VITAMINS

Vitamins are organic nutrients which are essential for life. The human body requires
these nutrients to ensure normal metabolism, growth and physical well-being. Most vitamins are
not made in the body or only in in- sufcient amounts to meet our needs. They therefore have to
be obtained primarily through the food we eat.
Each of the ! vitamins "nown today has speci#c functions in the body, which
ma"es each of them unique and irreplaceable. $o single food contains the full range of vitamins,
and inadequate vitamin inta"e results in vitamin de#ciency disorders. % balanced and varied diet is
therefore vital to meet the body&s vitamin requirements.
'f the ! "nown vitamins, four are fat-soluble, namely vitamins %, (, E and ). The
others are water-soluble* vitamin + and the ,-comple-, consisting of vitamins ,, ,., ,/, ,.,
niacin, folic acid, biotin and pantothenic acid
Vitamin Alternative
name
Discovery Isolation Structure Synthesis
Vitamin A 0etinol 121 1! 1! 1947
Provitamin
A
3-carotene 4! 4! 1!2 1950
Vitamin D +alciferol 14 1!. 1!/ 1959
Vitamin Tocopherol 1.. 1!/ 1!4 19!"
Vitamin # 5hylloquinone 1.1 1!1 1!1 19!9
Vitamin $1 Thiamine 416 1./ 1!/ 19!%
Vitamin $& 0ibo7avin 1.2 1!! 1!8 19!5
Vitamin $! $iacin 1!/ 1!/ 1!6 1994
Vitamin $5 5antothenic
acid
1! 1!4 192 1940
Vitamin $% 5yrido-ine 1!9 1!4 1!4 19!9
Vitamin $7 ,iotin 1! 1!8 19. 194!
Vitamin $9 :olic acid 19 19 19/ 194%
Vitamin $1& +obalamin 1./ 194 18/ 197&
Vitamin ' Ascor(ic aci) 191& 19&" 19!! 19!!
T*o #in)s o+ Vitamins
Vitamins are classi#ed as either water soluble or fat soluble based on how they are
absorbed and used by the
body.
,ater Solu(le -Vitamin ' an) all o+ the $ vitamins.
;ater soluble vitamins are vitamins that our bodies do not store. These vitamins
dissolve in water when they are ingested, then go in to the blood stream. The body
"eeps what it needs at that time, and e-cess amounts are e-creted in the urine.
/at Solu(le -Vitamins A0 D0 an) #.
:at soluble vitamins are those that are normally stored in the body. ;hen these
vitamins are ingested, they dissolve in fat. <n a person with a healthy digestive
system, the body uses what it needs at that time and stores the rest for future use.
=nli"e water-soluble vitamins, fat soluble vitamins does not need regular replacement
in the body. :at soluble vitamins are stored in the liver and fatty tissues and are
eliminated much more slowly than water soluble vitamins.
Vitamin A -1etinol 2 $3carotene.
Sources4
Animal 5ro)ucts4>iver, egg yol", butter, whole mil", cheese
Ve6eta(le 5ro)ucts in the +orm o+ carotenoi)s -5rovitamin A.4 +ertain fruits ?i.e.
melon,apricot@, green leafy vegetables ?i.e. spinach, broccoli@, carrots, pump"ins, palm oil
The 1ole o+ Vitamin A
5lays a role in mechanisms required for sight ?-cis retinal is the
chromophore in the visual cycle@
Essential for growth and development
0equired for healthy s"in, epithelia and mucosa
EAects on certain endocrine glands
<mportant for fertility
Essential for proper immune functions
Physical Sym5toms o+ Vitamin A De7ciency
(elayed growth and development
$ight-blindnessB"eratomalacia
'cular lesions and -erophthalmia
+utaneous lesions ?dry and rough s"in@
<mpaired immune functions
(estruction of epithelial tissue ?i.e. in lungs, intestines, urinary tract,
genitals@
8rou5s at 1is9 o+ De7ciency4
5regnant and lactating women
<nfants and young children
5opulations suAering from poor nutrition ?i.e. only rice, maiCe, potatoes
as staple foods@
To:icity -;y5ervitaminosis A.
