VITAMINSABSTRACTINTRODUCTIONDESCRIPTIONCLASSIFICATIONS OF VITAMINSFAT SOLUBLE

Vitamin A Vitamin D Vitamin E Vitamin K

WATER SOLUBLE

Vitamin B1 (thyamine) Vitamin B2(riboflavin) Vitamin B3(niacin) Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) Vitamin B7 (biotin) Vitamin B12(cobalamin) Vitamin B9 (folic acid) Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

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ABSTRACTitamins are found naturally in organic food substances such as meat, fish, fruit and vegetables. The human body is unable to build or synthesize vitamins on its own. For this reason, it is essential that we obtain the right vitamins through our diet to maintain

a healthy body and lifestyle.VVitamins are substances that your body needs to grow and develop normally. There are 13 vitamins your body needs. In the modern world, it's not always easy to eat the healthiest meals, or even consume our recommended 5 portions of vegetables and fruit to ensure we take in the optimum amount of vitamins. For this reason, many people consider taking vitamins to supplement their diets and make sure they have the optimum intake to maintain a healthy body.

They are vitamins A, C, D, E, K and the B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12 and folate). You can usually get all your vitamins from the foods you eat. Your body can also make vitamins D and K. People who eat a vegetarian diet may need to take a vitamin B12 supplement.

Each vitamin has specific jobs. If you have low levels of certain vitamins, you may develop a deficiency disease. For example, if you don't get enough vitamin D, you could develop rickets. Some vitamins may help prevent medical problems. Vitamin A prevents night blindness.

Many ailments can derive from a deficiency in a certain vitamin. Certain vitamins have been found to help varying problems, for example:

Stress, pollution, illness, alcohol, caffeine, medication, processed foods and sugar, can all deprive your body of B vitamins.

Many believe that regularly taking Vitamin C, either through diet or as a supplement, can help fend off the common cold, aid recovery of sporting injuries and help anaemia sufferers.

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin which is important for maintaining calcium levels in the blood and can help maintain healthy skin.

INTRODUCTIONIt may be defined as:

“Organic compounds required in the diet in small amounts to perform specific biological functions for normal maintenance of optimum growth and health of the organism.”

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In others words:“Vitamins are a group of substances that are essential for normal cell function, growth, and

development.”A vitamin deficiency occurs when you do not get enough of a certain vitamin. Vitamin deficiency can cause health problems. Vitamins are organic molecules that function in a wide variety of capacities within the body. The most prominent function of the vitamins is to serve as cofactors (co-enzymes) for enzymatic reactions. The distinguishing feature of the vitamins is that they generally cannot be synthesized by mammalian cells and, therefore, must be supplied in the diet.Not eating enough fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, whole grains and fortified dairy foods may increase your risk for health problems, including heart disease, cancer, and poor bone health (osteoporosis).The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for vitamins reflect how much of each vitamin most people should get each day.

The RDA for vitamins may be used as goals for each person. How much of each vitamin you need depends on your age and gender. Other factors,

such as pregnancy and your health, are also important.

CLASSIFICATIONS OF VITAMINSVitamins are classified into two classes depending upon their solubility which includes:

Water Soluble Fat Soluble

TYPES OF VITAMINSThere are 13 essential vitamins, which are needed for the body to function. They are:

In fat soluble it includes: Vitamin A Vitamin D Vitamin E Vitamin K

In water soluble it includes:

Vitamin B1 (thyamine) Vitamin B2(riboflavin) Vitamin B3(niacin) Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic

acid)

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) Vitamin B7 (biotin) Vitamin B12(cobalamin) Vitamin B9 (folic acid) Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

FAT SOLUBLE VITAMINSFat-soluble vitamins -- vitamins A, D, E and K -- dissolve in fat before they are absorbed in the blood stream to carry out their functions. Excesses of

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these vitamins are stored in the liver. Because they are stored, they are not needed every day in the diet

VITAMIN AIt is only present in animal origin food. Its provitamin Kerotines are found in plant

STRUCTURE

BIOCHEMICAL FUNCTIONS OF VITAMIN A It helps form and maintains healthy teeth, bones, soft tissue, mucus

membranes, and skin. It also helps in vision, proper growth, differentiations and maintenance

of epithelial cells. They regulate the protein synthesis. Vitamin A is required in cholesterol synthesis. It is essential for the maintenance healthy immune system to fight

against infection.

