What it means
One of 13 nutrients the body needs but cannot make enough of. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) are stored in the body, so large doses can build up to toxic levels; water-soluble vitamins (C and the B group) are not stored much, and extra leaves in the urine. Some are given as medicines, such as vitamin K to reverse warfarin, thiamine (vitamin B1) for people with alcohol use disorder, and vitamin B12 injections for one kind of anemiauh-NEE-mee-uhA lower than normal number of red blood cells or amount of hemoglobin in the blood.a- without, lacking-emia blood conditionFull entry .
For the nurse
Ask about vitamins and supplements when taking a medication history, because some interact with drugs: vitamin K foods and supplements change how warfarin works. Teach that more is not always better, especially for vitamins A and D.
At a glance
| Spanish | vitamina |
|---|---|
| Also written | vitamins |
Related terms
anemia
A lower than normal number of red blood cells or amount of hemoglobin in the blood.
anticoagulant
A drug that slows the blood's ability to form clots.