,irth defects
>iver problems
Dair loss
E"in discoloration and dryness
Digh intacranial blood pressure
<ncrease ris" of osteoporosis
Vitamin D! -'holecalci+erol.
Sources4
Animal 5ro)ucts ?main source for (!@* 'ily #sh, egg yol"
Plant 5ro)ucts ?main source for (.@* Mushrooms
<ther4 EynthesiCed in the s"in by the action of ultraviolet light
/ormation o+ D!
/ormation o+ D&
The 1ole o+ Vitamin D
0egulation of metabolism of calcium and phosphorus
Essential for normal bone development and maintenance
5lays a role in innate immunity by stimulating immune cells proliferation and
cyto"ine production
Physical Sym5toms o+ Vitamin D De7ciency
0ic"ets in children
'steomalacia in adults
=nable to clot blood
%Aect brain and nervous system
(ecrease efciency of liver
Deart palpitations
0is" of developing colon cancer
8rou5s at 1is9 o+ De7ciency4
Po5ulations su=erin6 +rom 5oor nutrition -i>e> only rice0 mai?e0 5otatoes as
sta5le +oo)s.
Vitamin -Toco5herols an) Tocotrienols.
Sources4
Animal 5ro)ucts4 Mil", butter, eggs
Ve6eta(le 5ro)ucts4 Vegetable oils, cereal germ, vegetables ?i.e. spinach, lettuce, cabbage,
avocados@, nuts
The 1ole o+ Vitamin
,iological antio-idant
5rotects lipids ?cell membranes@, proteins, and ($% from o-idation and thereby
contributes to cellular health
%ssists fertility
)eeps s"in from suAering damage
5revent aging s"in
Physical Sym5toms o+ Vitamin De7ciency
>eads to destruction of red blood cells
<mpaired immune function
>ong-term impact includes neuromuscular diseases
$euromuscular problems* such as spinocerebellar ata-ia and myopathies.
$eurological problems
may include dysarthria, absence of deep tendon re7e-es, loss of vibratory
sensation and proprioception, and positive ,abins"i sign.
%nemia
0etinopathy
<mpairment of the immune response
8rou5s at 1is9 o+ De7ciency4
$ewborn babies, particularly premature
<ndividuals unable to efciently absorb fats from the intestine
Vitamin # -#1 Phyllo@uinone 2 #& Mena@uinones.
Sources4
Animal 5ro)ucts -main source +or #&.4 Eome dairy products ?i.e. cheese F curd cheese@,
meat including liver
Ve6eta(le 5ro)ucts -main source +or #1.4 Green leafy vegetables ?i.e. parsley, spinach,
cauli7ower@
<ther4 :ermented soybeans
The 1ole o+ Vitamin #
Essential anti-haemorrhaging agent ?promotes blood clotting@
Delps to maintain bone health
Emerging evidence for potential role in cardiovascular health
%ttract and bind calcium to the proteins
)ey coagulant
Physical Sym5toms o+ Vitamin # De7ciency
Ecchymosis
5etechiae
Dematomas
'oCing of blood at surgical or puncture sites
<n infants, birth defects such as underdevelopment of the face, nose, bones and
#ngers
>ow bone density
Malabsorption in the digestive trac"
:unctions in the conversion of glutamic acid ?glu@ in gamma-carbo-yglutamate ?gla@
8rou5s at 1is9 o+ De7ciency4
$ewborn babies ?due to lac" of inta"e@
Vitamin $1 -Thiamine.
