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Classification of Vitamins: A vitamin is an organic molecule (or a group of chemically closely related molecules, i.e., vitamers) that is an essential micronutrient that an organism requires in small amounts for the proper functioning of its metabolism. Because essential nutrients cannot be synthesized in the body, either totally or in adequate amounts, they must be received through diet. Vitamin C can be synthesized by certain species but not by others; it is not a vitamin in the first case but is in the second. Vitamin excludes the three other essential nutrient groups: minerals, essential fatty acids, and essential amino acids. Most vitamins are composed of groups of related molecules known as vitamers rather than single molecules. Vitamin E, for example, has eight vitamers: four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. Some sources list fourteen vitamins, including choline, but major health organizations list thirteen: vitamin A (as all-trans-retinol, all-trans-retinyl-esters, as well as all-trans-beta-carotene and another provitamin A carotenoids), vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (Pyr (phylloquinone and menaquinones).
Vitamins perform a variety of biochemical functions. Vitamin A acts as a growth and differentiation regulator in cells and tissues. Vitamin D has a hormone-like function in regulating mineral metabolism in bones and other organs. The B complex vitamins act as enzyme cofactors (coenzymes) or as their precursors. Antioxidants are vitamins C and E. A vitamin deficiency or excess intake can both cause clinically significant illness, though excess intake of water-soluble vitamins is less likely to do so.
Vitamins are divided into two categories: water-soluble and fat-soluble. Humans have 13 vitamins: four fat-soluble (A, D, E, and K) and nine water-soluble (B, C, D, E, and K) (8 B vitamins and vitamin C). Water-soluble vitamins are easily dissolved in water and expelled from the body to the point where urine output is a good indicator of vitamin intake. Because they are not as easily stored, they must be consumed more consistently. With the help of lipids, fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed through the intestinal tract (fats). Vitamins A and D can build up in the body, causing dangerous hypervitaminosis. Malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins is significant in cystic fibrosis.
Also Check: Difference between Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins – Overview
Vitamins are essentially the supplementary food factors that we require in our diet. These vitamins are organic compounds that are needed in small amounts but whose absence or deficiency can result in specific diseases. The majority of the vitamins we require are not synthesized in our bodies. Plants can synthesize almost all vitamins, which is why they are considered essential food factors. Nonetheless, some bacteria in the gut can produce some essential vitamins. The term vitamin was derived from the word ‘Vitamine.’ Because of the early identification of amino groups in compounds, this was derived from the combination of vital + amine. However, it was discovered over time that most compounds lacked amino groups, so the letter ‘e’ was dropped, and the term ‘vitamin’ was coined. All of the vitamins we need are generally present in our diet. Different vitamins belong to various chemical classes. As a result, defining all vitamins based on their structure is difficult. They are generally regarded as organic compounds that must be present in the diet to perform specific biological functions. These functions are critical for an individual organism’s normal maintenance, optimal growth, and health.
Classification of Vitamins
Vitamins are divided into two categories. This classification is based on the solubility of vitamins in water or fat.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
These vitamins are soluble in fat and oils but insoluble in water. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are examples of these vitamins. These are kept in the liver and the fat-storing adipose tissues. These are the vitamins soluble in fat or lipids in the body.
The human body absorbs these compounds through the intestinal tract with the help of dietary fat, where they are eventually stored in the liver and fatty tissues. Fat-soluble vitamins can be stored in our bodies for a very long time.
Water-Soluble Vitamins
These are the vitamins that are water-soluble but not oil or fat-soluble. The water solubility of B vitamins and Vitamin C Because these vitamins are excreted through the urine, they must be consumed regularly. Water-soluble vitamins, with the exception of Vitamin B12, cannot be stored in our bodies. Water-soluble vitamins, unlike fat-soluble vitamins, cannot be retained by the human body for an extended period. Following ingestion, these vitamins are excreted in urine regularly. This is why you should consume water-soluble vitamins more frequently than fat-soluble vitamins.
