The importance of vitamins in human life | Vitamin deficiency diseases and sources of vitamins

 

Vitamins are essential nutrients that all living organisms require in small amounts. Chemically, they are organic compounds. A compound is considered a vitamin when the body cannot produce it in sufficient quantities and therefore must obtain it from food.

Key Vitamins

Vitamin A

The chemical name for Vitamin A is retinol. It is also known as the anti-xerophthalmic vitamin. Vitamin A is essential for good vision. It also helps protect against infections. This vitamin supports the normal functioning of various parts of the body, such as the skin, hair, nails, glands, teeth, gums, and bones. The most serious problem caused by a deficiency of vitamin A is night blindness. Additionally, it can cause dry eyes due to reduced tear production and may lead to ulcers on the cornea. In children, a deficiency of vitamin A can slow growth, affecting their height. The skin and hair also become dry and dull. The risk of infections increases. Vitamin A is found in fresh fruits, milk, meat, eggs, fish oil, carrots, butter, and green vegetables. The liver converts the yellow or orange pigment called beta-carotene, found in plants, into vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for the synthesis of the visual pigment rhodopsin. Symptoms of vitamin A deficiency include night blindness, cataracts, xerophthalmia (dry eyes), dry and cracked skin, and increased susceptibility to infections. A cataract occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and opaque.

Vitamin B

Vitamin B is essential for providing energy to the body. Deficiency of this vitamin can cause several diseases. Several types of vitamin B have been identified. All these types together are called the 'B-complex' vitamins. Although all these types are an integral part of the B-complex, they are also distinct from each other. B-complex vitamins can withstand heat up to 120 degrees Celsius. At higher temperatures, they are destroyed. This vitamin is water-soluble. Its main functions include maintaining healthy nerves and playing an active role in digestion. It increases appetite and provides energy to the body. It also helps in the absorption of nutrients. It is destroyed by alkaline substances even without heat, but it is not destroyed by boiling with acids. Sources of vitamin B complex include tomatoes, whole wheat flour, egg yolk, green leafy vegetables, almonds, walnuts, unpolished rice, plant seeds, betel nuts, oranges, grapes, milk, fresh legumes, fresh peas, lentils, liver, various vegetables, potatoes, nuts, yeast, corn, chickpeas, coconut, pistachios, fresh fruits, amla (Indian gooseberry), yogurt, spinach, cabbage, fish, egg white, oranges, rice bran, and other fruits and vegetables.

vitamin C

Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid. It was first isolated by Szent-György. It helps bind the cells of the body together. It aids in the development of various organs. It strengthens the blood vessels of the body. Due to its antihistamine properties, it can be beneficial for common colds and coughs. Its deficiency can cause problems such as bleeding gums, toothache, loose or falling teeth, and excessive bleeding from wounds or cuts. It can also cause dry skin. Appetite may decrease. Severe vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy. Vitamin C deficiency can also cause weight loss. It can lead to kidney stones, gallstones, and other types of stones formed by oxalate crystals in the body. It can cause burning or pain while urinating, or diarrhea due to an upset stomach. It can also cause anemia (low red blood cell count). Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits such as oranges.

vitamin D

Other names for Vitamin D are:

Vitamin D2 or ergocalciferol and Vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol.

It helps to strengthen and maintain healthy bones. It also helps regulate calcium levels in the body. A deficiency of this vitamin can lead to weak bones and an increased risk of fractures. In children, this condition is called rickets, and in adults, it is called osteomalacia. Additionally, thinning and weakening of the bones is called osteoporosis.

A deficiency can also cause kidney stones, heart problems, and calcium deposits in blood vessels and other organs. These deposits are made of calcium. This can also lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart problems. Other symptoms include dizziness, weakness, and headaches. Digestive problems such as diarrhea can also occur. Good sources of Vitamin D include egg yolks, fish oil, vitamin D-fortified milk and butter, and sunlight, which allows the body to produce it.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E plays an important role in the formation of red blood cells in the blood. It is also known as tocopherol. This vitamin helps maintain the normal functioning of various organs and tissues in the body, such as muscles. It protects the body from a harmful form of oxygen called free radicals. This property is known as antioxidant activity. Vitamin E maintains cell membranes, which are essential for cell survival. Vitamin E also helps maintain the balance of fatty acids in the body. In premature babies, a deficiency of vitamin E can lead to a decrease in the number of red blood cells, which can cause anemia.