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 |
Regulates 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 |
|
Phytonadione |
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 |