Hair vitamins
Supplements that promise to boost hair health are known as hair vitamins. Popular brands, for example, claim that their products can improve hair growth, shine, thickness, and strength. Many products on the market contain similar ingredients, such as biotin, vitamins C and E, collagen, folic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids. They may also include ingredients such as ashwagandha and ginseng, which some individuals feel can help strengthen their hair. Despite their widespread popularity, these products are promoted mainly by paid celebrities and influencers and only rarely by health professionals.
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed along with the other fats in your diet. When absorbed in this manner, they are transported with the fats and stored in your body’s fat tissue and liver. Fat-soluble vitamins can remain in your body for an extended period. They can be stored in your body’s fat for up to 6 months until your body requires them.
Vitamins A, D, E, and K are your diet’s most important fat-soluble vitamins. Each one serves an important purpose and can be found in various foods.
Vitamin A’s Role:
- Vitamin A performs a variety of vital functions in your body, including:
- It boosts your immune system.
- It’s essential for your vision.
- It aids in reproductive functions.
Vitamin A promotes cell growth and organ maintenance. Vitamin A dietary supplements. There are two kinds of vitamin A: one from animal products and one from plant products. Plant-based vitamin A requires a little more effort from your body, so you’ll need to eat a lot of vegetables to get enough. Vitamins are needed in small amounts in the diet to promote growth, reproduction, and health. The fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins A, D, E, and K because they are soluble in organic solvents and are absorbed and transported similarly to fats.
Types of vitamins and their functions
Different vitamins have different functions based on their role in biological processes and their effect; their function is best understood by understanding their deficiency diseases. The following is a list of vitamins and diseases associated with their deficiency:
Vitamin A has the following functions: It promotes eye health, healthy muscle growth, strong immunity, healthy skin, and a healthy reproductive system. Xerophthalmia and night blindness are examples of deficiency diseases. Cod liver oil, carrots, broccoli, eggs, fish, milk and milk products, sweet potatoes, kale, spinach, collard greens, cantaloupe melon, pumpkins, and apricots are all good sources.
Vitamin C Function: Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, has anti-aging properties. This is due to the fact that it promotes collagen formation, which aids in wound healing, blood vessel strengthening, bone formation, iron formation, and immune system maintenance.
Diseases of Deficiency: Scurvy
Raw citrus fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, spinach, and cabbage are good sources. It should be noted that heat degrades vitamin C, rendering it ineffective.
Vitamin D Function: It aids in the absorption of calcium by the body, promoting bone tissue growth. Osteoporosis and rickets are examples of deficiency diseases. Sources: Among the various types of vitamins, this is the only one the human body can adequately synthesize from sunlight. It is also found in trace amounts in foods such as dairy products, fish, and fish oil.
Vitamin K Function: This aids in blood coagulation or clotting after a wound has formed. Bleeding diathesis and hemorrhage are examples of deficiency diseases. Green and leafy vegetables such as broccoli, kale, spinach, and cabbage are good sources.
The function of Vitamin E: It is one of the vitamins that aid in the formation of red blood cells and reduce oxidative stress. Deficiency diseases include newborn hemolytic anemia and neuropathy. Kiwis, eggs, wheat germ, almonds, nuts, vegetable oils, and leafy greens are all good sources.
Vitamin B1 Function: It aids in the production of the various enzymes involved in converting carbohydrates into energy. Beriberi sources include cereal grains, oranges, yeast, pork, brown rice, sunflower seeds, whole grain rye, cauliflower, asparagus, kale, eggs, and potatoes.
The function of Vitamin B2: It aids in the production of red blood cells and the metabolism of food. Fissures and inflammation in the mouth are symptoms of deficiency diseases. Green beans, persimmons, okra, bananas, chard, milk and milk products, meat, eggs, fish, and asparagus are all good sources.
Classification of Vitamins FAQs
Which is the only water-soluble vitamin that the human body can store for an extended period of time?
Vitamin B12 is the only water-soluble vitamin that the human body can store in the liver for an extended period of time.
What is vitamin A's chemical name?
Vitamin A's chemical name is retinol or retinol.
What type of vitamin is an antioxidant?
Vitamins C and E are antioxidants, which are among the various types of vitamins.
