Jake Saab asked:
Vitamins (combination of two words: Vital Amines) are the complex organic substances essential in small quantities to the metabolism (nutrition) in most animals. These are found in minute quantities in food, in some cases are produced by the body, and is also produced synthetically. The human body needs to function properly, so that we can grow and develop as we should. Its deficiency leads to many serious disorders.
Vitamins are divided into two main groups: the fat-soluble vitamins' designated as vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin K, and water-soluble vitamins' , which include vitamin C and the group of molecules referred to as vitamin B-complex Each has its own special role in the development of the human body.
Vitamin A Vitamin A, a fat soluble vitamin, plays an important role in the light and helps us see dim light, and also at night. Vitamin A also participates in the formation and maintenance of healthy skin, hair and mucous membranes. Furthermore, it is necessary for proper bone growth, teeth, reproduction and development of epithelial cells (that line any opening in the body, eg, nose, throat, lungs, mouth, stomach, intestines and urinary tract). Vitamin A can be found in eggs, milk, carrots, spinach, potatoes, fish oil, liver (pork, lamb, chicken, turkey or beef), butter, broccoli, apricots, nectarines, melon, orange or yellow vegetables or fruits. Vitamin A deficiency can cause two major disorders like: night blindness and drying of the skin.
Vitamin B Vitamin B is a complex of different vitamins such as B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, folic acid, pantothenic acid and biotin. These B vitamins are very important in metabolic activity and in facilitating the red blood cells (which carry oxygen throughout the body). They also help your body make protein and energy.
sources of vitamin B are leafy green vegetables seafood, beans, peas, citrus fruits, whole grains (like wheat and oats), poultry, meat, eggs and dairy products (like milk and yogurt). Some bacteria in our large intestine also prepare some type of B-vitamins. Vitamin B deficiency may cause the disease "Beri Beri", cracked lips, weak muscles, malformation of red blood cells, affects normal growth and disturbs the nervous system. Vitamin C
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is water soluble, antioxidant vitamin that is vital for the production of collagen, a protein gives structure to bones, cartilage, muscle and blood vessels. It is important to maintain body tissues such as gums and muscles in good shape and helps in the rapid healing of wounds. It also helps to protect the fat-soluble vitamins A and E and fatty acids from oxidation.
Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits (like orange and lime), melon, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage and other fruits and vegetables. The deficiency of vitamin C affects the healthy skin, poor wound healing and can lead to a disease called scurvy, which causes bleeding gums, pain, shock of hair wrapped in the arms and legs, pain in joints, muscle atrophy, and many other problems.
Vitamin D Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that regulates bone formation and absorption of calcium and phosphorus in intestine. It helps control the movement of calcium between bone and blood, and vice versa. This vitamin is needed for strong bones and teeth. It also helps your body absorb the calcium you need.
Vitamin D is found in fish liver oil, egg yolk, milk and other dairy products fortified with vitamin D. Also occurs in our body in the presence of ultraviolet light and sunlight.
deficiency of vitamin D can cause weak bones and bowed legs (in children). And its excess can cause loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, headache, depression and deposits of calcium in the kidneys.
Vitamin E Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, is essential for the inhibition of oxidation in body tissues, the formation of red blood cells and prevents breakdown of body tissues. Maintains the body tissues and protects the lungs from being damaged by air pollution. This vitamin is found in whole grains (like wheat and oats), wheat germ, green leafy vegetables, sardines, egg yolk, nuts, bread, cereals and seeds. The deficiency of this vitamin can cause many diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer's disease.
