Vitamins are essential for normal metabolism, growth, development and regulation of cell function. Vitamins participate in diverse array of biochemical functions, including functioning as hormones (Vitamin D), antioxidants (Vitamin E), and regulators of cell and tissue growth (Vitamin A). The largest number of vitamins (B complex vitamins) function as precursors for enzyme cofactor molecules (or coenzymes ) that ultimately act as catalysts or substrates in metabolism. When acting as part of a catalyst, vitamins are bound to enzymes and are called prosthetic groups. For example, biotin is part of the enzymes involved in making fatty acids. Vitamins also act as coenzymes that carry critical chemical groups between enzymes. For example, folic acid carries various forms of carbon within the cell for use in many biochemical reactions. Although vitamins do perform other important roles in cellular biochemistry, their role in assisting enzyme reactions is the best-known and most well studied function.
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