A vitamin is an organic substance present in very minute amounts in natural foods and stuff. Vitamins are essential for the body for overall good health, growth, maintenance, and repair, and reproduction. Some vitamins are synthesized in the body while some others are not. The vitamins that are not synthesized by the body are required to be supplied to the body from other sources, ie, food. Such vitamins fall under the category of essential nutrients as they are not synthesized by the body but are essential for the normal functioning of the body itself which is sufficed through food. The vitamins under the category of essential nutrients are Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Vitamin E. Vitamin K is an important vitamin that is produced and synthesized by the body itself. Vitamin K helps in the coagulation of blood. In this article, students will learn about the different types of vitamins that are supplied through diet and their functions and effects.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is present in meat, fruits, vegetables, fish and dairy, and vegetable-based products. Vitamin A helps maintain a clear cornea as a component of rhodopsin, in cell differentiation as retinoic acid, it also helps in normal growth in the form of retinol. Vitamin A also provides immunity by acting as the first line of defense against disease-causing microorganisms.
Vitamin B
Vitamin B occurs in many forms out of which Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, B12 are required to be taken from food. Vitamin B1 is highly essential as a coenzyme component in several metabolic reactions. Vitamin B2 helps in breaking down fats, drugs, and steroid hormones. Vitamin B3 is important for the normal functioning of the skin, the nervous system, and the intestinal tract. Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin and is required for the metabolism and synthesis of lipids and is very much needed for iron utilization in RBC. Vitamin B12 is also water-soluble and is required for DNA synthesis and in growth and cell division.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is mainly found in citrus fruits, guava, broccoli, bell peppers, strawberries, and other food sources. Vitamin C has an enzymatic activity in many biochemical functions of the body and plays a very essential role in collagen synthesis and acts as a powerful antioxidant. It is also useful in bone formation and wound healing.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is synthesized by the sun in our body and is vital for bone formation and helps in the absorption of calcium. It is also very important to maintain a number of metabolic processes along with hormones such as parathyroid hormone and calcitonin.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and is found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables, etc. Vitamin E aids in delaying aging, maintains immunity by helping in the functioning of T-cells. It is essential for reducing free radical damage thus reducing the risk of heart diseases.
To know more about these vitamins and their functions, stay tuned to .