Vitamins By. Dr. Vidhin Kamble Sangola College, Sangola

Vitamins

By. Dr. Vidhin Kamble 

Sangola College, Sangola 

In addition to carbohydrates, lipid and proteins, inorganic salts and water requires the presence of organic compounds in diet for the normal growth and good health.  They are organic in nature and are called as vitamins.  Vitamins are complex organic compounds, whose presence in trace amount in the food is essential for growth and other physiological activities. Vitamins do not have any energy value. However they are essential for controlling energy yielding processes.

The most important functions of vitamins include.

Physiological processes:  Vitamin A plays a very important role in visual perception. Vitamin E might ensure fertility in animals. The clotting of blood is aided by vitamin K. Vitamin C provides immunity against infections and it may also support processes of growth.

2. Maintenance of body tissues: The epithelial tissues of the body are maintained by vitamin A and B2. The growth of bones is ensured by vitamin D. Vitamin E plays a role in the rejuvenation of tissues. Nourishment to nerve cells is provided by vitamin B1. The process of maturation of erythrocytes is due to vitamin B12.

3. Metabolic processes: The process of calcium and phosphorus metabolism happens due to the presence of vitamin D. Vitamin E remains an antioxidant. Vitamin B1 remains as a co-enzyme in tissue metabolism and it is found useful in the process of oxidation of glucose in CNS. Vitamin B2 is essential for carbohydrate metabolism. Niacin (vitamin B) plays a role as a co-enzyme and is essential for oxidation-reduction reactions. Normal metabolism of amino acids and fat are due to vitamin B6. Biotin (vitamin B) serves as a co-enzyme and co-factor in oxidative metabolism. Vitamin C activates certain intra-cellular enzymes.

Vitamins are usually divided into two categories on the basis of solubility, which are

1.      Water soluble vitamins.

2.      Fat soluble vitamins.

            Vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K. are fat soluble present along with animal fats. Vitamin B and C are water soluble in nature, these are not stored in to the body and excess amount will be excreted in the urine.  Vegetables and fruits containing these vitamins if washed in water as cut pieces would loose them easily. Vitamin C and B complex are water-soluble and cannot be stored in our body. Increased elimination of water by the kidneys will flush out the minerals and vitamins from our body. So a daily supplement of these vitamins through our diet is necessary to maintain a proper balance. 

 Vitamin A, D, E and K, if consumed beyond required level may cause defects, commonly referred to as vitaminosis. Of the various vitamins, vitamin D or calciferol on exposure to sunlight can be synthesised by our body through the lipid compound called ergosterol, found below our skin. Hence it is known as ‘sunshine vitamin’. 

Vitamin A: - It is also called as Retinol. Vit- A is stored in liver. Fat soluble, soluble in organic solvents.

Source:-Fish liver oil, liver, eggs, milk, butter, green vegetables etc.

Deficiency disorders:

1          Atrophy of lacrymal glands of the eye and reduction in tear secretion.

2          Corneal epithilium becomes red and dry (xerosis). It may also become wrinkled and Keratinised (xeropthalmia). Appearance of Bitot’s spot in the cornea might happen.

3          Cornea may get necrosed and get infected (keratomalacia).

4          May cause night blindness (nyctalopia). 

Vitamin D :- Also called as Calciferol.  Fat soluble.  There are two most important derivatives of calciferols are ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol having property of preventiving or curing rickets.

Vitamin D is a hormone produced by the action of the sun’s ultraviolet rays on the skin. The primary function of vit. D is to regulate the absorbtion and utilization of Ca and P which are the chief elements in the framework of the body and makes the skin breathe.

Sources:-

The main source of vitamin D is sunlight, so its deficiency is more common in places with insufficient sunlight.

The other sources of vitamin D are cod liver oil, egg yolk, fatty fish (like salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, tuna), fish and animal liver, milk alfalfa, apples, butter, cabbage, carrots, , oatmeal, parsley, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, vegetable oils and whole cereals.

Deficiency disorders:-

Deficiency of vitamin-D, causes rickets in growing children and osteomalacia in adults. Defective calcification of bone,

A deficiency of vitamin D in children results in delayed dentition, faulty bone formation, rickets, a skeletal (soft bone) deformity in which the joints and the bones become enlarged, knock-knees and bow legs develop and there is lack of development at the end of long bones. In adults, vitamin D deficiency results in osteomalacia, acne, gout, arthritis, myopathy and sometimes near sightedness.  Children suffering from vitamin D deficiency should be exposed to sunlight after a massage with cod liver oil. Vitamin D contributes to healthy bone growth and also helps to resist colds and helps to delay senility. Hypervitaminosis D causes hypercalcaemia, which leads to symptoms like polyuria, polydipsia, renalcolic, lethargy, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, peptic ulceration, weakness, fatigue, lassitude, headache, constipation, diarrhea, drowsiness and depression. 

