Hello People! How important are vitamins in health care? Vitamins are compounds that the body requires for normal functioning as it ages. It involves many physiological actions that directly affect health, such as immune modulation and cell division.
There are 13 essential vitamins, classified into two categories: lipophilic, which include Vitamins A, D, E, and K, and polar, which include Vitamins B and C. Here’s a look at the types of vitamins and their primary functions.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is important in the human body for correct eye functioning, especially night vision, skin, and the body’s immune process. It also functions as a mobilizer of cell growth and reproduction.
This vitamin can be found in two forms: Vitamin A or tretinoin, which includes retinoids from animal products, and carotenoids from plant products such as carrots and spinach. Night blindness is most commonly associated with vitamin A deficiency.
Vitamin B Complex
Some of the vitamins in the B–– group are eight types, each with a special function, although they may perform activities in unison. The B vitamins include:
B1 (Thiamine): Helps with energy generation and proper brain functioning.
B2 (Riboflavin): Carnitine is significant for energy release from foods and antioxidant shields.
B3 (Niacin): Is involved in energy synthesis and DNA repair.
B5 (Pantothenic Acid): Essential for generating power from fats and carbohydrates.
B6 (Pyridoxine): This benefits the brain hormones and the body’s defense system.
B7 (Biotin): Recommended especially for hair, skin, and nail health.
B9 (Folate): Aids in cell division and fetal development: a trace element that pregnant women cannot do without.
B12 (Cobalamin): Underrated nutrient for the health of nerves and in the manufacture of red blood cells.
Some dietary sources are meat, fish, eggs, spinach, beans, and other vegetables.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that will help defend your cells against further harm. They include Vitamin C: It is important in synthesizing collagen in the skin, bones, and connecting tissues.
Another thing that is important for everyone to know is that vitamin C strengthens the immune system and helps improve iron absorption. This is important because vitamin C food sources include citric fruits like oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D makes a big difference due to its role in promoting calcium utilization and bone development. It is also involved in immune modulation and has mood-modifying effects. Vitamin D is produced naturally in the skin by exposure to sun and UVB radiation but added to fats, fatty fish, dairy foods, and eggs.. Vitamin D deficiency is characterized by rickets, which means poor hardening of the bones and recurrent infections.
Vitamin E
Other vitamins classified under vitamin E include vitamin E because it acts as an antioxidant and protects cells from destructive agents called free radicals. It also positively affects the immune system and requires itself to maintain healthy skin and eyes. This vitamin is found in nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K gives humans blood clotting ability and plays an important role in bone formation. It stimulates the release of proteins that assist in blood clotting, useful for healing a cut. It is well known that Vitamin K is present in trace amounts in most green vegetables, such as kale and spinach.
The following video explains about Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid):
Conclusion
Every vitamin has distinct and critical functions that must be performed in our body. Healthy nutrition and a regular intake of nutrient-containing foods are the keys to receiving each necessary vitamin for our body and health.
Do you get enough vitamins necessary for good health of your body?
FAQ
1. What is the leading cause(s) of vitamins?
Water-soluble vitamins (C, B, and folic acid) are mainly found in Cereals and vegetables, fruits and vegetables, grains, milk, and other dairy products.
2. Where are all the vitamins in all their totality?
The vitamins are thirteen in number and from the B group of Vitamins, there are eight. Some of the functions needed for everyday healthy functioning include fighting infection, wound healing and building strong bones, regulation of hormones.
3. How are vitamins classified?
Depending on the solubility vitamins can be subdivided into water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. The fat soluble vitamins are vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin K.
4. Who discovered vitamins?
The history of vitamins is the history of deficiency diseases. Vitamins were first discovered by Casimir Funk, he is globally accredited as the father of vitamin therapy.
