Essential Vitamins and Their Functions

Oct 2, 2024

Lecture on Vitamins

Introduction

  • Vitamins: A, C, E, D, B, K
    • Not just random letters; they're essential nutrients
    • Act as building blocks for body functions

Importance of Vitamins

  • Organic compounds needed in small amounts
  • Functions:
    • Build muscle and bone
    • Utilize nutrients
    • Capture/use energy
    • Heal wounds
  • Historical context:
    • Old sailors lacked vitamin C, leading to scurvy
    • Vitamin C in fruits and veggies was the cure

Sources of Vitamins

  • Cannot be synthesized by the human body
  • Must be obtained from external sources
  • Classification:
    • Water-Soluble Vitamins
      • Include Vitamin C and B Complex (8 types)
      • Found in fruits, vegetables, grains
      • Absorbed directly into the bloodstream
    • Fat-Soluble Vitamins
      • Include Vitamins A, D, E, K
      • Found in fats like dairy, butter, oils
      • Require bile from liver for absorption

Transportation and Storage

  • Water-Soluble Vitamins
    • Easily transported in blood plasma
    • Excess expelled via kidneys
    • Require daily replenishment
  • Fat-Soluble Vitamins
    • Require protein carriers in bloodstream
    • Stored in liver and fat cells
    • Should not be overconsumed

Functions of Specific Vitamins

  • B Complex Vitamins
    • Form coenzymes for energy release
    • Support energy usage
  • Vitamin C
    • Fights infection
    • Produces collagen for bones/teeth
    • Aids wound healing
  • Vitamin A
    • Produces white blood cells
    • Shapes bones
    • Enhances vision
  • Vitamin D
    • Assists in calcium and phosphorus absorption
    • Promotes bone formation
  • Vitamin E
    • Acts as an antioxidant
    • Protects cells from damage
  • Vitamin K
    • Aids blood clotting
    • Produces clotting proteins

Risks of Vitamin Imbalance

  • Deficiency can lead to:
    • Fatigue
    • Nerve damage
    • Heart issues
    • Diseases like rickets and scurvy
  • Excess intake can cause toxicity
    • Balance is crucial
    • Overloading on supplements is not advisable

Conclusion

  • Achieving the right balance of vitamins is essential for health
  • Understanding the types and functions helps maintain proper intake