DEFICIENCIESNIGHT BLINDNESS XEROPHTHALMIA KERATOMALACIA

The individual has difficult to see in a dim light and the dark adaptation time is increased. Prolong deficiency damage a number of visual cells.

It is characterized by dryness in conjunctiva and cornea.

It is total blindness.

DIETARY SOURCES

Dark-colored fruit Dark leafy vegetables Egg yolk

Fortified milk and dairy products (cheese, yogurt, butter, and cream)

Liver, beef, and fish

RECOMMENDED DIETARY ALLOWANCE (RDA)

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In males 56 gIn females 46 g

VITAMIN D Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2 ) is formed from the

ergosterol and is present in plants. Cholecalciferols (Vitamin D3) found in animals, are the

sources of Vitamin D activity and are referred as pro-vitamins.

STRUCTURE

BIOCHEMICAL FUNCTIONS OF VITAMIN D Vitamin D is also known as the "sunshine vitamin Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which need for the normal

development and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones. It also helps maintain proper blood levels of calcium and phosphorus.

DEFICIENCIESRICKETS (in children) OSTEOMALACIA (in adults)

The symptoms of both syndromes are soft, pliable, bones. High level of vitamin D is toxic.

DIETARY SOURCES Fish (fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, and orange roughly) Fish liver oils (cod's liver oil) Fortified cereals Fortified milk and dairy products (cheese, yogurt, butter, and cream)

RECOMMENDED DIETARY ALLOWANCE (RDA) In males 15 µg In females 15 µg

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VITAMIN ETocopherol is a naturally occurring antioxidant. It is essential for normal reproduction in many animals also known as anti sterility vitamin. The most active form of vitamin E is α- tocopherol. It is absorb in intestine. Bile salts are necessary for absorption. Vitamin E is store in adipose tissues, liver, and muscles.

STRUCTURE

BIOCHEMICAL FUNCTIONS OF VITAMIN E It plays a role in the formation of red blood cells. It acts as an antioxidant .It prevents the peroxidation of

polyunsaturated fatty acids in various tissues and membrane. It increases the synthesis of heme. It is required for a cellular respiration proelectron transport chain. It prevents the oxidation of Vitamin A. It is required for the absorption of amino acids from the intestine. Vitamin E protects the liver from being damage by toxic compounds.

DEFICIENCIESVitamin E deficiency is rarely seen, but can lead to Hemolytic Anemia.

DIETARY SOURCES Avocado Dark green vegetables

(spinach, broccoli, asparagus, turnip greens)

Margarine (made from safflower, corn, and sunflower oil)

Oils (safflower, corn, and sunflower)

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Papaya and mango Seeds and nuts

Wheat germ and wheat germ oil

RECOMMENDED DIETARY ALLOWANCE (RDA) In males 10 mg In females 8 mg

VITAMIN K Vitamin K is required for the production of blood clotting factors. It is essential for blood coagulation.

STRUCTURE

BIOCHEMICAL FUNCTIONS OF VITAMIN K It is concerned with blood clotting factors It acts as a coenzyme for the carboxylation of glutamic acid Vitamin K also required in carboxylation of glutamic acid residues of

osteocalcin, a calcium binding protein present in the bone. DEFICIENCIES

Symptoms include Oozing of blood at surgical or puncture sites, Stomach pains; Risk of massive uncontrolled bleeding; Cartilage calcification; Severe malformation of developing bone or deposition of insoluble

calcium salts in the walls of arteries. In infants, it can cause some birth defects such as underdeveloped

face, nose, bones, and fingers.

DIETARY SOURCES Cabbage Cauliflower

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Cereals Dark green vegetables

(broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus)

Dark leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, collards, turnip greens)

Fish, liver, beef, eggs. RECOMMENDED DIETARY ALLOWANCE (RDA)

In adults 70-140 µg/day

WATER SOLUBLE VITAMINSWater-soluble vitamins dissolve in water and are not stored; they are

eliminated in urine. We need a continuous supply of them in our diets. The water-soluble vitamins are the B-complex group and vitamin C.

VITAMIN B1 (THIAMINE)Vitamin B1, also called thiamine or thiamin, is one of B vitamins. All B vitamins help the body convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which is used to produce energy.

