Origin and history
The term vitamin comes from the Latin word vita ("life"), because these substances are essential for the body to function properly. Discovered in the early 20th century, vitamins are essential micronutrients that the body cannot synthesize (or very little), and must therefore obtain from food. Found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, vegetable oils, and animal products, they contribute to many vital functions: immunity, energy, growth, skin, vision, nervous system, etc.Each vitamin has a specific and complementary role.