Derived from the Latin word vita meaning “life,” vitamins are organic substances essential to the proper functioning of the cells of the human body.
Vitamin A helps to maintain good vision and normal, healthy skin. It is also involved in the normal functioning of the immune system to cope with external aggressions.
Vitamin B1 contributes to the proper functioning of energy metabolism.
Vitamin B2 helps to protect cells against oxidative stress.
Vitamin B3 is involved in energy metabolism and also helps to reduce fatigue.
Vitamin B5 is one of the constituents of coenzyme A (essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids and fatty acids). It also contributes to normal intellectual performance.
Vitamin B6 contributes to the normal metabolism of proteins and glycogen.
Vitamin B8 is involved in the metabolism of macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates and lipids).
Vitamin B9 plays an essential role in the synthesis of amino acids.
Essential for many biochemical functions, this vitamin contributes in particular to the normal formation of collagen to ensure proper functioning of bones and cartilage, as well as gums, teeth and skin.
It contributes to the absorption and proper use by the body of calcium and phosphorus, thus keeping teeth and bones healthy. It also contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant, it protects cells from free radicals and plays a key role in stabilizing membrane lipids.
Vitamin K, or menaquinone, contributes to normal blood coagulation and the maintenance of healthy bone structure.
In Greek, oligos means “few”, indicating elements that are naturally present in small quantities. Note that iron, zinc and selenium are rarely present in sufficient quantities in a “modern” diet.
Copper plays a role in the proper functioning of the nervous and immune systems. It helps with the normal transport of iron in the body. It also plays an important role in protecting cells against oxidative stress.
Iron is involved in the normal formation of red blood cells and hemoglobin. It also contributes to the normal transport of oxygen in the body.
Selenium helps protect cells against oxidative stress as well as the proper functioning of the immune system and of thyroid function.
Zinc is a necessary element in the synthesis of DNA. It contributes to the normal metabolism of macronutrients (in particular proteins and lipids).
Chromium is a trace element that contributes to the proper functioning of the metabolism of macronutrients (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates). It also helps to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
Manganese helps to maintain normal energy metabolism. It also helps protect cells against oxidative stress.