STRUCTURE

BIOCHEMICAL FUNCTIONS OF VITAMIN B1 Thiamine is sometimes called an "anti-stress" vitamin because it may

strengthen the immune system. It improves the body's ability to withstand stressful conditions.

DEFICIENCIESBeriberiWernicke-Korsakoff syndromeAlzheimer's diseaseHeart failure

DIETARY SOURCES Dried milk Egg Enriched bread and flour

Lean meats Legumes (dried beans) Nuts and seeds

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Organ meats Peas

Whole grains

RECOMMENDED DIETARY ALLOWANCE (RDA)In males 1.2 mg

In females 1.1 mg

VITAMIN B2 (RIBOFLAVIN)Vitamin B, also called riboflavin, riboflavin through its coenzymes takes part in the variety of cellular oxidation –reduction reactions.

STRUCTURE

BIOCHEMICAL FUNCTIONS OF VITAMIN B2 Riboflavin also works as an antioxidant by fighting damaging

particles in the body. In helps producing energy for the body.

DEFICIENCIESCheilosisGlossitisDermatitis

DIETARY SOURCES Brewer's yeast Almonds organ meats whole grain

wheat germ mushrooms soybeans milk

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yogurt eggs

Spinach Flours and cereals

RECOMMENDED DIETARY ALLOWANCE (RDA) In males 1.3 mg

In females 1.1 mg

VITAMIN B3 (NIACIN)Niacin (also known as vitamin B3, nicotinic acid and vitamin PP) is an organic compound with the formula C6H5NO2. and has 2 other forms, niacinamide (nicotinamide) and inositol hexanicotinate, which have different effects from niacin.

STRUCTURE

BIOCHEMICAL FUNCTIONS OF VITAMIN B3 Niacin helps the body make various sex and stress-related hormones

in the adrenal glands and other parts of the body. Niacin also helps to improve circulation.

DEFICIENCIES Pellagra Scurvy Beriberi

Rickets Night blindness

DIETARY SOURCES Eggs Enriched breads and

fortified cereals Fish (tuna and salt-water

fish)

Legumes Nuts Potato Poultry

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RECOMMENDED DIETARY ALLOWANCE (RDA) In males 16 mg

In females 14 mg

PANTOTHENIC ACID B5Pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, as well as the "anti-stress vitamin" is part of the B group. This nutrient can be manufactured in the body by the intestinal flora.

STRUCTURE

BIOCHEMICAL FUNCTIONS OF PANTOTHENIC ACID Vitamin B5 plays an important role in the secretion of hormones,

such as cortisone because of the role it plays in supporting the adrenal gland

Pantothenic acid is also used in the release of energy as well as the metabolism of fat, protein and carbohydrates.

It is used in the creation of lipids, neurotransmitters, steroid hormones and hemoglobin.

DEFICIENCIESFatigueabdominal painssleep disturbances neurological disorders including numbnessparesthesia (abnormal sensation such as "burning feet" syndrome)muscle weaknesscramps

DIETARY SOURCES Milk Mushroom

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Organ meats White and sweet potatoes

Whole-grain cereals

RECOMMENDED DIETARY ALLOWANCE (RDA)In adults 4-7 mg

VITAMIN B6 (PYRIDOXINE)Vitamin B6 is used to collectively represent the three compounds namely

Pyridoxine Pyridoxal Pyridoxamine

STRUCTURE

BIOCHEMICAL FUNCTIONS OF VITAMIN B6 It is involved in many aspects of macronutrient metabolism. It also involve in

Neurotransmitter synthesis, histamine synthesis, hemoglobin synthesis and function and gene expression.

Pyridoxal phosphate generally serves as a coenzyme for many reactions and can help facilitate decarboxylation, transamination, racemization, elimination, replacement and beta-group interconversion reactions.

The liver is the site for vitamin B6 metabolism.

DEFICIENCIESseborrhoeic dermatitis-like eruptionSonjunctivitisAtrophic glossitis with ulceration,

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DIETARY SOURCES Avocado Banana Legumes (dried beans)

Meat Nuts Whole grains

RECOMMENDED DIETARY ALLOWANCE (RDA) In adults 2-2.2 mg/day

VITAMIN B7 (BIOTIN)Biotin, also known as Vitamin H or Coenzyme R,is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin. Biotin is a coenzyme in the synthesis of fatty acids,isoleucine, and valine, and it plays a role in gluconeogenesis.