Vitamin E :- Also called as Tocopherol.  It is also called as anti -sterility vitamin. Fat soluble.  Resistant to heat (Up to 200 ⁰C).

Tocopherol is found in α ,β and γ forms, of which α- form is biologically most potent and can easily absorbed from intestinal tract and stored in to the fat and muscle.  Vitamin E, which is chemically known as “alpha tocopherol‟, is useful to aid proper circulation in the body and is related to problems in the muscular tissue, reproductive and pituitary glands, liver, nerves, heart and circulation. It protects against the damaging effects of many environmental poisons (pollution) in the air, water and food.

It helps prevent formation of scar tissue in burns, sores and thus helps in post-operative healing. It helps dilate the blood vessels and thus act as an effective anti-thrombin.

Vitamin E is also said to improve the fertility, especially in women and it also is said to prolong aging and so is used as a natural hormone for menopausal females.

Sources:-

Vitamin E is found naturally in avocados, brown rice, cold-pressed vegetable oils, corn meal, dry beans, fresh vegetables (like asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, green leaves, legumes, parsley, spinach, sweet potatoes and tomatoes). Fruits (like apples, dried plums and peaches), homemade cottage cheese (paneer), nuts, oatmeal, organ meats, peanuts, sprouted grains, sunflower seeds, unpasturised milk,wheat germ and its oil and whole-grain cereals.

Deficiency disorders:- Rare in human, sterility in experimental animals. A deficiency of vitamin E results in irregularity in the menstrual cycle; abortion; infertility and a tendency to bleed easily, from the nose, gums, throat, bladder, etc.  

Vitamin K :

Vitamin K is essential for synthesis by the liver of several factors necessary for the clotting mechanism of blood and is thus known as a „blood-clotting vitamin‟ and is useful to prevent hemorrhage.

Sources:-

Vitamin K is synthesized naturally by the bacteria in our intestines. It is also found in abundance in cabbage, cauliflower, egg yolk, fish oils, grape fruit , green leafy vegetables, husk of grains, lemons, liver, oranges, plums, potatoes, prunes (dried plums), sprouts, strawberries, etc. 

Vitamin K requires bile for its proper absorption and so any obstruction in the bile duct results in the bile salts not being able to enter the intestines, thus leading in a poor absorption of vitamin K. So in obstructive jaundice, dietary vitamin K is not absorbed and so it is important to administer this vitamin before biliary surgery.

Lack of vitamin K leads to defect in blood coagulation. In humans, vitamins K deficiency leads to haemorrhagic manifestations.

Primary deficiency can occur since the placenta is not able to transfer this vitamin from the mother‟s blood into the fetus‟ blood and also the newborn baby‟s bowel has not yet acquired the bacteria and breast milk contains very little of this vitamin. So this vitamin is given routinely as a supplement to newborn babies to prevent any haemorrhagic tendency. it is necessary for clotting of blood. It is necessary for formation of Thrombin which is occur in liver.  it is fat soluble  and absorption from alimentary tract is depends upon bile salt.

Vit-K leads to hemorrhagic disease in chicken due to food deficiency.  

Vitamin C :- (Ascorbic acid)

Vitamin C or Ascorbic acid is useful to combat any respiratory and skin infections, since it helps to prevent any viral or bacterial infections.

It is also needed for the absorption of iron and so is useful for the treatment of anemia.

It is also useful for healing of wounds and scars, aiding in protein metabolism and calcification of bones and teeth.

It is also useful for problems related to the ligaments, arteries, veins, tissues, bones, teeth, diphtheria, influenza, dysentery, measles, mumps, shingles, fever blisters, chicken pox, polio, bruises, eyes, complexion, nails, blood, bad teeth, etc.

This vitamin is very easily destroyed by heat, increased pH and light and is very soluble in water and so should be taken in the „raw form‟, since cooking tends to reduce and eliminate it.

Source:-

Vitamin C is especially found in fresh raw citrus fruits, like gooseberry (amla), guavas and oranges. The other sources are alfalfa seeds, apples, asparagus, avocados, bananas, beans, beets, black currants, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cantaloupe, carrots, cauliflower (raw), collards, cranberry juice, currants, gooseberries, grapefruit, green peas, guavas, lemons, lettuce, liver, melons, mustard greens, onions, parsley, plums, potatoes, radishes, raspberries, red currants, Rhubarb (revandchini), rose hips, spinach (palak), sprouts, strawberries, tomatoes, turnips and watercress (jalkumb). 

