Vitamins are micronutrients synthesized by plants. When plants like fruits and vegetables are eaten by us, the vitamins are absorbed into our bodies. Other animals have the same ability to absorb vitamins from plants, so some vitamins are obtained second-hand by eating animal products such as eggs, fish, or meat. Vitamins are organic compounds that are needed in small amounts for the healthy functioning of the body.
Vitamins are classified as fat-soluble and water-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins are vitamin A, D, E and K. Water-soluble vitamins are vitamins B and C. Thirteen important vitamins are required in the body.
Importance of Fat-soluble vitamins
- Vitamins A or Retinol is used for bone development, the function of all tissues prevents respiratory diseases, improves vision, and prevents cancer.
- Vitamin D or Calciferol is responsible for healthy bone and teeth, strong, joints and helps protect the nervous system.
- Vitamins E or Tocopherol relieves fatigue, prevents and dissolves blood clots, protects the lungs against pollution, helps to heal burn wounds, and prevents cramps.
- vitamins K or Menadione are used to form proteins and aid blood clotting.
Importance of water-soluble vitamins
- Vitamins B or B-complex
It consists of eight vitamins and they are as follows:- Vitamins B1 or thiamine are used to control mood and humor, help the nervous system, promote memory and concentration, helps growth, aids digestion of fats and sugars.
- Vitamins B2 or Riboflavin is responsible for proper growth, maintaining healthy skin, nails, hair, and mucous membranes, and improving vision.
- Vitamins B3 Niacin or Nicotinic Acid serves to preserve the cells, aids in the production of substances needed by the body, maintain healthy skin, aids in digestion.
- Vitamin B5 or Pantothenic acids helps converts fats and sugars into energy, to form cells for growth, heal wounds, and prevent fatigue.
- Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine helps growth, makes antibodies and red blood cells, prevents nervous and skin helps in the formation of other vitamins.
- Vitamins B1 or thiamine are used to control mood and humor, help the nervous system, promote memory and concentration, helps growth, aids digestion of fats and sugars.
- Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid allows for the growth, repair of tissue cells, gums blood vessels, bones, and teeth. protects against infectious diseases and cancer; helps in wound healing, prevents cold respiratory illness.