Sources4
Animal 5ro)ucts4 'Aal ?liver, "idneys, heart@, #sh, meat ?por"@
Ve6eta(le 5ro)ucts4 +ereals, leafy vegetables, fruits ?dried@, pulses, nuts
<ther4 ,rewer&s yeast
The 1ole o+ Vitamin $1
Energy metabolism ?co-enCyme@
Essential for metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins ?co-enCyme@
0equired for proper functioning of the nervous system and muscles, which has
implications for proper functioning of the cardiovascular system
Dealthy eyes
Essential for the metabolic process
Physical Sym5toms o+ Vitamin $1 De7ciency
,eriberi
:atigue
%bdominal pain and discomfort
(epression and irritability
8rou5s at 1is9 o+ De7ciency4
%lcoholics
Vitamin $& -1i(oAavin.
Sources4
Animal 5ro)ucts4 'Aal ?liver, "idneys, heart@, eggs, meat, mil", cheeses
Ve6eta(le 5ro)ucts4 +ereals, vegetables
<ther4 ,rewer&s yeast
The 1ole o+ Vitamin $&
Essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins ?co-enCyme in
many reactions@
General eAect on tissues and organs ?maintains health of mucosa@
Etimulates growth and reproduction
5lays a role in sight mechanisms
+onversion of vitamin ?,/, folic acid and niacin@ into their active co-enCyme forms
Treat anemia and carpal tunnel syndrome
5revent and treat cataracts, migraine headaches, vaginitis and rosacea
Physical Sym5toms o+ Vitamin $& De7ciency
E"in and tissue membrane lesions ?lips, tongue, #ssures at corners of mouth@
'cular symptoms ?corneal vasculariCation associated with sensitivity to bright light,
impaired vision, itching@
<n7amed mucosal membranes
8rou5s at 1is9 o+ De7ciency
<ndividuals whose food inta"e is inadequate
The elderly
+hronic dieters
<ndividuals who e-clude mil" products from their diet
Vitamin $! -NiacinB PPB Nicotinic Aci)B Nicotinic Ami)e.
Sources4
Animal 5ro)ucts4 'Aal ?liver, "idneys, heart@, #sh, meat
Ve6eta(le 5ro)ucts4 +ereals, pulses, fruits ?avocados, #gs, dates, prunes@, nuts
<ther4 EynthesiCed from tryptophan
$icotinic %cid
$icotinamide
The 1ole o+ Vitamin $!
0equired for the energy supply to all metabolic reactions in the body
0equired for growth
$ormal function of the s"in
0egulation of body temperature
5rotection from harmful substances
Dealthy digestive and nervous system
5roper dilation of blood vessels
5roduction of fatty acids, steroids and cholesterol and in the metabolism of energy.
Physical Sym5toms o+ Vitamin $! De7ciency
5ellagra
E"in lesions
(igestive inefciency
<nsomnia
:atigue
>oss of appetite
(epression
8rou5s at 1is9 o+ De7ciency
+hronic alcoholics
<ndividuals whose staple diet is maiCe and barley
5atients with Dartnup&s disease
To:icity4
Vomitting
%bdominal cramps
Deadache
Dyperglycemia
Deart rhythm disturbances
Haundice
Vitamin $5 -Pantothenic Aci).
Sources4
Animal 5ro)ucts4 'Aal ?liver, "idneys@, meat ?chic"en, beef@, egg yol", mil", #sh
Ve6eta(le 5ro)ucts* +ereals, nuts, vegetables ?i.e. white mushroom@
<ther* EynthesiCed by internal microorganisms
The 1ole o+ Vitamin $5
0equired for the synthesis of co-enCyme % and acyl carrier protein ?%+5@
)ey role in metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats
<mportant for maintenance and repair of tissues and cells ?s"in, hair, and
membranes@
Delps in healing of wounds and lesions
5antethine ?dimeric form of vitamin ,8@ normaliCes blood lipid pro#les
Physical Sym5toms o+ Vitamin $5 De7ciency
$ausea
Vomiting
Deadaches
Tingling sensations ?Iburning feet& syndrome@
8rou5s at 1is9 o+ De7ciency4
<ndividuals whose diet is lac"ing in the other , vitamins
Vitamin $% -Pyri)o:ine.
