Vitamins
Vitamins (combination of two words: Vital Amines) are the complex organic substance important in tiny quantities to the metabolism (nutrition) in most animals. These are found in minute quantities in food, in hardly any cases are produced by the body, and are also produced synthetically. The human body needs them to output completely, so that we can grow and develop just like we should. Their deficiency results in many serious disorders.
Vitamins are split into two major groups: the 'fat-soluble vitamins' assigned 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. Every one 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 role in seeing and supports us to see in dim light and also at dark. Vitamin A is also involved in the establishment and maintenance of healthy skin, hair, and mucous membranes. In addition, it is crucial 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 located 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: nighttime 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 move oxygen around your body). They also help your body build 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). Hardly any bacteria in our large intestine also prepare a few 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 crucial for keeping body tissues, such as gums and muscles in good shape and it accommodates in quick healing of wounds. In addition, it accommodates 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, aching in the joints, muscle wasting, and many other problems.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that regulates the establishment of bone and the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestine. It supports 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 supports your body absorb the amount of calcium it needs.
Vitamin D can be established 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 required for the inhibition of oxidation in body tissues, arrangement of red blood cells, and also prevents breakdown of body tissues. It maintains the body tissues and protects the lungs from becoming hurt 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. |
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