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VITAMINS - Are organic compounds occurring in natural foods which are required in minute amounts.

Vitamins

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VITAMINS- Are organic compounds occurring in natural foods which are required

in minute amounts.

• Vitamins are classified according to the solvent in which they are dissolved, namely; the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K and the water soluble vitamins B complex, ascorbic acid and vitamin P.

Fat Soluble Vitamins

Vitamin A

-retinal

-active component of rhodopsin (visual purple)

Sources:-found only in animal products.

-Plant products rich in carotenoid pigments.

-Green leafy vegetables

-Fish liver oils, milk, butter and egg yolk.

Vitamin A

Properties:

-Isolated in the form of a pale, yellow viscous oil distillable in vacuo and soluble in fat and fat solvents.

-Vitamin A in alcohol forms pale yellow crystals.

-Thermostable

-Exposure to ultraviolet rays renders it useless.

Vitamin A

Function:

-Bone Growth

- Night Vision

-Normal Function of Genital System and Fertility

-Healthy Tissue

- Disease Resistance ( anti-infective vitamin)

Vitamin A

Deficiency:

-Nyctalopia or night blindness (deficiency of rhodopsin)

-Degeneration of mucous membranes throughout the body

-Skin develops acne-like eruptions of the hair follicles giving a goose-flesh like appearance.

-In Male, sterility.

-In Female, vaginal smear shows cornification of cells.

Acute symptoms may follow very large amounts of vitamin A, like drowsiness, sluggishness, severe headache, vomiting and peeling of skin.

Fat Soluble Vitamins

Vitamin D

-Precursor of a hormone which regulates Ca and phosphate metabolism.

Sources:

-Cod liver oil (most abundant source)

-Egg yolk, butter fat and milk (contains appreciable amount)

-Other marine animals such as salmon, herring, sardines, shrimps.

Vitamin D

Properties:

-White crystalline compound soluble in fat and fat solvents.

-Thermostable

-Not affected by light, acid or alkalies.

Functions:

-Regulating the absorption of Calcium and phosphorus.

-Facilitating normal immune system and function.

-Normal growth and development of bones and teeth.

-Recommended for chronic arthritis, allergic conditions, psoriasis and hypoparathyroidism.

Vitamin D

Deficiency:

-Poor retention of Ca and phosphorus which causes retarded skeletal growth.

-Rickets (children)

-Osteomalacia (adults)

-Hypoplasia of the teeth due to defective enamel development predisposing the teeth to dental caries.

Fat Soluble Vitamins

Vitamin E

- alpha-tocopherol, Vitamin X

-Protects the lipids of cell membrane from destructive effect of oxygen.

Sources:

-Widely distributed in nature.

-Abundant in rice germ, corn germ, wheat germ, peanut and cotton seed oil.

-Found in green leafy vegetables, in meat, milk, eggs and fish liver oils.

Vitamin EProperties:

-Isolated as a light yellow, viscous, odorless oil, soluble in fat and fat solvents.

-It is stable to heat, acid and alkalies, but is slowly oxidized and destroyed by ultraviolet rays.

Functions:

Many people use vitamin E supplements in the hopes that the vitamin's antioxidant properties will prevent or treat disease. But studies of vitamin E for preventing cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, cataracts, and many other conditions have been inconclusive.

Vitamin E

General Signs of Deficiency of Vitamin E• Gastrointestinal diseases• Dry hair or loss of hair• Muscular weakness• Slow tissue healing• Leg crampsOther Signs of Deficiency of Vitamin E• Deficiency of vitamin E causes fragility of RBCs and degeneration of

neurons. Other signs of deficiency of vitamin E include enlarged prostate, impotency, miscarriages, muscular wasting, and decreased circulation of blood.

Fat Soluble Vitamins

Vitamin K

-is a component of a carboxylating enzyme

Sources:

-Green leafy vegetables

-Cheese, egg yolk and liver.

Properties:

-There are two forms. K1 is isolated in the form of yellow oil; from alfalfa and K2 obtained in the form of yellow crystalline solid from putrefied fish meal. Both forms are soluble in fat and fat solvents and resistant to heat and reducing agents.

Vitamin K

-Sensitive to light, alkalies, strong acids, oxidizing agents and sunlight.

Functions:

-Plays a key role in helping the blood clot, preventing excessive bleeding.

