The Vitamins are necessary auxiliaries in metabolism. They combine with specific proteins, as parts of various oxidative enzyme systems which are concerned with the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and fat in the body. Thus, they are intimately involved in the mechanism which releases energy, carbon dioxide and water as the end products of metabolism.
Vitamins can be broadly divided into Fat Soluble and Water Soluble Vitamins. Vitamins A D E and K are fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamins B ( B1 B2 B6 B12 ) and C are water-soluble.
| Vitamin - A | |
| 1913 | |
| | Retinol |
| Main Metabolic Function | Essential for normal growth and development. For normal function of epithelical cells and normal development of teeth and bones. Prevents Night blindness. |
| Deficiency - Effects | Retarded growth. Reduced resistance to infection. Abnormal function of gastrointestinal, and respiratory tracts due to altered epithelial membranes. Interferes with production of "night purple". |
| Available | Milk, Egg yolk, Ghee, Butter, Carrots, Tomatoes, Leafy and Yellow vegetables, Cod liver oil and Fresh fruits. |
| Nature | Fat-Soluble |
| 1936 | |
| | Thiamin |
| Main Metabolic Function | An important aid in carbohydrate metabolism. Needed for Proper functioning of the digestive tract and nervous system. Beriberi. Loss of muscle. |
| Deficiency - Effects | Loss of appetite. Impaired digestion of starches and sugars. Various nervous disorder coordination. |
| Available | Peas, Beans and Cereals. |
| Nature | Water-Soluble |
| Vitamin - B2 | |
| 1935 | |
| | Riboflavin |
| Main Metabolic Function | Needed in formation of certain enzymes and in cellular oxidation. Prevents inflammation of oral mucous membranes and the tongue. |
| Deficiency - Effects | Impaired growth, lassitude and weakness. Causes cheillosis or glossittis. May result in Photophobia and cataracts. |
| Available | Peas, Beans and Cereals. |
| Nature | Water-Soluble |
| Vitamin - B6 | |
| 1934 | |
| | Pyridoxine |
| Main Metabolic Function | Acts as do other B vitamins. To break down protein, carbohydrate and fat. Acts as a catalyst in the formation of niacin from tryptophan. |
| Deficiency - Effects | Increased irritability, convulsions and peripheral neuritis. Anorexia, nausea and vomiting. |
| Available | Peas, Beans and Cereals. |
| Nature | Water-Soluble |
| Vitamin - B12 | |
| 1948 | |
| | Cyanocobalamin |
| Main Metabolic Function | Essential for development of red blood cells. Required for maintenance of skin, nerve tissues, bone and muscles. |
| Deficiency - Effects | Results in pernicious anaemia. Weakness, fatigue, sore and cracked lips. |
| Available | Peas, Beans and Cereals. |
| Nature | Water-Soluble |
| Vitamin - C | |
| 1919 | |
| | Ascorbic Acid |
| Main Metabolic Function | Needed for form the cementing substance, collagen, in various tissues (skin, dentine, cartilage and bone matrix). Assists in woundhealing and bone fractures. |
| Deficiency - Effects | Lowered resistance to infections. Susceptibility to dental cavities, pyotthea and bleeding gums. Delayed wound healing. Specific treatment for Scurvy. |
| Available | Fresh vegetables, Lemon, Orange, Tomatoes, Cabbage , Turnip and Lettuce (Beetroot). |
| Nature | Water-Soluble |
| 1925 | |
| | Cholecalciferol |
| Main Metabolic Function | Requlates absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestinal tract. Affords antiachitic activity. |
| Deficiency - Effects | Interferes with utilisation of calcium and phosphorus in bone and teeth formation. Development of bone disease, rickets and caries. |
| Available | Butter, Milk, Ghee, Cod liver oil, Yolk of Eggs and also in Sunrays. |
| Nature | Fat-Soluble |
| Vitamin - E | |
| 1936 | |
| | Tocopherols |
| Main Metabolic Function | Protects tissues, cell membranes and Vitamin A against peroxidation. Helps strengthen red blood cells. |
| Deficiency - Effects | Decreased red blood cell resistance to rupture. |
| Available | Germinating Wheat. |
| Nature | Fat-Soluble |
| Vitamin - K | |
| 1935 | |
| | Phytomenadione |
| Main Metabolic Function | Essential for formation of normal amounts of prothrombin and blood coagulation. |
| Deficiency - Effects | diminished blood clotting time. Increased incidence of hemorrhages. |
| Available | Fish, Wheat and Oats. |
| Nature | Fat-Soluble |
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