Vitamer vs. Vitamin — What's the Difference?

Vitamins occur in a variety of related forms known as vitamers. A vitamer () of a particular vitamin is one of several related compounds that exhibit biological activity against a specific vitamin deficiency.Early research identified vitamins by their ability to cure vitamin-specific deficiency diseases.

A vitamin is an organic molecule (or a set of molecules closely related chemically, i.e. vitamers) that is an essential micronutrient which an organism needs in small quantities for the proper functioning of its metabolism.

One of two or more related chemical substances that fulfill the same specific vitamin function.

Any of various fat-soluble or water-soluble organic substances that are essential in minute amounts for normal growth and activity of living organisms. They are synthesized by bacteria and plants and are obtained by animals chiefly in their diet.

Any of a combination of substances that, together, function as a vitamin.

A preparation containing one or more vitamins, often taken as a dietary supplement.

Any of a specific group of organic compounds essential in small quantities for healthy human growth, metabolism, development, and body function; found in minute amounts in plant and animal foods or sometimes produced synthetically; deficiencies of specific vitamins produce specific disorders.

Any of several organic chemical substances not synthesized by an animal and required in small quantities for normal metabolism, present in and obtained from the natural foods eaten by the animal. Human vitamins are also produced synthetically, and taken in pure form or in mixtures, as dietary supplements. Deficiencies of specific vitamins lead to certain specific disorders, such as scurvy, caused by an insufficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid).

Any of a group of organic substances essential in small quantities to normal metabolism