Deficiency disorders:-

A deficiency of this vitamin results in the teeth becoming loose with bleeding from the gums, diseases like pyorrhea, scurvy, In the absence of this vitamin the collagen and connective tissue proteins are not synthesised properly to impaired healing of wounds and capillary haemorrhage, etc.

 Its deficiency in the body leads to scurvy, a diseases charaterised by bleeding gums, loosening and falling out of teeth and intra muscular haemorrages.                    

  VITAMIN B COMPLEX

Vitamin B complex consists of the following vitamins –

B1 (thiamine),	B2 (riboflavin)	,B3 (niacin)
B5 (pantothenic acid)	B6 (pyridoxine)	Folic acid (folate)
B12 (cobalamin)	Biotin	Choline
Inositol	PABA(para-aminobenzoic acid)

Although all are water soluble and considered nontoxic because excesses are excreted rather than stored, B vitamins are so interrelated that high doses of individual members of the group can create deficiencies of the others unless a comprehensive B complex supplement is taken as a daily supplement. Brewer‟s yeast is an excellent source of the B complex vitamins. 

   Vitamin B1 or Thiamine

            This vitamin helps to metabolize glucose, fats and carbohydrates and so a deficiency is likely to affect the nervous system first, since it depends entirely on glucose for its energy requirements.

Gross deficiency of vitamins B1, leads to a condition known as beri beri. Beriberi affects nervous and cardiovascular systems.In children and infants the onset is acute.  This vitamin is stored in the liver, heart, kidney and muscles.

Sources:-

The rich sources of vitamin B1 are asparagus, brown rice, brussel sprouts, dried beans, dried plums (prunes), egg yolk, fenugreek (methi) seeds, fish, gingelly seeds (til), lean meats, legumes, maize, milk and other dairy products, nuts, oats, organ meats, peas, peanuts with husk, plums, pork, potatoes, raisins, rice bran, rye, soybeans, sprouted wheat, unpolished rice, wheat germ, wholemeal wheat flour and bread and yeast. Eating a lot of polished rice, high-carbohydrate diet, refined starchy and sugary products and heavy alcohol intake predisposes to or aggravates thiamine deficiency.  

Deficiency disorder:

Severe deficiency of B1 results in a disorder termed as „beriberi‟ (a syndrome consisting primarily of peripheral neuritis marked by cramps, paraesthesia, impaired sensation and then sensory and motor paralysis of the limbs and finally heart failure).

 Also a deficiency may result in Wernickels   pecacuanha („quiet‟ confusion, opthalmoplegia, nystagmus and ataxia), Korsakoff‟s psychosis (a memory disorder) problems with digestion, constipation, nausea, decreased appetite, irritability, tiredness, oversensitivity, vasodilatation, high cardiac output, etc. 

Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin

This vitamin helps in the metabolism of starches and sugar. The natural sources of vitamin B2 are avocado, beans, broccoli, brussel sprouts, buttermilk, cheese, curd, currants, eggs, fresh green vegetables, kidney, liver, meat, milk, millet (bajra), mushrooms, nuts, poultry, spinach (palak), wheatgerm and yogurt.

The body contains about 30 mg of thiamin and a deficiency starts after about a month of being on a thiamine-free diet.

 A deficiency of vitamin B2 results in growth failure in children, nerve degradation (especially of the eyes), problems with the skin, seborrheic dermatitis of the face and extremities, vision, reproduction, lactation, ulcer of mouth and lips (angular stomatitis), dryness and cracking of the lips, nostrils, sore throat, loss of weight, insomnia, anemia, fatigue and joint pains.                                    Loss of appetite and other gastro-intestinal symptoms, soreness and burning of lips, mouth and tongue. Fissures appear at edges of the mouth.

Vitamin B3 or Niacin 

Niacin, also called as Niacinimide, is useful for the proper functioning of liver, nerves, soft tissues, skin, burning of starches and sugars, gums, circulation and digestion.

The sources of vitamin B3 are beans, beef, bran, broccoli, carrots, cheese, chicken, coffee, corn flour, dry fruits, eggs, fish, fully sprouted grains, green vegetables, kidney, lemon, liver, milk, peanuts, peas, pork, potatoes, red meat, soyabean, tomatoes, wholemeal wheat and yeast. 

This vitamin helps in the digestive metabolisms, a deficiency of which results in a condition termed as “pellagra‟, which has symptoms like erethema and cutaneous skin eruptions that appear symmetrically over the parts exposed to sunlight. These skin lesions then proceed to vesiculation and blister formation, cracking, crusting and finally ulcerative lesions.

The other symptoms seen in this condition are glossitis (smooth red tongue), nausea and vomiting, excessive salivary secretion, diarrhea, mental confusion and dizziness. Toxicity may occur in the form of liver damage with prolonged large doses.

