The optimum amount of vitamins in our body is required for proper growth, strong bones, and development. These vitamins extract the essential components of the food we eat, transform them into energy, and deliver it to every part of our body. Vitamins help in the correct functioning of our bodies and the maintenance of our health.
These vitamins are chemical molecules that act in groups to ensure that our body cells function normally and smoothly.
Vitamins
The word vitamin means ‘vital for life.’ Vitamins and minerals are required for our bodies to function properly. We require them for normal growth, vision, the formation of bones, muscles, skin, and organs, as well as to help in the battle against infections. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause serious health issues.
The best way to ensure we get enough vitamins and minerals for healthy growth and development is to eat a wide variety of fresh foods from the five food groups: whole grain bread and cereals, green leafy vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, eggs, nuts and legumes, and dairy products like milk, cheese, and yoghurt.
Classification of Vitamins
Its Capability to dissolve in the water of Fat it is divided into two groups.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
They have an oil-like consistency and do not dissolve in water. They are better absorbed when consumed with a high-fat meal, and they are stored in fatty tissues and livers. As a result, they are said to as fat-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E, and K. Because they are synthesised by human bodies, they are also known as non-essential vitamins.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential for a healthy immune system. It is also necessary for better vision. Vitamin A consumption in the body promotes healthy skin, which is fresh and free of skin disorders. This vitamin is important for muscle tissue growth and a healthy reproductive system.
Vitamin A is found in milk, meat, fish, and vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes.
Disorder of Vitamin A
Vitamin insufficiency can result in blindness, as well as dry skin and life-threatening diseases.
Vitamin D
Sunlight is a good source of vitamin D. It is critical for the development of bone tissues. Mornings from 7 to 10 a.m. are ideal for obtaining vitamin D.
Vitamin D can be obtained from foods such as milk, yoghurt, cheese, and fish oil.
Disorder of Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis (loss of bone density). Rickets can be caused by a vitamin D deficiency in youngsters. Vitamin D insufficiency has been linked to high blood pressure and diabetes, according to studies.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant. Vitamin E is a vital antioxidant for the human body. It strengthens the body’s defences against sickness. Vitamin E protects the cells of the body. It helps cells in their battle against bacteria and the removal of the infection. Vitamin E improves immunity as well. Vitamin E also helps in the prevention of oxidative stress (related to hair loss).
Almonds, peanuts, vegetable oils such as sunflower and soybean oil, and vitamin E-rich fruits such as pumpkin are all good sources of vitamin E.
Disorder of Vitamin E
Vitamin E deficiency can induce neuropathy as well as the breakdown of RBCs (Red Blood Cells) in the human body. Vitamin E deficiency can cause muscle weakness. It has the potential to cause eyesight difficulties.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin K is best known for its principal function, which is to help in blood coagulation. Vitamin K helps in the production of several proteins that are required for blood clotting and bone formation.
Vitamin K is divided into two types:
Phylloquinone
Phylloquinone is a compound found primarily in green leafy vegetables such as collard greens, kale, cabbage, and spinach.
Menaquinone
Menaquinones are found in fermented foods and animal food.
Disorder of Vitamin K
Vitamin K deficiency can lead to internal bleeding and the production of internal clots. Vitamin K deficiency is most common in new-born.
Antibiotics may kill microorganisms that produce vitamin K.
Water-Soluble Vitamins
These vitamins are soluble in water. These water-soluble vitamins are not able to be kept in the body for an extended period. The excretory system eliminates these vitamins in the urine. Vitamin B and vitamin C are two examples of these sorts of vitamins.
Vitamin B
Vitamin B ensures that bodily cells work properly. Vitamin B plays a crucial role in supporting excellent health and well-being. Vitamin B affects our energy levels, brain function, cell metabolism, and RBC synthesis directly. Nerve cell function must be maintained. There are eight different forms of vitamin B, and these vitamins help in the function of numerous enzymes.
- B1 it termed as thiamine.
- B2 is known as riboflavin.
- B3 is known as niacin
- B5 is known as pantothenic acid
- B6 is known as pyridoxine
- B7 is known as biotin
- B9 is known as folate(folic acid)
- B12 is known as cobalamin
Vitamin B can be found in fruits, eggs, beans, nuts, seafood, cereals, and other foods.
Disorder of Vitamin B
Vitamin B insufficiency results in weakness, gastrointestinal issues, weariness, nausea, and dermatitis. Anaemia is caused by a lack of vitamin B6 and B12.
Vitamin C
It is responsible for the healing of wounds. The immune system is protected by vitamin C. It is also responsible for the synthesis of iron, which is an important component in transporting oxygen throughout the body.
Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, are high in vitamin C. Tomatoes, potatoes, spinach, and other vegetables are high in vitamin C.
Disorder of Vitamin C
Vitamin C shortage can cause scurvy and anaemia, hair loss, dry and damaged skin, and poor wound healing.
Vitamins are necessary for our bodies to function properly. It is extremely crucial for the human body’s health and well-being.
Conclusion
Vitamins are natural and vital elements that play an important role in the human body’s growth and development. The optimum amount of vitamins in our body is required for proper growth, strong bones, and development. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties. It is responsible for the healing of wounds.
Vitamin K is best known for its principal function, which is to help in blood coagulation.
They have an oil-like consistency and do not dissolve in water. They are better absorbed when consumed with a high-fat meal, and they are stored in fatty tissues and livers. As a result, they are said to as fat-soluble.