Work

People and animals need basic nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats to live and function properly. However, when Frederick Hopkins began looking into the issue, there were several indications that we also need other substances. When he fed young rats only pure nutrients, their growth stopped, but all it took was a small amount of milk for them to start growing again. The conclusion reported around 1910 was that these unknown substances are necessary in small amounts for life processes. The substances came to be known as vitamins.