Vitamins

Vitamins are essential nutrients that our bodies need in small amounts to function properly. They play a crucial role in various bodily functions, including metabolism, immunity, and overall health. There are 13 essential vitamins, each with its own specific function and sources.

Types of Vitamins

There are two main categories of vitamins: water-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins.

Water-soluble vitamins: These vitamins dissolve in water and are not stored in the body. They need to be replenished regularly through diet. Examples include vitamin C and the B vitamins (such as B6, B12, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, and biotin).
Fat-soluble vitamins: These vitamins are stored in the body's fatty tissue and liver. They can be stored for longer periods and do not need to be consumed as frequently. Examples include vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Sources of Vitamins

Vitamins can be obtained from a variety of food sources, including fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, fish, and fortified foods. It's important to consume a balanced and varied diet to ensure an adequate intake of all essential vitamins.

Functions of Vitamins

Each vitamin has a specific role in the body, such as supporting immune function, promoting healthy vision, aiding in the production of red blood cells, and contributing to bone health. Deficiencies in certain vitamins can lead to various health problems, so it's important to maintain an adequate intake of all essential vitamins.

Study Guide

What are the two main categories of vitamins? Provide examples of vitamins in each category.
Why is it important to consume a balanced and varied diet in relation to obtaining essential vitamins?
Discuss the functions of at least three different vitamins and the potential health problems associated with their deficiencies.
Identify food sources for different vitamins and explain how dietary choices can impact vitamin intake.
Explain the differences between water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins in terms of storage in the body and frequency of consumption.

◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Second Grade. What is science?

Vocabulary/Answer key

What is science?

The resources above cover the following skills:

LIFE SCIENCE

Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

Obtain information from literature and other media to illustrate that there are many different kinds of living things and that they exist in different places on land and in water (e.g., woodland, tundra, desert, rainforest, ocean, river).

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE

Earth’s Systems

Make observations from media to obtain information about Earth’s events that happen over a short period of time (e.g., tornados, volcanic explosions, earthquakes) or over a time period longer than one can observe (e.g., erosion of rocks, melting of glaciers).

Collect and evaluate data to identify water found on Earth and determine whether it is a solid or a liquid (e.g., glaciers as solid forms of water; oceans, lakes, rivers, streams as liquid forms of water).