-Vitamin K is also absolutely essential to building strong bones, preventing heart disease, and crucial part of other bodily processes. In fact, vitamin K is sometimes referred to as "the forgotten vitamin" because its major benefits are often overlooked.

Vitamin K• Low levels of vitamin K can raise the risk of uncontrolled bleeding. While

vitamin K deficiencies are rare in adults, they are very common in newborn infants. A single injection of vitamin K for newborns is standard. Vitamin K is also used to counteract an overdose of the blood thinner Coumadin.

• While vitamin K deficiencies are uncommon, you may be at higher risk if you:

• Have a disease that affects absorption in the digestive tract, such as Crohn's disease or active celiac disease

• Take drugs that interfere with vitamin K absorption• Are severely malnourished• Drink alcohol heavily• In these cases, a health care provider might suggest vitamin K

supplements.

Water Soluble Vitamin

Vitamin C

- Cevitamic Acid, Ascorbic Acid and Antiscorbutic Vitamin

Sources:

- Fresh fruits and vegetables

Properties:

-White or slightly yellow, odorless, crystalline substance, which gradually darkens on exposure to light.

-Solution is acid in reaction.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) plays a role in collagen, carnitine, hormone, and amino acid formation. It is essential for wound healing and facilitates recovery from burns. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, supports immune function, and facilitates the absorption of iron.VITAMIN C DEFICIENCY• In developed countries, vitamin C deficiency can occur as part of general

undernutrition, but severe deficiency (causing scurvy) is uncommon. Symptoms include fatigue, depression, and connective tissue defects (eg, gingivitis, petechiae, rash, internal bleeding, impaired wound healing). In infants and children, bone growth may be impaired. Diagnosis is usually clinical. Treatment consists of oral vitamin C.

• Severe deficiency results in scurvy, a disorder characterized by hemorrhagic manifestations and abnormal osteoid and dentin formation.

Vitamin P (Citrin and Rutin)

These comprises a group of substances which influence capillary fragility and permeability.

Sources:

-Citrin is present in citrus juices and peels and in paprika.

-Rutin has been found in cured tobacco, in leaves and tops of green buck-wheat

Properties:

Rutin is a yellow, crystalline substances which is very slightly soluble in water and unstable to light, oxidizing agents and alkalies.

Vitamin P

The important functions of vitamin P are as:-

• The main function of vitamin P is that, it promotes blood vessel health, including improving capillary strength.

• It helps in the prevention of accumulation of atherosclerotic plaque.

• Vitamin P helps prevent hemorrhage and rupture of tiny capillaries, which could lead to easy bruising.

• Vitamin P hads anti-inflammatory properties acting against histamines.

• It may help protect against infection and blood vessel disease.

• Bioflavonoids also reduce the amount of histamine released from the cells.

• It may lower blood pressure by relaxing smooth muscle of cardiovascular system.

• It plays very effective role in inhibiting the tumor growth.

Vitamin P

A deficiency of vitamin P is generally occur, due to the lacking of fruit and vegetables in diet. A deficiency of vitamin P, is show up as bruising. Where antioxidants are indicated and none present bioflavonoids could be of help, as well as iron deficiency, since it helps with the absorption of iron.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine or Aneurine)

Sources:

- Cereal Grains, peas, beans, mongo, egg yolk, pork, nuts, avocado, milk, etc.

Properties:

-Thiamine hydrochloride is a white crystalline powder having a faint, yeast-like odor and a salty taste.

-Its aqueous solutions are acid in reaction.

-Readily oxidized by a number of agents, including alkaline potassium ferricyanide to thiochrome.

Vitamin B1

The important functions of vitamin B1 are as:-• Vitamin B1, is very essential for converting carbohydrate into energy.• The most important use of thiamine is in the treatment of beriberi, a

condition caused by a deficiency of thiamine in the diet. Symptoms include swelling, tingling or burning sensation in the hands and feet, confusion, difficulty breathing.

• Vitamin B1, helps in maintaining the healthy nervous system.• Vitamin B1, is necessary for healthy mucous membranes.• It helps in the digestion of food.• It provides strength to muscles.• It is very useful for the proper functioning of heart.

