VITAMINS

The Vitamins are necessary auxiliaries in metabolism. They combine with specific proteins, as parts of various oxidative enzyme systems which are concerned with the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and fat in the body. Thus, they are intimately involved in the mechanism which releases energy, carbon dioxide and water as the end products of metabolism.

Vitamins can be broadly divided into Fat Soluble and Water Soluble Vitamins. Vitamins A  D  E  and  K are fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamins B ( B1  B2   B6  B12 ) and C are water-soluble.

Vitamin - A
Year	1913
	Retinol
Main Metabolic Function	Essential for normal growth and development. For normal function of epithelical cells and normal development of teeth and bones. Prevents Night blindness.
Deficiency - Effects	Retarded growth. Reduced resistance to infection. Abnormal function of gastrointestinal, and respiratory tracts due to altered epithelial membranes. Interferes with production of "night purple".
Available	Milk, Egg yolk, Ghee, Butter, Carrots, Tomatoes, Leafy and Yellow vegetables, Cod liver oil and Fresh fruits.
Nature	Fat-Soluble
Year	1936
	Thiamin
Main Metabolic Function	An important aid in carbohydrate metabolism. Needed for Proper functioning of the digestive tract and nervous system. Beriberi. Loss of muscle.
Deficiency - Effects	Loss of appetite. Impaired digestion of starches and sugars. Various nervous disorder coordination.
Available	Peas, Beans and Cereals.
Nature	Water-Soluble
Vitamin - B2
Year	1935
	Riboflavin
Main Metabolic Function	Needed in formation of certain enzymes and in cellular oxidation. Prevents inflammation of oral mucous membranes and the tongue.
Deficiency - Effects	Impaired growth, lassitude and weakness. Causes cheillosis or glossittis. May result in Photophobia and cataracts.
Available	Peas, Beans and Cereals.
Nature	Water-Soluble
Vitamin - B6
Year	1934
	Pyridoxine
Main Metabolic Function	Acts as do other B vitamins. To break down protein, carbohydrate and fat. Acts as a catalyst in the formation of niacin from tryptophan.
Deficiency - Effects	Increased irritability, convulsions and peripheral neuritis. Anorexia, nausea and vomiting.
Available	Peas, Beans and Cereals.
Nature	Water-Soluble
Vitamin - B12
Year	1948
	Cyanocobalamin
Main Metabolic Function	Essential for development of red blood cells. Required for maintenance of skin, nerve tissues, bone and muscles.
Deficiency - Effects	Results in pernicious anaemia. Weakness, fatigue, sore and cracked lips.
Available	Peas, Beans and Cereals.
Nature	Water-Soluble
Vitamin - C
Year	1919
	Ascorbic Acid
Main Metabolic Function	Needed for form the cementing substance, collagen, in various tissues (skin, dentine, cartilage and bone matrix). Assists in woundhealing and bone fractures.
Deficiency - Effects	Lowered resistance to infections. Susceptibility to dental cavities, pyotthea and bleeding gums. Delayed wound healing. Specific treatment for Scurvy.
Available	Fresh vegetables, Lemon, Orange, Tomatoes, Cabbage , Turnip and Lettuce (Beetroot).
Nature	Water-Soluble
Year	1925
	Cholecalciferol
Main Metabolic Function	Requlates absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestinal tract. Affords antiachitic activity.
Deficiency - Effects	Interferes with utilisation of calcium and phosphorus in bone and teeth formation. Development of bone disease, rickets and caries.
Available	Butter, Milk, Ghee, Cod liver oil, Yolk of Eggs and also in Sunrays.
Nature	Fat-Soluble
Vitamin - E
Year	1936
	Tocopherols
Main Metabolic Function	Protects tissues, cell membranes and Vitamin A against peroxidation. Helps strengthen red blood cells.
Deficiency - Effects	Decreased red blood cell resistance to rupture.
Available	Germinating Wheat.
Nature	Fat-Soluble
Vitamin - K
Year	1935
	Phytomenadione
Main Metabolic Function	Essential for formation of normal amounts of prothrombin and blood coagulation.
Deficiency - Effects	diminished blood clotting time. Increased incidence of hemorrhages.
Available	Fish, Wheat and Oats.
Nature	Fat-Soluble