Vitamins: Introduction of Vitamins, Different Vitamins, Types of Vitamins (For CBSE, ICSE, IAS, NET, NRA 2022)
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Introduction of Vitamins
- A vitamin can be defined as an essential micronutrient which an organism needs in small quantities for the proper functioning of its metabolism.
- It is an organic molecule or a chemically closely related set of molecules, i.e.. vitamers.
- These play a vital role in growth and development, repair and healing wounds, maintaining healthy bones and tissues including the proper functioning of the immune system and the biological functions.
- Most of the vitamins cannot be synthesized in our body.
- All the thirteen different types of vitamins are required for the metabolic processes.
Different Vitamins
Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B7, Vitamin B9, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K
Types of Vitamins
Fat Soluble Vitamins
- These vitamins are stored in the fat cells.
- To get absorbed these vitamins require fat.
- These vitamins are stored in liver and adipose (fat storing) tissues.
- Vitamin A, D, E and K are fat-soluble vitamins.
Water Soluble Vitamins
- These vitamins are not stored in our body as its excess gets excrete through the urine.
- These vitamins need to be replenished constantly or these vitamins need to supply regularly in the body.
- Vitamin B and C are water-soluble vitamins.
Vitamins, Sources and Deficiency Diseases
| Vitamins | Sources | Deficiency Diseases |
| Vitamin A | Potato, carrots, pumpkins, spinach, beef, and eggs | Night blindness |
| Vitamin B1 or Thiamin | Pork chops, ham, enriched grains, and seeds. | Beriberi |
| Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin | Whole grains, enriched grains and dairy products. | Ariboflavinosis |
| Vitamin B3 or Niacin | Mushrooms, fish, poultry, and whole grains | Pellagra |
| Vitamin B5 or Pantothenic Acid | Chicken, broccoli, legumes, and whole grains | Paresthesia |
| Vitamin B6 or Pyridoxine | Fortified cereals and soy products | Anemia |
| Vitamin B7 or Biotin | Fruits and meats | Dermatitis, enteritis |
| Vitamin B9 or Folic Acid | Leafy vegetables. | Megaloblastic anemia |
| Vitamin B12 | Fish, poultry, meat, and dairy products | Megaloblastic anemia |
| Vitamin C | Citrus fruits and Juices | Scurvy, Swelling of Gums |
| Vitamin D | Fortified milk and other dairy products | Rickets & Osteomalacia |
| Vitamin E | Fortified cereals, leafy green vegetables, seeds, and nuts | Less Fertility |
| Vitamin K | Dark green leafy vegetables | Non-Clotting of Blood |
FAQs
Q1. What are the two types of Vitamins?
Answer:
The two types of Vitamins are:
i) Fat Soluble Vitamins
ii) Water Soluble Vitamins
Q 2. What are the main sources of Vitamin A and Vitamin D?
Answer:
- Vitamin A- Potato, carrots, pumpkins, spinach, beef, and eggs
- Vitamin D- Fortified milk and other dairy products
Q 3. What are the thirteen different types of Vitamins?
Answer:
The thirteen different types of Vitamins are namely Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B7, Vitamin B9, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K.
Q 4. What is the main difference between water soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins?
Answer:
- Water Soluble Vitamins are not stored in our body whereas fat Soluble Vitamins are stored in the body.
- Examples of water-soluble vitamins are Vitamin B and C.
- Examples of fat-soluble vitamins are Vitamins A, D, E and K