Sources4
Animal 5ro)ucts4 +hic"en, liver ?cattle, pig@, #sh ?salmon, tuna, sardines, halibut, herring@
Ve6eta(le 5ro)ucts4 $uts ?walnut, peanut@, corn and whole grain cereals, bread, vegetables,
fruit
The 1ole o+ Vitamin $%
0equired for the maJority of biological reactions ?i.e. amino acid metabolism,
antibody production, neurotransmitter synthesis, red blood cell formation@
5revent or treat high blood pressure
5revent build up of plaque in a person&s arteries
5revent depression, epilepsy and carpal tunnel syndrome
Treatment to 5ME, asthma, "idney stones and alcoholism
Physical Sym5toms o+ Vitamin $% De7ciency
(e#ciency of vitamin ,/ alone is uncommonK usually it occurs in combination with a
de#cit in other ,-vitamins
5oor growth
EeiCures
%cne
:atigue
%nemia
+onvulsions
8rou5s at 1is9 o+ De7ciency4
5regnant and breastfeeding women
The elderly
=nderweight individuals
%lcoholics
Vitamin $7 -$iotin 2 Vitamin ;.
Sources4
Animal 5ro)ucts4 'Aal ?liver, "idneys@, meat ?por", mutton, poultry@, egg yol"
Ve6eta(le 5ro)ucts4 Vegetables, cereals, nuts ?walnuts, peanuts@
<ther4 EynthesiCed by intestinal bacteria
The 1ole o+ Vitamin $7
<nvolved in many cellular reactions
<ntermediary metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, particularly in protein
metabolism of hair roots and #nger nail cells
+onvert food into glucose
5roduce fatty acids and amino acids
$ormal macronutrient metabolism
Physical Sym5toms o+ Vitamin $7 De7ciency
(e#ciency due to lac" of dietary inta"e is rare
General fatigue
$ausea
$eurological problems
5oor s"in and hair quality
8rou5s at 1is9 o+ De7ciency4
5atients maintained on total parental nutrition
5eople who eat large amounts of raw egg white
Daemodialysis patients
(iabetes mellitus suAerers
<ndividuals receiving long-term anticonvulsant therapy
Vitamin $9 -/olate0 inclu)in6 +olic aci) an) naturally occurrin6 +olates.
Sources4 liver, dairy products, egg yol", leafy vegetables, peanuts, oranges
The 1ole o+ Vitamin $9
0equired for the production of nucleic acids and in cell reproduction ?i.e. red and
white blood cells, nerve cells@
5roper brain function
5rotect against anemia
Physical Sym5toms o+ Vitamin $9 De7ciency
Tiredness
>oss of appetite
:ewer but larger red blood cells ?megaloblastic or macrocytic anemia@
;ea"ness
$eurological problems
(igestive problems
Gingivitis
5oor growth rate
8rou5s at 1is9 o+ De7ciency4
The elderly ?due to lower food inta"e@
=nderweight people
%lcoholics
Vitamin $1& -'yanoco(alamin.
Sources4 'Aal, meat, eggs, #sh, dairy products
The 1ole o+ Vitamin $1&
0equired for the formation of red blood cells to prevent anemia
Essential growth factor
0egeneration of folate
<nvolved in fat and carbohydrate metabolism
Essential for co-enCyme function, especially in cells of the nervous tissue, bone
marrow and gastrointestinal tract
,oosts brain functioning
Physical Sym5toms o+ Vitamin $1& De7ciency
5ernicious anemia
General fatigue
>oss of appetite
Gastric atrophy
$euromuscular pain
$eurological problems ?gait, memory@
8rou5s at 1is9 o+ De7ciency4
Vegetarians
The elderly
Vitamin ' -Ascor(ic Aci).
