Tuesday, March 24, 2015
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. 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). 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.
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 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
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
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. (RDP)
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