What are vitamins defined as in relation to health?

Vitamins are defined as organic substances that are crucial for various bodily functions and must be consumed regularly to maintain health. They play vital roles in processes such as metabolism, immunity, and overall cellular health. Unlike macronutrients, which provide energy, vitamins do not supply calories but are necessary for the proper functioning of enzymes and biological processes.

The necessity of regular consumption of vitamins arises from the fact that the body cannot synthesize enough of them on its own, or in some cases, cannot produce them at all. Therefore, they must be obtained through diet or supplementation to avoid deficiencies that can lead to health issues. This is particularly important for certain vitamins, such as the water-soluble vitamin C or the B vitamins, which the body does not store in significant amounts.

In contrast, other options do not accurately capture the essence of vitamins; for instance, vitamins are not synthetic substances, nor are they minerals. They also differ from non-essential nutrients, as those can be synthesized by the body and do not necessarily need to be obtained through the diet regularly. Therefore, the definition emphasizing their organic nature and the requirement for regular intake underscores the importance of vitamins in promoting overall health and preventing deficiency-related diseases.