A Look At Some Of The Top Vitamins
Vitamins (combination of two words: Vital Amines) are the
complex organic substance essential in small quantities to the
metabolism (nutrition) in most animals. These are found in
minute quantities in food, in some cases are produced by the
body, and are also produced synthetically. The human body needs
them to work properly, so that we can grow and develop just like
we should. Their deficiency results in many serious disorders.
Vitamins are divided into two major groups: the 'fat-soluble
vitamins' designated as vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and
vitamin K, and the 'water-soluble vitamins' which include
vitamin C and the group of molecules referred to as the vitamin
B complex. Each of them has its own special role in the
development of human body. Vitamin A Vitamin A, a fat-soluble
vitamin, plays a really big part in eyesight and helps us to see
in dim light and also at night. Vitamin A is also involved in
the formation and maintenance of healthy skin, hair, and mucous
membranes. In addition, it is necessary for proper bone growth,
tooth development, reproduction and for the development of
epithelial cells (that line any opening to the body e.g.; nose,
throat, lungs, mouth, stomach, intestines and urinary tract).
Vitamin A can be found in eggs, milk, carrots, spinach, sweet
potatoes, fish oil, liver (pork, lamb, chicken, turkey or beef),
butter, broccoli, apricots, nectarines, cantaloupe, and orange
or yellow vegetables or fruits. The deficiency of vitamin A can
cause two major disorders like: night blindness and drying of
skin.
Vitamin B Vitamin B itself is a complex of different vitamins
like: B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, folic acid, biotin and
pantothenic acid. These B vitamins are very important in
metabolic activity and in facilitating the red blood cell (which
carry oxygen throughout your body). They also help your body
make protein and energy.
The sources of vitamin B are leafy green vegetables seafood,
beans, peas, citrus fruits, whole grains (such as wheat and
oats), poultry, meats, eggs and dairy products (like milk and
yogurt). Some bacteria in our large intestine also prepare some
type of B-vitamins. The deficiency of vitamin B can cause the
disease "Beri Beri", cracked lips, weak muscles, malformation of
red blood cells, affects normal growth and disturbs the nervous
system.
Vitamin C Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a water-soluble,
antioxidant vitamin that is vital to the production of collagen,
a protein that gives structure to bones, cartilage, muscle, and
blood vessels. It is important for keeping body tissues, such as
gums and muscles in good shape and it helps in quick healing of
wounds. In addition, it helps protecting the fat-soluble
vitamins A and E as well as fatty acids from oxidation. The
vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits (like lemon & orange),
cantaloupe, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage and in
other fresh fruits and vegetables. The deficiency of vitamin C
affects the healthy skin; poor wound healing and can lead to a
disease called "Scurvy" which causes bleeding in gums, easy
bruising, bumps of coiled hair on the arms and legs, pain in the
joints, muscle wasting, and many other problems.
Vitamin D Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that regulates the
formation of bone and the absorption of calcium and phosphorus
from the intestine. It helps to control the movement of calcium
between bone and blood, and vice versa. It is this vitamin you
need for strong bones and teeth. In addition it helps your body
absorb the amount of calcium it needs.
Vitamin D can be found in fish liver oil, egg yolks, milk and
other dairy products fortified with vitamin D. It is also
produced in our body in the presence of ultra violet light and
sunlight.
The deficiency of vitamin D can cause weak bones and bowed legs
(in children). And its excess can cause loss of appetite, weight
loss, nausea, headache, depression and deposits of calcium in
the kidneys.
Vitamin E Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, is essential for the
inhibition of oxidation in body tissues, formation of red blood
cells, and also prevents breakdown of body tissues. It maintains
the body tissues and protects the lungs from becoming damaged by
polluted air.
This vitamin can be found in whole grains (such as wheat and
oat), wheat germ, leafy green vegetables, sardines, egg yolks,
nuts, bread, cereals and seeds. The deficiency of this vitamin
can cause many diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease,
and Alzheimer's disease.