What types of vitamins are there?

Vitamins are essential nutrients for a healthy body . You get them mainly from your food , but due to changing eating habits, it is not always self-evident to get enough vitamins today.
That is why many people choose to supplement their diet with vitamin supplements . But… what are vitamins ? And which vitamins are there? Time to explain that clearly!

What are vitamins?

Vitamins are organic molecules that help your body function properly. They are essential because they are involved in many processes in your body: they support your immune system, help release energy from food, improve your brain function and keep your skin, hair and nails healthy.

Essential vitamins can usually not be produced by your body itself (or not sufficiently) . That is why a healthy and varied diet is very important , because that way you ensure that you get as many nutrients as possible.

What types of vitamins are there?

Today, there are 13 vitamins known. Each has its own function and contributes uniquely to a healthy body.

To understand them properly, it is important to clearly distinguish between water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins.

What are water-soluble vitamins?

Water-soluble vitamins leave your body relatively quickly through your urine. They are therefore not stored and must be replenished regularly.

This group includes:

• Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) – important for the nervous system and energy production.
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) – supports energy metabolism and healthy skin.
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin) – helps with energy production and keeping skin healthy.
• Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) – helps against fatigue and supports metabolism.
• Vitamin B6 – contributes to your immune system and hormone regulation.
• Vitamin B8 (Biotin) – important for healthy skin, hair and nails.
• Vitamin B11 (Folic acid) – essential during pregnancy, but also for cell renewal.
• Vitamin B12 – contributes to healthy brain function and energy production.
• Vitamin C – supports your resistance and ensures healthy skin.

💡You can find these vitamins in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, milk, nuts and bread.

👉 GIMMY tip: With GIMMY Energy you get extra vitamin B12 in a fun way.

What are fat-soluble vitamins?

Fat-soluble vitamins dissolve in fat, not in water. This makes them better absorbed when taken with fats.
Fat-soluble vitamins are stored better than water-soluble vitamins. This means you can use up a supply for longer, but this also means you have to be careful with high doses.

The four fat-soluble vitamins are known as the ADEK vitamins :

• Vitamin A – important for your vision, skin and immune system.

• Vitamin D (D2 and D3) – helps with calcium absorption, strong bones and a good immune system.

• Vitamin E – protects your cells from damage (powerful antioxidant) and supports your immune system.

• Vitamin K – plays an important role in blood clotting and bone health.

Fat-soluble vitamins are mainly found in oily fish (salmon, mackerel, herring), eggs, dairy products, butter, margarine, nuts and seeds.

💡Fat-soluble vitamins are mainly found in oily fish (salmon, mackerel, herring), eggs, dairy products, butter, margarine, nuts and seeds.

👉 GIMMY tip: With GIMMY Multivit you get all the essential vitamins in an effective, fun and tasty way.

Do I need extra vitamins?

Normally, a healthy, balanced diet would provide your body with sufficient vitamins. But practice often shows otherwise: a busy life, stress and insufficient variation in your meals often make it necessary to take supplements.

Your body often tells you when you need extra vitamins. Do you feel listless, tired, do you have concentration problems, suffer from hair loss or low resistance? Then you know enough.

A blood test by your GP can give you certainty , but you can actually start taking supplements yourself at a low threshold.

Which vitamin supplement do I need?

This depends a lot on your lifestyle, diet, health condition and age. In general, every person needs all 13 essential vitamins , but the amount can vary.

• Multivitamins are ideal as a basic supplement, especially if you eat irregularly, eat few vegetables or fruit or are often tired.

• Are you vegetarian or vegan? Then vitamin B12 is extra important.

• Are you often indoors or do you live in a country with little sun (like Belgium or the Netherlands 😉)? Then vitamin D is probably useful.

• Do you experience a lot of stress and notice that your resistance is reduced? Then vitamin C , B6 , B12 and D are your best friends.

💡 With a multivitamin supplement like GIMMY Multivit you can effortlessly cover a broad base.

Which vitamins against hair loss?

Hair loss can have a variety of causes, from hormonal fluctuations to stress to nutritional deficiencies. The following vitamins can help reduce hair loss and support your hair growth:

• Biotin (vitamin B8) – essential for strong hair and nails.

• Vitamin D – a deficiency can contribute to hair loss.

• Vitamin A – stimulates the production of sebum, which protects the hair.

• Vitamin E – improves blood circulation in the scalp.

• Vitamin B11 (Folic acid) – promotes cell renewal, also in the hair roots.

Which vitamin for fatigue?

Chronic fatigue or low energy can be a sign of a deficiency in specific vitamins that contribute to your energy production :

• Vitamin B12 – plays a key role in energy release and supports the nervous system.

• Vitamin B6 – helps in the processing of proteins and carbohydrates.

• Vitamin C – helps reduce fatigue and strengthens your immune system.

• Iron (not a vitamin, but important) – a deficiency often leads to fatigue.

Which vitamin do you get from the sun?

The sun ensures that your skin produces vitamin D. This is one of the few vitamins that your body can produce itself, provided you get enough sunlight.

Vitamin D is crucial for:

• strong bones and teeth;

• a well-functioning immune system;

• your muscle function.

Which vitamins are good for your skin?

Your skin is your largest organ and often reflects your overall health. These vitamins are essential for glowing, healthy skin:

• Vitamin A – supports cell renewal and helps with acne.

• Vitamin C – stimulates collagen production, protects against skin aging.

• Vitamin E – works as an antioxidant and protects against harmful external influences.

• Vitamin B3 (Niacin) – improves skin structure and moisture balance.

• Biotin (vitamin B8) – strengthens skin, hair and nails from within.