Vitamins

Vitamins are complicated chemical components that the body requires in tiny quantities.

They do not however produce energy, but they do play a pivotal role in a variety of bodily

activities. Vitamins must be supplied through the diet since they cannot be generated in sufficient

quantities by the body.   The human body is said to require thirteen vitamins, all of which are

extensively dispersed in foods. In most cases, a well-balanced diet is sufficient to meet a healthy

person's vitamin requirements. Vitamins are split into two categories: antioxidants and

antioxidants. (i) Fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, and E; and (ii) Water-soluble

vitamins, such as vitamins B and C. Each vitamin has a distinct purpose, and a deficiency in any

one of them causes a specific deficiency illness.

Functions of Vitamins

Vitamins are beneficial to the body's health and longevity in the following ways.

 They strengthen the body's defenses against sickness

 Prevent and treat a variety of disorders caused by a lack of nutrients

 Aid in mineral salt and carbohydrate digestion and utilization in the body

 Stimulate and strengthen the digestive and neurological systems

 Aid in maintaining good health and normal growth

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means it may be absorbed via the skin. It is an

essential ingredient for human health. Vitamin A insufficiency is a leading cause of avoidable

blindness in several countries. Vitamin A's functions are yet unknown, save that it is required for

normal vision and for the body's strength and stamina in the fight against infectious diseases.

Vitamin A is found in animal products such as butter, ghee milk, eggs, liver, and fish. Vitamin A
precursors include foods derived from plants, such as fruits and vegetables. Carotene is abundant

in leafy vegetables, carrots, yellow pumpkin, and fruits. Fish liver oils are the finest natural

sources of vitamin A. Rather than being eaten, fish liver oils are utilized as a dietary supplement.

The deficiencies of Vitamin A are night blindness, corneal and conjunctival eye problems, skin

lessons, slowed and stunted bone growth, and diminished vitality.

Vitamin B1

Vitamin B1 is a nutrient that is water soluble. When it is dry, it is relatively heat stable,

but when heated, it quickly degrades. It has a significant role in glucose metabolism. It's also

necessary for the neurological system's appropriate operation, as well as the maintenance of a

healthy appetite and digestion. Vitamin B1 is found in a variety of natural foods, but cereals,

pulses, grains, liver oil, seeds, and nuts are particularly high in it. For newborns and early

children, milk is an essential source of Bi. Because it is a water-soluble vitamin, it is easily

removed from cereals during the washing and cooking process. It is usually lost from fruits and

vegetables when they are stored for a long time. Beriberi is the most frequent B1 deficiency

condition, which is found primarily in nations where rice is the main source of food. It also

causes anorexia, indigestion, muscular soreness, and a neurological condition.

Vitamin B2

Riboflavin, often known as vitamin B2, is less water soluble than vitamin B1 and is more

heat stable. It is necessary for development. It is also involved in the metabolism of protein, fat,

and carbohydrates. Riboflavin is found in abundance in nature. Liver, eggs, milk, fish, kidney,

heart, and green leafy vegetables are all high in riboflavin. Riboflavin is found in germinating

pulses. Bacteria in the intestine also produce it. Angular stomatitis, glossarist, and scrotal

dermatitis are symptoms of riboflavin insufficiency.

Though other vitamins in the B complex group, such as B3, B6, B12, and Folic acid, are equally

vital for humans, their shortages are less prevalent.

Vitamin C

It is very soluble in water, but high temperatures, such as those used in cooking, quickly

destroy it. Vitamin C is required for both animal and human growth, wound healing is slowed

when consumption is insufficient, and it aids in the creation of red blood cells. Vitamin C is

primarily found in fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C is abundant in fresh fruits. The richest

sources of vitamin C are Amla (Indian gooseberry) and guavas. Vitamin C is abundant in foods,

particularly green leafy vegetables. Very modest levels are found in the roots and tubers

(potatoes). Very small levels can also be found in animal foods like meat and milk. Scurvy is

caused by a vitamin C deficiency. It is more common in babies because to a lack of vitamin C in

their diet. It also causes slowed blood clotting and wound healing, as well as gum bleeding.

Vitamin D

There are six vitamins D, with D2 (calciferol), D3 and D4 (cholecalciferol) being the

most potent. This vitamin aids in the absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus in the

intestine, as well as influencing the action of parathyroid hormone on bone. It also aids in bone

production by acting directly on bone cells. Vitamin D is found in foods such as fish, eggs, liver,

butter, and fish liver oils. Vitamin D is produced naturally in the sun. Increased loss of calcium

and phosphate in the faces is the most significant change in this deficiency. This causes a drop in

blood levels, making it unavailable for bone growth. As a result, it causes rickets in children and

osteomalacia in adults. Rickets is more common in children living in slums, where direct

sunshine does not penetrate the interior of the houses, and these children cannot afford to eat

pricey animal foods to meet their daily vitamin D requirements.

Vitamin E

Anti-sterility vitamin is another name for it. Sterility or infertility can be prevented and

treated using this vitamin. Vitamin E is found in a variety of foods. Although vitamin E is not

found in animal food, it is abundant in vegetable sources such as vegetable oils, seed oils, green

vegetables, and so on. Vitamin E deficiency has been linked to frequent abortion and testicular

degeneration. Both animals and humans are incapable of giving birth. Excessive consumption

does not improve fertility, but it may help to heal infertility.

Vitamin K

It's a fat-soluble, heat-stable vitamin. It aids the liver in the production of bile and the

maintenance of normal blood coating. Vitamin K is found in fresh green vegetables and fruits,

and it is also produced by bacteria in the intestine. Vitamin K deficiency causes widespread

bleeding. Vitamin K supplementation to newborn newborns has been shown to reduce the risk of

bleeding.