Vitamin B1

• There are many diseases, that may occur due to deficiency of vitamin B1. These are as:-

• Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome: It is a brain disorder caused by thiamine deficiency. Wernicke-Korsakoff is actually two disorders in one: (1) Wernicke's disease involves damage to nerves in the central and peripheral nervous systems and (2) Korsakoff syndrome is characterized by memory impairment with various symptoms of nerve damage.

• Cataracts: The deficiency of vitamin b1 in the body, may lead to the condition of cataracts. People with plenty of protein and vitamins A, B1, B2, and B3 (niacin) in their diet are less likely to develop cataracts.

• Burns: It is especially important for people who have sustained serious burns to obtain adequate amounts of nutrients in their daily diet. When skin is burned, a substantial percentage of micronutrients may be lost.

• Heart failure: Thiamine may be related to heart failure in two ways. First, low levels of thiamine may contribute to the development of congestive heart failure (CHF). On the flip side, people with severe heart failure can lose a significant amount of weight including muscle mass (called wasting or cachexia) and become deficient in many nutrients.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin, Vitamin G or Lactoflavin)Riboflavin forms part of coenzymes flavin nononucleotide (FMN) and flavine adenine nucleotide (FAD)

Sources:

-Yeast, liver, wheat germs, eggs, cheese, green leafy vegetables, peas, lima beans, organs and muscles of animals.

-Milk is an important source.

-Beef liver

Vitamin B2

Properties:

-Fine, orange yellow, crystalline powder, melting @ 280 degree Celsius.

-Thermostable especially in acid solution.

Vitamin B2

The important functions of vitamin B2 are as:-

• Vitamin B2, helps in converting carbohydrate into energy and this energy is utilised by the body.

• It is very useful for normal tissue respiration.

• Necessary for healthy mucous membranes

• Good for skin, nails and eyes

• It helps in protects the body against cancer.

Vitamin B2

The important functions of vitamin B2 are as:

• Vitamin B2, helps in converting carbohydrate into energy and this energy is utilised by the body.

• It is very useful for normal tissue respiration.

• Necessary for healthy mucous membranes

• Good for skin, nails and eyes

• It helps in protects the body against cancer.

Vitamin B2

Deficiency of vitamin B2:

• Ther symptoms that may occur, due to the deficiency of vitamin B2 are as: red, swollen, cracked lips, mouth and tongue, aversion to bright light, loss of appetite, weakness, fatigue, depression, anemia, loss of vision, burning and itching of the eyes.

• Vitamin B2 deficiency by itself is uncommon. It usually occurs with deficiencies of other B vitamins in people who have a protein and calorie deficiency.

• Chronic disorders, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes mellitus, and malabsorption disorders increase the risk of vitamin B2 deficiency.

Vitamin B3 (Nicotinic acid)

Also known as niacin and P-P factor ( pellagra-preventive). Its amide is the active component of coenzymes NAD and NADP.

Sources:

-Large amount of nicotinic acid is found in dried yeast, liver, germs of cereal grains, green peas, lean meat, rice polishings, milk, eggs and vegetables like potatoes and carrots.

Properties:

- White odorless, needle-like crystal or crystalline powder with a slightly acid taste.

Vitamin B3• The important functions of vitamin B3 are as:-

• Vitamin B3, helps in releasing energy from carbohydrates, fats and protiens.

• vitamin B3, is very essential for the DNA synthesis.

• Niacin is commonly used to lower elevated LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood and is more effective in increasing HDL levels than other cholesterol-lowering medications.

• It is also helpful in reducing migraine headaches.

• Vitamin B3, as niacinamide, may improve arthritis symptoms, including increasing joint mobility and reducing the amount of anti-inflammatory medications needed.

• It is necessary for healthy skin, nerves and digestive system.

• High doses of niacin medications are used to prevent development of atherosclerosis and to reduce recurrent complications such as heart attack and peripheral vascular disease in those with the condition.

• It helps to detoxify the body.

• Vitamin B3, is very essential for the proper digestion of the food.

Vitamin B3

The signs of the deficiency of vitamin B3 are as:-

• Loss of appetite is the early symptom of the deficiency of vitamin B3.

• Indigestion, may be occur due to deficiency of vitamin B3.

• Skin lesions may be seen in some cases.

• Mental imbalance can occur due to deficiency of vitamin B3.

