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 Function Metabolic Essential for normal growth and development. For normal function of epithelical cells and normal development of teeth and bones. Prevents Night blindness. Retarded growth. Reduced resistance to infection. Abnormal function of gastrointestinal, and respiratory tracts due to altered epithelial membranes. Interferes with production of "night purple". Milk, Egg yolk, Ghee, Butter, Carrots, Tomatoes, Leafy and Yellow vegetables, Cod liver oil and Fresh fruits. (more content follows the advertisement below) ADVERTISEMENT Nature Fat-Soluble

Deficiency - Effects

Available

Vitamin - B1 Year
1936 Thiamin Main Function Metabolic An important Needed for Proper Beriberi. Loss of muscle. Loss Impaired Various aid functioning of in carbohydrate the digestive tract and metabolism. nervous system.

of digestion nervous of starches disorder and

Deficiency - Effects

appetite. sugars. coordination.

Available Nature

Peas, Beans and Cereals. Water-Soluble

Vitamin - B2 Year
1935 Riboflavin Main Function Metabolic Needed Prevents Impaired Causes May in formation inflammation of of certain enzymes and in oral mucous membranes lassitude or Photophobia and and cellular oxidation. and the tongue. weakness. glossittis. cataracts.

Deficiency - Effects

growth, cheillosis result in

Available Nature

Peas, Beans and Cereals. Water-Soluble

Vitamin - B6

Year

1934 Pyridoxine

Main Function

Metabolic

Acts as do other To break down protein, carbohydrate Acts as a catalyst in the formation of niacin from tryptophan. Increased Anorexia, irritability, convulsions nausea and and peripheral

and

B vitamins. fat. neuritis. vomiting.

Deficiency - Effects Available Nature

Peas, Beans and Cereals. Water-Soluble

Vitamin - B12 Year

1948 Cyanocobalamin Main Function Metabolic Essential Required for Results Weakness, for development maintenance of skin, in fatigue, of nerve red tissues, blood and cells. muscles. anaemia. lips.

bone

Deficiency - Effects Available Nature

sore

pernicious and

cracked

Peas, Beans and Cereals. Water-Soluble

Vitamin - C Year
1919 Ascorbic Acid Main Function Metabolic 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 Susceptibility to dental cavities, pyotthea Delayed wound Specific treatment for Scurvy.

and

bleeding

infections. gums. healing.

Available Nature

Fresh vegetables, Lemon, Orange, Tomatoes, Cabbage , Turnip and Lettuce (Beetroot). Water-Soluble

Vitamin - D Year
1925 Cholecalciferol Main Function Metabolic Requlates Affords absorption of calcium and phosphorus antiachitic from the intestinal tract. activity.

Deficiency - Effects Available Nature

Interferes with utilisation of calcium and phosphorus in bone and teeth formation. Development of bone disease, rickets and caries. Butter, Milk, Ghee, Cod liver oil, Yolk of Eggs and also in Sunrays. Fat-Soluble

Vitamin - E Year
1936 Tocopherols Main Function Metabolic Protects Helps tissues, cell membranes strengthen and Vitamin red A against blood peroxidation. cells.

Deficiency - Effects Available Nature

Decreased red blood cell resistance to rupture. Germinating Wheat. Fat-Soluble

Vitamin - K Year
1935 Phytomenadione Main Function Metabolic Essential for formation of normal amounts of prothrombin and blood coagulation. diminished blood Increased incidence of hemorrhages. Fish, Wheat and Oats. Fat-Soluble clotting time.

Deficiency - Effects Available Nature