Vitamins: Introduction of Vitamins, Different Vitamins, Types of Vitamins

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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

Types of Vitamins

Types of Vitamins

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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 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