• A deficiency of vitamin B3, may cause pellagra, the classic niacin deficiency disease, and is characterized by bilateral dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Pyridoxine forms part of the prosthetic group of several enzymes involved in amino acid metabolism.

Sources:

-Found in natural products associated with other members of the B complex vitamins.

-Rice polishings, germ of seeds and cereals, egg yolk, meat, milk and fish.

Properties:

- White, odorless, slightly bitter crystalline substances.

Vitamin B6-Essential for the metabolism of protein by the body, and the proper functioning of the nervous system and the immune system.

-Your body needs vitamin B6 to make hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to tissues.

-Involved in the synthesis of hormones and red blood cells.

Deficiency:

The deficiency of vitamin B6, is characterized by dermatitis, glossitis, cheilosis, and stomatitis. Marked deficiency causes irritability, weakness, depression, dizziness, peripheral neuropathy, and seizures. In infants and children typical manifestations are diarrhea, anemia, and seizures. Deficiency can be caused by certain medications, such as isoniazid.

Para-Amino Benzoic Acid

Forms part of the folic acid molecule.

Sources:

Occurs in natural products both as free and in combination with such carriers as amino acids and polypeptides.

Properties:

Forms colorless, needle-like crystals, slightly soluble in water. Moderately soluble in alcohol, acids, alkalies and also in boiling water. Melts at 180 degree Celsius.

PABA

• PABA is important to skin, hair pigment, and intestinal health. Used as a sunscreen, it also can protect against the development of sunburn and skin cancer from excess ultraviolet light exposure.

The deficiency symptoms of PABA vitamin are as:-

• The deficiency symptoms of para amino benzoic acid, include irritability and depression, constipation, nervousness, skin problems eczema, headaches, digestive disorders and hair prematurely grey.

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)

Biotin is an active component of prosthetic group of some carboxylating enzymes.

Sources:

-Widely distributed in nature.

-Liver, pancreas, kidney, milk, egg yolk, poultry, fresh vegetables and fruits, sea foods and molasses.

Properties:

- Crystalline compounds soluble in water and alcohol but insoluble in in chloroform, ether and petroleum ether.

Vitamin B7

Biotin enables the body to:

• Convert food into glucose, which is used to produce energy

• Produce fatty acids and amino acids (the building blocks of protein)

• Activate protein/amino acid metabolism in the hair roots and fingernail cells.

Deficiency:Symptoms include hair loss, dry scaly skin, cracking in the corners of the mouth, swollen and painful tongue, dry eyes, loss of appetite, fatigue, insomnia, and depression.

Vitamin B4 (Choline)

Lipotropic substance

Sources:

-Egg yolk, liver, brain, nervous tissues, kidney heart, cereals, potatoes and green leafy vegetables.

Properties:

- The free base is a colorless crystalline compound which readily forms salts with acids.

Vitamin B4

Vitamin B4 or adenine may help in alleviating some of the symptoms and even in preventing the on setting of certain health conditions including:

Anemia, arteriosclerosis, insomnia, headache, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's, diabetes, cataracts, high cholesterol, indigestion, duodenal, and peptic ulcer, gallstones, dandruff, alopecia, heart palpitation, gout, infection with bacteria and viruses, fasten wound healing, phlebitis, hypertension, allergies, asthma, muscle cramps and atrophy, infertility, vaginitis, wrinkles, acne, cancer, fatigue, stress, psoriasis, sore gums, etc.

Vitamin B4

People who are deficient in Vitamin b4 may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

Skin disorders, blood disorders, nausea, slow physical growth rate, fatigue, vertigo, allergies, fable immune system function, sensitivity to insulin, muscle weakness, GI disturbances, depressed mood, physical exhaustion like feelings, anemia, and increased incidence of infection under all forms.

Vitamin B8 (Inositol)

Sources:

- Animal tissues like the liver, kidney, heart, brain, thyroid muscles, etc.

- Rice bran, soy beans, milk, yeast, oranges and other fruits and vegetables.

Properties:

-forms large rhombic crystals possessing a sweet taste.

-Soluble in water.

-Stable in hydrolysis by strong acids and alkalies.

Vitamin B8

The important functions of vitamin B8 are as:-

• It is very essential for a healthy immune system.

• It is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is essential for the growth and health of the hair. It prevents premature greying of the hair as well as hair loss.