STRUCTURE

BIOCHEMICAL FUNCTIONS OF VITAMIN B7 Vitamin B7 helps to convert food to energy. It also has a function in maintaining healthy hair, skin and nails. Vitamin B7 helps to assist cell growth.

DEFICIENCIESAnemiaLoss of appetiteNauseaDermatitisGlossitis

DIETARY SOURCES Chocolate Cereal Egg yolk Legumes

Milk Nuts Organ meats (liver, kidney) Pork

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Yeast

RECOMMENDED DIETARY ALLOWANCE (RDA)In adults 100-300mg

VITAMIN B12 (COBALAMIN)Vitamin B12 is also known as anti-pernicious anemia vitamin. It is a unique vitamin, synthesized by only microorganisms and not by animals and plants.

STRUCTUREBIOCHEMICAL FUNCTIONS OF VITAMIN B12 It acts as a key role in the normal functioning

of the brain and nervous system, and for the formation of blood.

It is normally involved in the metabolism of every cell of the human body, especially affecting DNA synthesis and regulation, but also fatty acid synthesis and energy production.

DEFICIENCIESVitamin B12 deficiency can potentially cause severe and irreversible damage, especially to the brain and nervous system.Pernicious anemia.Fatigue, depression, and poor memory may be experienced

DIETARY SOURCES Meat Eggs Fortified foods such as soymilk Milk and milk products Organ meats (liver and kidney) Poultry Shellfish

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RECOMMENDED DIETARY ALLOWANCE (RDA)In adults 3µg

VITAMIN B9 (FOLIC ACID)Folic acid is abundantly found in green leafy vegetables. It is important for one carbon metabolism and is requirsd for the synthesis of certain amino acids, purines and the pyramidine-thymine.

STRUCTURE

BIOCHEMICAL FUNCTIONS OF VITAMIN B9 The human body needs folate to synthesize DNA, repair DNA, and

methylate DNA. It is especially important in aiding rapid cell division and growth,

such as in infancy and pregnancy. Children and adults both require folic acid to produce healthy red

blood cells and prevent anemia.

DEFICIENCIESFolic acid deficiency is probably the most common vitamin deficiency, observed primarily in the pregnant women.

DIETARY SOURCES Asparagus and broccoli Beets

Brewer's yeast

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Dried beans (cooked pinto, navy, kidney, and lima)

Fortified cereals Green, leafy vegetables

(spinach and romaine lettuce)

Lentils Oranges and orange juice Peanut butter Wheat germ

RECOMMENDED DIETARY ALLOWANCE (RDA)In adults 200µg

In females during pregnancy 400µg/day

VITAMIN C (ASCORBIC ACID)Vitamin C or L-ascorbic acid or L-ascorbate is an essential nutrient for humans and certain other animal species.

STRUCTURE

BIOCHEMICAL FUNCTIONS OF VITAMIN CAscorbate is required for a range of essential metabolic reactions in all animals and plants.

DEFICIENCIESScurvey

DIETARY SOURCES Broccoli Brussels sprouts

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Cabbage Cauliflower Citrus fruits

RECOMMENDED DIETARY ALLOWANCE (RDA)In adults 60-70mg/day

REFERENCES www.ext:cosolate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09312.html

http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/nutrition/vitamins/

overview.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/vitamins

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/vitamin-b1-

000333.htm#ixzz3dQRb3FC9

http://www.vitaminfan.com/vitaminb7.asp

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/vitamins.html

http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/pages/vitamins.asp

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/health_advice/facts/

vitamins_which.htm

Biochemistry; U.Satyanarayana & U.Chakrapani; 3rd edition; pg118-

162

Escott-Stump S, ed. Nutrition and Diagnosis-Related Care. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008.

Sarubin Fragaakis A, Thomson C. The Health Professional's Guide to Popular Dietary Supplements. 3rd ed. Chicago, IL. American Dietetic Association; 2007.

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Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes: Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. National Academy Press, Washington, DC, 2000.

Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes: Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron Manganese, Molybdenium, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. National Academy Press, Washington, DC, 2001.

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