Sources4
Animal 5ro)ucts4 Mil", liver ?o-Bcalf@
Ve6eta(le 5ro)ucts4 :ruits ?especially citrus fruits@, vegetables, lettuce
Vitamin +
The 1ole o+ Vitamin '
Multiple roles at a tissue and cell level ?synthesis of collagen, absorption of iron,
formation of carnitine and tyrosine@
,iological antio-idant ?free radical scavenger@
Etimulates the body&s immune system* defenses against infections and
in7ammation
MetaboliCes cholesterol, which means it may help lower cholesterol levels
Delps the body absorb iron
Physical Sym5toms o+ Vitamin ' De7ciency
Ecurvy ?fatigue, loss of appetite and weight, lowered immune resistance to
infections@
8rou5s at 1is9 o+ De7ciency
Emo"ers ?active and passive@
<ndividuals with a low-vitamin diet
/actors that can In)uce Vitamin Coss
=ects o+ 'oo9in6 on Vitamins
Vitamin loss can be induced by a number of factors. 'bviously, losses of vitamins
depend on coo"ing time, temperature, and coo"ing method. Eome vitamins are quite heat-
stable, whereas others are heat-labile. :rom te-tboo"s in nutrition, such as )reutler et al. L146M,
many other factors than heat can destroy ?some@ vitamins, such as* solubility in water, e-posure
to air ?o-idation@, e-posure to light ?=Vs@, heat, acid and al"aline solutions, storage losses, etc.
Si6ni7cance o+ Cosses De5en)s on a 8iven /oo)Ds 'onte:t in the <verall Diet
'f course, not all vitamin losses have detrimental consequences, since some
vitamins are widely available ?such as pantothenic acid@. The vitamins in which some de#ciencies
are occasionally observed are* %, (, E, thiamine, ribo7avin, niacin, folate, and ,-.. 'f those, only
thiamine, niacin, and folate would be destroyed signi#cantly by e-cessive e-posure to heat andBor
water. <t also appears from the above that many other factors than heat can destroy vitamins.
0ecommendations to preserve vitamins include* utiliCing foods when freshK using steaming in
preference to boilingK and avoiding overly long coo"ing times.
Vitamin C
B
1
B
2
B
3
B
5
B
6
Folate
B
12
A E
Averag
e%los
s
16 26 3 18 17 3 20 ? 11 11
NutritionalElement
Issubstancesusceptibletolosses
unergivenconition!
Soluble
inWater
Exposure
toAir
Exposure
toLight
Exposure
toHeat
VitaminA no partiall partiall relati!elstable
Vitamin" no no no no
VitaminE no es es no
Vitamin# no no es no
$%iamine highl no ? "100#$
&ibo'lavin slightl no insolution no
Niacin es no no no
Biotin so%e&hat ? ? no
(antot%enicAci 'uitestable ? ? es
Folate es ? &hen(r athighte%p
VitaminB)6 es ? es ?
VitaminB)12 es ? es no
VitaminC !erunstable es es es
Nomenclatureo'reclassi'ievitamins
(reviousname $he%i)alna%e *eason+orna%e)hange
VitaminB
*
A(enine ,-A%etabolite.snthesi/e(inbo(
VitaminB
+
A(enli)a)i( ,-A%etabolite.snthesi/e(inbo(
VitaminF Essential+atta)i(s
-ee(e(inlarge'uantities0(oes
not+itthe(e+initiono+a!ita%in12
Vitamin, *ibo+la!in
*e)lassi+ie(as3ita%in4
2
Vitamin- 4iotin
*e)lassi+ie(as3ita%in4
7
Vitamin. $ate)hol56la!in
$ate)holnonessential.+la!in
re)lassi+ie(as4
2
Vitamin/
1
Anthranili)a)i( -onessential
Vitamin/
2
A(enlthio%ethlpentose *-A%etabolite.snthesi/e(inbo(
Vitamin0 6oli)a)i(
*e)lassi+ie(as3ita%in4
7
Vitamin1 $arnitine Snthesi/e(inbo(
Vitamin( 6la!onoi(s -olonger)lassi+ie(asa!ita%in
Vitamin(( -ia)in
*e)lassi+ie(as3ita%in4
3
Vitamin2 Sali)li)a)i(
8ropose(in)lusiono+sali)lateasan
essential%i)ronutrient
Vitamin3 S9:ethl%ethionine 8rotein%etabolite.snthesi/e(inbo(