2 Vitamin D is involved inhelping your body absorb calcium, helps boost your immune system and protects bones, muscles, and your heart. Our bodies produce it when we go out in the sun, but as Irish people this is few and far between, so vitamin D is so important for us to include in our diets.
Vitamin E Vitamin E plays a role in maintaining healthy skin and eyes as well as supporting your immune system. Vitamin E deficiency may cause nerve and muscle damage, loss of body movement control and muscle weakness.
Vitamin K Vitamin K is important for helping blood to clot which prevents excessive bleeding. Low levels of vitamin K can raise the risk of uncontrolled bleeding but deficiencies are rare.
Vitamin C Vitamin C is necessary for the growth, development and repair of all body tissues. It's involved in the formation of collagen, absorption of iron, the proper functioning of the immune system, wound healing, and the maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth.
Vitamin B1 Thiamin (vitamin B1) is essential for energy metabolism, especially breaking down carbohydrates to produce energy.
Vitamin B2 It helps the body break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats to produce energy, and it allows oxygen to be used by the body.
Vitamin B3 Like the previous two vitamins, Niacin (vitamin B3) is important for helping the body to release energy from food. It also creates cholesterol and fats as well as creating and repairing DNA.
Vitamin B5 Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), like all the B vitamins is involved in releasing energy from food. It is essential for fatty acid synthesis.
Vitamin B6 Vitamin B6 helps maintain a normal amount of this amino acid in your blood. Eating foods rich in vitamin B6 will help your body guard against infection by boosting your immune system. B6 may also improve your mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
Vitamin B7 Biotin (Vitamin B7) is needed in small amounts only to help make fatty acids.
It should be easily obtained in a balanced and varied diet. The bacteria that live in our bowel can also make biotin so there is rarely a need to supplement this.Folic Acid Did you know, folic acid is extremely important in helping the body produce and maintain new cells. Folic acid also helps in preventing birth defects in newborn babies and also helps to promote hair growth.
Vitamin B12 Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep your body's blood and nerve cells healthy. For people who don't eat meat or little animal products there is a real risk of being deficient in B12. Proper B12 supplementation can help prevent extreme tiredness, lack of energy, muscle weakness and depression.
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
- Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection.