Vitamins:

These are organic compound required very less in amount for biochemical process. They acts as biological catalyst in various chemical activities of the cell. It having basic nitrogen in them, thus named as vitamins ie. Vital amines or light amines. They are needed to be present in the diet and have no energy value. These are micronutrients which need not to digest. These are grouped in two categories. They are fat soluble and water soluble. The fat soluble vitamins can be dissolved in the fat while water soluble vitamins can be dissolved in water.

Fat soluble vitamins:

1) Vitamin A (Retinol)

Sources: liver, fish oil, eggs, milk, butter, yellow and green vegetables.

Functions:

i) It is component of retina, pigments essential for vision . It promotes normal growth of bones, and teeth and essential for growth of epithelial tissue.

It’s deficiency causes xerophthalmia in which cornea becomes bright and thick. Its deficiency causes night blindness in which retinal pigment is not formed.

2. Vitamin D( Calciferol)

Sources: liver oil, ultraviolet light, milk etc.

Functions:

i) It promotes calcium absorption from digestion tract. It is essential for normal growth and maintenance of bones.

It’s deficiency causes rickets in children in which bones become thin, soft and weak long bones bent. Its deficiency  also causes osteomalacia in adult in which vertebral becomes weak and pelvic bent.

3. Vitamin E (tocopherol)/ beauti vitamins

Sources:

Vegetable oils, fish, meat, green vegetables.

Functions:

i) It inhibits the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids. It maintains fertility and normal membrane structure also called beauti vitamin .

Its deficiency causes reproductive failure, prevents normal growth of skin and increases breakdown of unsaturated fatty acid.

4. Vitamin k( Phylloquinone)

Sources: Green leafy vegetable and normally supplied by intestinal bacteria.

Function:

i) It helps in formation of prothrombin in the liver. It is necessary for the clotting of blood.

Water soluble vitamins.

1. Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)

Sources:

Yeast, meat, green leafy vegetables, nuts

Function:

I) It acts as respiratory proenzyme required for metabolism in cellular respiration and metabolism of carbohydrates.

It’s deficiency causes a diseases named as Beri- Beri in which heart muscles becomes weak an inflammation in peripheral nervous system occurs.

2. Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Sources: Liver, cheese, milk, eggs, green vegetables, etc.

Function:

i) It is essential to make co-enzymes for cellular respiration. It maintains healthy skin and oral mucosa.

It’s deficiency cause inflammation and cracking of tongue and corner of mouth.

3.Vitamin B3 (nicotine acid or Niacin)

Source: Liver, meat, fish , pulses, legumes etc.

Function:

i) It is a component of co-enzymes essential for cellular respiration.

ii) Its deficiency cause pellagra in which skin problems, diarrhea and mental disorder occurs.

4. Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)

Sources: It is found in almost all type of food.

Function:

i) It is a constituent of co-enzyme A.

ii) Its deficiency generally doesn’t occurs.

5. Vitamin B6 ( Pyridoxin)

Sources: Liver, meat, cereals, legumes etc.

Function:

i) It acts as co-enzymes needed to acid synthesis and formation of RBC.

ii) Its deficiency may cause anemia and diarrhoea.

6. Vitamin B9 or vitamin M ( Folic acid)

Sources: liver, cereals, dark green vegetables, and also produced by intestinal bacteria.

Function:

i) It forms the co-enzymes for nucleic acid synthesis and maturation of RBC.

Ii) Its deficiency causes anemia in large immature and nucleated RBC are formed.

7. Vitamin B7 or vitamin H ( Biotin)

Sources: Liver, egg, yolk, and produced by intestinal bacteria.

Function:

i) It acts as co-enzymes needed for cellular metabolism.

ii)Its deficiency may causes skin problem.

8. Vitamin C ( Ascorbic acid)

Sources: Citrus fruits, tomatoes, green vegetables, etc.

Function:

i) It is needed for collagen synthesis and for other inter cellular substance.

i) It helps in formation of bone matrix and tooth dentine.

iii) It also helps in metabolism of several amino acids.

iv)It may help to withstand injury form bacterial toxins.

Its deficiency causes scurvy in which wound heal slowly, bone doesn’t grow properly and bleeding in gums occurs.

9 Vitamin B12 (Cobalmin)

Sources: Meat, fish, liver, egg, etc.

Function:

i) It helps in formation of co-enzyme important in nucleic acid metabolism and maturation of RBC.

ii) Its deficiency causes anemia in which defective RBC are formed.