Vitamins & Health
Introduction to Vitamins
Vitamins are organic compounds required in small quantities for the normal growth and maintenance of the body. They do not provide energy but act as catalysts in biochemical reactions.
Classification
- Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Stored in the body's fatty tissue and liver. They can accumulate to toxic levels if taken in excess (Vitamins A, D, E, and K).
- Water-Soluble Vitamins: Not stored in the body; excess is excreted in urine. They must be consumed regularly (Vitamins C and B-complex).
The Vitamin Master Table
| Vitamin | Chemical Name | Deficiency Disease | Main Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Retinol | Night Blindness, Xerophthalmia | Carrots, Liver, Papaya |
| B1 | Thiamine | Beri-Beri | Whole grains, Yeast |
| B2 | Riboflavin | Ariboflavinosis (cracked lips) | Milk, Eggs, Almonds |
| B3 | Niacin | Pellagra (Dermatitis, Dementia, Diarrhea) | Meat, Fish, Mushrooms |
| B6 | Pyridoxine | Anemia, Neuropathy | Poultry, Bananas |
| B12 | Cyanocobalamin | Pernicious Anemia | Meat, Dairy |
| C | Ascorbic Acid | Scurvy (bleeding gums) | Citrus Fruits, Tomatoes |
| D | Calciferol | Rickets (children), Osteomalacia (adults) | Sunlight, Fish liver oil |
| E | Tocopherol | Sterility, Neurological problems | Sunflower oil, Almonds |
| K | Phylloquinone | Delayed Blood Clotting | Green leafy veggies, Spinach |
Key Scientific Facts
- Vitamin D is unique because the human body can synthesize it when exposed to UV rays (Sunlight).
- Vitamin C is highly sensitive to heat and is easily destroyed by cooking or long-term storage.
- Vitamin B12 is the only vitamin containing a metal ion (Cobalt), and it is absent in plant-based foods.
- Vitamin E is known as the "Anti-aging Vitamin" due to its antioxidant properties.
- Vitamin K is synthesized by friendly bacteria living in our intestines.
Subject Card Prompts (Flashcards)
- Q: Which vitamin is known as the "Sunshine Vitamin"?
- A: Vitamin D.
- Q: Scurvy is caused by the deficiency of which vitamin?
- A: Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid).
- Q: Which vitamins are fat-soluble?
- A: A, D, E, and K.
- Q: Which vitamin contains Cobalt?
- A: Vitamin B12.
Practice MCQ
"Which of the following vitamins helps in the absorption of Calcium in the human body?"
A) Vitamin A
B) Vitamin C
C) Vitamin D
D) Vitamin B
(Correct: C - Vitamin D)