• This vitamin helps to maintain the skin and the nervous system in a sound condition. It controls proper distribution of color pigment.

• Vitamin B8, is used for Metabolism, production of enzymes, pH balance, cell growth, fatty acid production, B vitamin utilization, nucleic acid formation and glycogen formation.

Vitamin B8

The main deficiency symptoms of vitamin B8 are as:-

• Heart abnormalities, may be seen in the vitamin B8 deficient peoples.

• Appetite loss is common during this condition.

• You may have the feeling of Fatigue and tiredness.

• Depression may be occur in chronic condition.

• The skin gets turned dry, due to the deficiency of vitamin B8.

• Digestive problems may occur like: nausea, vomiting, liver steatosis.

Folic Acid (Pteroylglutamic acid or PGA, Vitamin B10 )Sources:

-Contained mostly in the liver, kidney, mushroom, yeast and green leaves.

Properties:

-pale yellow crystalline compound, slightly soluble in water.

Functions:

Folic acid is used for preventing and treating low blood levels of folate (folatedeficiency), as well as its complications, including “tired blood” (anemia) and the inability of the bowel to absorb nutrients properly. Folic acid is also used for other conditions commonly associated with folate deficiency, including ulcerative colitis, liver disease, alcoholism, and kidney dialysis.

Folic Acid

A deficient intake of folic acid can impair the formation of red blood cells, resulting in folic acid deficiency anemia. Folic acid deficiency anemia may be a result of malabsorption disorders such as celiac disease and tropical sprue. Pregnant women with an insufficient intake of folic acid are more likely to give birth prematurely or to deliver babies with low birth weight or with neural tube defects.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamins)

Sources:

Beef and chicken livers and fish solubles contain the highest levels of vitamin B12 . Other good sources are milk, meat, eggs, oysters and clams.

Properties:

Small red needle-like crystals soluble in water.

Functions:

Vitamin B12, like the other B vitamins, is important for metabolism. It helps in the formation of red blood cells and in the maintenance of the central nervous system.

Vitamin B12

• If a woman has a folate deficiency prior to pregnancy, it will be intensified during gestation and may lead to premature birth and neural tube birth defects, such as spina bifida, in the child.

• Older people may have a vitamin B 12 deficiency because stomach acidity is low, reducing the body's ability to remove vitamin B 12 from the protein in meat. Abnormal growth of bacteria in the small intestine may reduce the absorption of vitamin B 12.

• A deficiency in either B12 or folate can lead to macrocytic anemia, a condition characterized by the production of fewer, but larger red blood cells and a decreased ability to carry oxygen.

Vitamin B13

Vitamin B13 is not really recognized as a vitamin, since it is manufactured by the body by intestinal flora. It is primarily used for metabolization of folic acid and vitamin B12.

• The main function of Vitamin B13 is to aid the metabolic activities of Vitamin B12 and folic acid. The great use of Vitamin B13 is in the cosmetic industry as it is added as a cosmetic ingredient because of its medicinal values. This vitamin also helps in improving the pyrimidine and myocardial purine levels by stimulating the blood stream to release uridine.

Vitamin B14

There is currently little knowledge about this vitamin B14. It was first isolated from wine. This vitamin is actually found to be a metabolite of xanthopterin. However, it was said by a biochemist Earl R. Norris xanthopterin was the Vitamin B14. It is thought to be similar to vitamin 10 and vitamin 11.

• It is very helpful in formation of cells of the body It provide resistance to combat anemias

• Vitamin B14 provide enhancement of anti tumor growth of protein such as pterin phosphate.

Vitamin B15 (Pangamic Acid)

• Pangamic acid is the name given to a product originally claimed to contain D-gluconodimethyl aminoacetic acid, which was obtained from apricot kernels and later from rice bran. It is also referred to as vitamin B15, but pangamic acid is not generally recognized as a vitamin.

Vitamin B15

• Despite serious safety concerns, pangamic acid is used for improving exercise endurance; treating asthma and related diseases, skin conditions including eczema, lung problems, painful nerve and joint conditions, cancer, and arthritis; improving the oxygenation of the heart, brain, and other vital organs; and “detoxifying” the body. It is also used for treating alcoholism, hangovers, and fatigue; protecting against urban air pollutants; extending cell life; strengthening the immune system; lowering blood cholesterol levels; and assisting in hormone regulation.