Definition, Types and Sources of Vitamins

Vitamins:

• Chemical compounds, carry out certain biological functions & maintain growth
• Taken in small amount
• Beneficial in many metabolic processes
  • Types of vitamins
  • Functions of Vitamins
  • Deficiency diseases

Types of vitamins:

• Fat-soluble vitamins

  • Vitamins A, D, E, and K
  • Stored in the fatty tissues
  • Stored for longer periods of time
  • To be consumed up Later

• Water-soluble vitamins

  • Vitamins B and C
  • can’t be stored in the body
  • excreted out in the urine
  • need to be taken regularly

30 Different types of vitamins:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B – complex (group of 8 vitamins)
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K

Vitamin A:

• For a better eyesight a
• improve immune system
• promotes healthy skin
• healthy growth of muscle tissues
• healthy reproductive system

Vitamin A Deficiency lead to disease – xerophthalmia

Vitamin B:

• Diverse form of vitamin
  • Divided into B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, & B12
• Maintain nerve cell function
• Produce RBCs
• Synthesize fats and carbohydrates
• Produce cholesterol & different kinds of hormones
• Aid in the replication of DNA

Deficiency Could Lead To – Weakness, Disturbance in GIT, Fatigue, Dermatitis, Nausea 

 

Vitamin C:

• An anti-oxidant – inhibit aging process
• Healing of injuries – by producing collagen
• Formation of iron – drive the oxygen

Deficiency Could Lead To – Scurvy or anemia

Vitamin D:

• Obtained from sunlight
• Helps in the growth of bone tissues
• By absorbing the calcium

Deficiency Could Lead To – Osteoporosis

• Acquired through external environment

 

Vitamin E: (Tochopherol)

• Type of anti-oxidant
• Helps body to produce better defense against diseases

Vitamin K:

• Helps in blood coagulation
• Found in leafy and green vegetables

Deficiency Could Lead To – Internal bleeding, Internal clot Formation