Vitamins (combination
of two words: Vital Amines) are the complex organic substance essential in
small quantities to the metabolism (nutrition) in most animals. These are found
in minute quantities in food, in some cases are produced by the body, and are
also produced synthetically.
Vitamin A can be found in eggs,
milk, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, fish oil,
liver (pork, lamb, chicken, turkey or beef), butter, broccoli, apricots,
nectarines, cantaloupe, and orange or yellow
vegetables or fruits.
The deficiency of vitamin A can cause two major disorders like: night blindness and drying of skin.
The vitamin C can be found in
citrus fruits (like lemon & orange), cantaloupe, strawberries, tomatoes,
broccoli, cabbage and in other fresh fruits and vegetables.
The deficiency of vitamin C affects the healthy skin; poor wound healing and can lead to a disease called “Scurvy” which causes bleeding in gums, easy bruising, bumps of coiled hair on the arms and legs, pain in the joints, muscle wasting, and many other problems.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that regulates the formation of bone and the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestine. It helps to control the movement of calcium between bone and blood, and vice versa.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, is essential for the inhibition of oxidation in body tissues, formation of red blood cells, and also prevents breakdown of body tissues. It maintains the body tissues and protects the lungs from becoming damaged by polluted air.
The human body needs them to work properly, so
that we can grow and develop just like we should. Their deficiency results in
many serious disorders.
Vitamins are
divided into two major groups: the ‘fat-soluble vitamins’ designated as vitamin
A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K, and the ‘water-soluble vitamins’ which
include vitamin C and the group of molecules referred to as the vitamin B
complex. Each of them has its own special
role in the development of human body.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin, plays a really big part in eyesight and helps
us to see in dim light and also at night. Vitamin A is also involved in the
formation and maintenance of healthy skin, hair, and mucous membranes.
In
addition, it is necessary for proper bone growth, tooth development,
reproduction and for the development of epithelial cells (that line any opening
to the body e.g.; nose, throat, lungs, mouth, stomach, intestines and urinary
tract).
The deficiency of vitamin A can cause two major disorders like: night blindness and drying of skin.
Vitamin
B
Vitamin B
itself is a complex of different vitamins like: B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, folic
acid, biotin and pantothenic acid. These B vitamins are very important in
metabolic activity and in facilitating the red blood cell (which carry oxygen
throughout your body). They also help your body make protein and energy.
The sources
of vitamin B are leafy green vegetables seafood, beans, peas, citrus fruits,
whole grains (such as wheat and oats), poultry, meats, eggs and dairy products
(like milk and yogurt). Some bacteria in our large intestine also prepare some
type of B-vitamins.
The deficiency of vitamin B can cause
the disease “Beri Beri”, cracked lips, weak muscles, malformation of red blood
cells, affects normal growth and disturbs the nervous system.
Vitamin
C
Vitamin C or
ascorbic acid is a water-soluble, antioxidant vitamin that is vital to the production of collagen,
a protein that gives structure to bones, cartilage, muscle, and blood vessels. It
is important for keeping body tissues, such as gums and muscles in good shape
and it helps in quick healing of wounds. In addition, it helps protecting the fat-soluble vitamins A and E as well
as fatty acids from oxidation.
The deficiency of vitamin C affects the healthy skin; poor wound healing and can lead to a disease called “Scurvy” which causes bleeding in gums, easy bruising, bumps of coiled hair on the arms and legs, pain in the joints, muscle wasting, and many other problems.
Vitamin
D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that regulates the formation of bone and the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestine. It helps to control the movement of calcium between bone and blood, and vice versa.
It is this vitamin
you need for strong bones and teeth. In addition it helps your body absorb the
amount of calcium it needs.
Vitamin D can
be found in fish liver oil, egg yolks, milk and other dairy products fortified
with vitamin D. It is also produced in our body in the presence of ultra violet
light and sunlight.
The
deficiency of vitamin D can cause weak bones and bowed legs (in children). And
its excess can cause loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, headache,
depression and deposits of calcium in the kidneys.
Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, is essential for the inhibition of oxidation in body tissues, formation of red blood cells, and also prevents breakdown of body tissues. It maintains the body tissues and protects the lungs from becoming damaged by polluted air.
This vitamin can be found in whole
grains (such as wheat and oat), wheat germ, leafy green vegetables, sardines, egg
yolks, nuts, bread, cereals and seeds.
The deficiency of this vitamin can
cause many diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer's
disease.