Vitamins are complex chemical substances that are an essential part of a balanced diet. Most cant be made by the body so have to be obtained from food. A lack of these micronutrients can lead to ill health and cause deficiency diseases. They are needed for many vital chemical reactions in the body such as extracting energy from food. Vitamins were most commonly referred to by letters of the alphabet, but are now increasingly known by their chemical names. Recent research shows that vitamins may also have a role in preventing  diseases such as cancer.

Water soluble Vitamins are usually found in water soluble fat free foods such as fruit and vegetables. They tend to be lost from these foods over time, so the fresher the food and the less they are cooked the better. Vegetables which are quickly frozen after harvest  often contain more vitamins than 'fresh food' which has been days in transit or stored at home or in the shop  before eating.

The Fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K are found in fatty foods, as their chemical structures allow them to be dissolved in fat.

The amount needed to be taken varies between different groups of people e.g. infants, children, elderly ,adult, pregnant and breastfeeding. Usually only small amounts are needed to maintain good health and are expressed as RDAs (Recommended daily allowances) .The Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals  which advises the Food Standards Agency has  published recommendations on safe levels of intake of 31 vitamins and minerals FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY