Vitamines

A vitamin is an organic molecule (or related set of molecules) that is an essential

micronutrient that an organism needs in small quantities for the proper functioning
of its metabolism. Essential nutrients cannot be synthesized in the organism, either
at all or not in sufficient quantities, and therefore must be obtained through the
diet. Vitamin C can be synthesized by some species but not by others; it is not a
vitamin in the first instance but is in the second. The term vitamin does not include
the three other groups of essential nutrients: minerals, essential fatty acids, and
essential amino acids. Most vitamins are not single molecules, but groups of
related molecules called vitamers. For example, vitamin E consists of four
tocopherols and four tocotrienols. The thirteen vitamins required by human
metabolism are: vitamin A (as all-trans-retinol, all-trans-retinyl-esters, as well as all-
trans-beta-carotene and other provitamin A carotenoids), vitamin B1 (thiamine),
vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin
B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B7 (biotin), vitamin B9 (folic acid or folate), vitamin B12
(cobalamins), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin D (calciferols), vitamin E
(tocopherols and tocotrienols), and vitamin K (quinones).
Vitamin A
• Vitamin A is a group of unsaturated nutritional organic compounds
that includes retinol, retinal, retinoic acid, and several provitamin A
carotenoids (most notably beta-carotene). Vitamin A has multiple
functions: it is important for growth and development, for the
maintenance of the immune system and good vision Vitamin A is
needed by the retina of the eye in the form of retinal, which
combines with protein opsin to form rhodopsin, the light-absorbing
molecule necessary for both low-light (scotopic vision) and color
vision. Vitamin A also functions in a very different role as retinoic acid
(an irreversibly oxidized form of retinol), which is an important
hormone-like growth factor for epithelial and other cells.
Vitamin B
• B vitamins are a class of water-soluble vitamins that play important roles in
cell metabolism. Though these vitamins share similar names, they are
chemically distinct compounds that often coexist in the same foods. In
general, dietary supplements containing all eight are referred to as a
vitamin B complex. Individual B vitamin supplements are referred to by the
specific number or name of each vitamin: B1 = thiamine (a coenzyme in the
catabolism of sugars and amino acids), B2 = riboflavin(a precursor of
cofactors called FAD and FMN, which are needed for flavoprotein enzyme
reactions, including activation of other vitamins), B3 = niacin (a precursor
of coenzymes called NAD and NADP, which are needed in many metabolic
processes), etc. Some are better known by name than number: niacin,
pantothenic acid, biotin and folate.
• Each B vitamin is either a cofactor (generally a coenzyme) for key metabolic
processes or is a precursor needed to make one.
Vitamin C
• Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid and L-ascorbic acid, is a
vitamin found in various foods and sold as a dietary supplement. It is
used to prevent and treat scurvy. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient
involved in the repair of tissue and the enzymatic production of
certain neurotransmitters. It is required for the functioning of several
enzymes and is important for immune system function. It also
functions as an antioxidant.
• Current evidence does not support its use for the prevention of the
common cold. There is, however, some evidence that regular use may
shorten the length of colds. It is unclear whether supplementation
affects the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, or dementia. It may
be taken by mouth or by injection.
Vitamin D
• Vitamin D is not actually a vitamin. It is a steroid hormone, which is
made in the body under the right conditions. However, if the body
does not make enough, it can also be obtained from food sources.
• As a hormone, Vitamin D does many things in the body. It was first
discovered as the substance which could prevent and cure rickets. It
controls the levels of calcium ions and phosphates in the blood, as
well as calcium and magnesium absorption in the intestines. It helps
bones grow and form. It is also good for the immune system.
• The treatment of vitamin D deficiency is to take vitamin D
supplements and increase the amount of time spent in the sun,
without getting sunburnt..