There are 13 essential vitamins. They are They are: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (niacin), Pantothenic acid (B5), Biotin (B7), Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), Folate (folic acid and B9).
• Vitamin A helps form and maintain healthy teeth, bones, soft tissue, mucus membranes, and skin.
• Vitamin B6 and B12 helps form red blood cells and maintains brain function.
• Vitamin C is an antioxidant that promotes healthy teeth and gums. It helps the body absorb iron and maintain healthy tissue.
• Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. You need calcium for the normal development and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones. It also helps maintain proper blood levels of calcium and phosphorus.
• Vitamin E helps the body form red blood cells and use vitamin K.
• Vitamin K is not listed among the essential vitamins, but without it blood would not stick together (coagulate).
• Thiamine (vitamin B1) helps the body cells change carbohydrates into energy. It is also essential for heart function and healthy nerve cells.
• Biotin (B7) is essential for the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates, and in the production of hormones and cholesterol.
• Niacin is B3 vitamin that helps maintain healthy skin and nerves. It also has cholesterol-lowering effects at higher doses.
• Folate works with vitamin B12 to help form red blood cells. It is needed for the production of DNA, which controls tissue growth and cell function.
• Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is important for body growth and the production of red blood cells.
• Pantothenic acid is essential for the metabolism of food. It also plays a role in the production of hormones and cholesterol.

High doses of certain vitamins can be toxic. Before taking any vitamins, ask your doctor what is good for your health.