ALL ABOUT VITAMINS

A vitamin is an organic compound required as a nutrient in tiny amounts by an organism . With few exceptions, the body cannot manufacture or synthesize vitamins. They must be supplied by the diet or in dietary supplements. Vitamins are essential to the normal functioning of our bodies.

FUNCTIONS OF VITAMINS:

1.They are necessary for growth, vitality, health, general well being

2.The prevention and cure of many health problems and diseases.

3.Function as hormones (e.g. vitamin D)

4. Mediators of cell signaling and regulators of cell and tissue growth and differentiation (e.g. vitamin A).

5.Help act as catalysts and substrates in metabolism

CLASSIFICATION OF VITAMINS:

Vitamins are classified by their biological and chemical activity, not by their structure

Vitamins are classified as either water-soluble or fat soluble.

In humans there are 13 vitamins: 4 fat-soluble (A, D, E and K) and 9 water-soluble (8 B vitamins and vitamin C).

Fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed through the intestinal tract with the help of fats.

WATER SOLUBLE VITAMINS :

VITAMIN B:

There's more than one B vitamin. List : B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, folic acid, biotin, and pantothenic acid.

FUNCTIONS OF VITAMIN B:

1. Helps in the production of energy

2. Helps in production of RBC which carry oxygen through out the

SOURCES OF VITAMIN B:

whole grains, such as wheat and oats

fish and seafood

poultry and meats

eggs

dairy products, like milk and yogurt

leafy green vegetables

beans and peas

Vitamin C:

FUNCTIONS OF VITAMIN C:

1. Keeps the gums and muscles in good shape

2. Helps your resist infection

SOURCES OF VITAMIN C:

citrus fruits, like oranges

strawberries

tomatoes

Broccoli,cabbage

FAT SOLUBLE VITAMINS:

VITAMIN A:

FUNCTIONS OF VITAMIN A:

1. Helps in night vision

2. Helps in colour vision

3. For healthy and proper skin

SOURCES:

milk fortified with vitamin A

liver

orange fruits and vegetables (like cantaloupe, carrots, sweet potatoes)

dark green leafy vegetables

Vitamin D:

FUNCTIONS OF VITAMIN D:

1.Strengthen the bones

2.Forming the strong teeth

3.Absorption of calcium in the body

SOURCES :

milk fortified with vitamin D

fish

egg yolks

liver

fortified cereal

Vitamin E:

FUNCTIONS OF VITAMIN E:

1. Protects the lungs from damaging by polluted air

2. Maintenance of body tissues

3. Helps in the formation of RBC

SOURCES :

whole grains, such as wheat and oats

wheat germ

leafy green vegetables

egg yolks

nuts and seeds

Vitamin K:

FUNCTIONS OF VITAMIN K:

1. Helps in blood clotting

SOURCES:

leafy green vegetables

dairy products, like milk and yogurt

broccoli

soybean oil

Thus vitamins play a very important role in maintenance of our body Dr Jayasree Mallela is associated with medical coding training