Its deficiency leads to pellagra. The principal symptoms of pellagra include mental changes, (dementia) dermatitis and stomatitis. The tongue becomes smooth, red and painful.

  Vitamin B6 or Pyridoxine

 The sources of this vitamin are brewer‟s yeast, carrots, chicken, eggs, fish, meat, milk and milk products, peas, soyabean, spinach (palak), sprouted grains, sunflower seeds, walnuts and wheat germ.

Its deficiency especially occurs in infants and young children who are fed with formula milk, i.e. when the milk or cereal is overprocessed resulting in the depletion of the vitamin. Its deficiency also occurs in people taking drugs like isoniazid, penicillamine and oral contraceptives.

In human pyridoxine deficiency causes dermatitis around eyes, nose and behind the ears. Fissures appear above the lips and angles of the mouth., loss of appetite, anemia, neuritis, fatigue, listlessness, unclear thinking, seborrhea like lesions of the face, increased irritability, dizziness and insomnia. Over-dosage can lead to sensory polyneuropathy.

Vitamin B12 or Cyanocobalamin

Vitamin B12 is present mainly in the liver, the kidneys and the heart. This vitamin is synthesized naturally by the microorganisms in our body. This vitamin is necessary to form and mature the red blood cells. It is also required for the maintenance of nervous tissues and to perform several metabolic functions.

 Vitamin B12 is found mostly in blue cheese, clams, dairy products, eggs, herring, kidney, liver, mackerel, milk, seafood and sprouted grains.

Its deficiency causes pernicious anaemia, typical sore tongue and several neurological problems related to the spinal cord.

Deficiency usually results from an inadequate diet, , gastrectomy, diseases of the terminal ileum (e.g. crohn‟s disease), tapeworm infection, etc. and takes at least three years to appear. The deficiency results in megaloblastic anemia and/or degeneration of the nervous system, decreased growth, skin disorders, asthma, fatigue, listlessness, paleness, unclear thinking, etc.  

  Pantothenic Acid 

This vitamin is useful for growth, hair, wrinkles, stress, etc.

The following are some of the sources of this vitamin – beans, beef, eggs, fresh vegetables, mother‟s milk, pork, salt-water fish and whole wheat.

A deficiency of this vitamin leads to degeneration of the nerves, problems with digestion, constipation, stomach ulcers, anemia, arthritis, water retention edema, etc.  

  Folic acid 

This vitamin is found in the red blood cells and is directly involved in DNA and RNA synthesis.

Folic acid is present in most of the vegetables and in liver, but can be destroyed by excessive cooking. The body stores of this vitamin are relatively small, lasting only for a few weeks. 

A few sources of this vitamin are avocado, barley (jau), beef, chicken, kidneys, lamb, lentils (masoor), liver, beet root, bran, brewer‟s yeast, brown rice, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, cheese, dates, dried beans, green leafy vegetables (especially spinach, asparagus), melon, milk, oranges, organ meats, peas, potatoes, pork, root vegetables, salmon, tuna, wheat germ and whole grains.

Deficiency of this vitamin results in megaloblastic anemia and a few birth defects (like spina bifida, anencephaly and encephalocele). A deficiency, although rare, is usually produced by poor intake of vegetables,   pecacu disease, during pregnancy due to the increased demand and due to certain drugs (like antivitamins such as methotrexate, certain anticonvulsants and certain oral contraceptive pills).  

  Choline

This vitamin is useful for the metabolism of fats and a deficiency results in problems in liver, kidneys, spleen, gall bladder, (heart trouble), cancer, fatigue, skin, hardening of arteries, nerves, muscles, diabetes, etc. It is valuable in all cases of dyspepsia and disorders of the stomach. 

It is found in significant amounts in egg yolks, legumes, meat, milk and whole grains. 

  Inositol

This is a useful vitamin for growth, for problems like early pecacu of hair, hair loss, utilization of vitamin E, liver, intestines, muscles, brain function and heart and nerve muscle function.

It helps prevent hardening of the arteries and is important in lecithin formation and fat and cholesterol metabolism. 

It is found in fruits, meat, milk, vegetables and whole grains.  

  Para-Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA)

 It is useful for problems in all glands, thyroid gland, early pecacu of hair, sterility and arthritis and is useful as a hormone activator.  

Biotin

This is a useful vitamin for mental health, dry skin, poor appetite, muscles, nausea and mental depression. It is a complex organic acid-containing sulfur, which is a coenzyme for several carboxylation reactions involving carbon dioxide fixation.

It is synthesized by the intestinal bacteria.  It is found in cooked egg yolk, meat, milk, poultry, salt-water fish, soybeans and whole grains.