Scientific Name of Vitamins

Vitamins are chemical molecules that assist a live body in completing biological functions. It is an essential nutrient that must be incorporated in sufficient amounts in our daily diet.Vitamins are chemical substances that are needed in extremely minute amounts, which is why they are referred to as micronutrients. They play an important role in our body’s activities such as metabolism, immunity, and digestion.

Common Name-Scientific Name-Food Sources

• Vitamin A (Fat-soluble)-Retinol-Green leafy vegetables, nuts, tomatoes, oranges, ripe yellow fruits, guava, milk, liver, carrots, broccoli and watermelon.
• Vitamin B1 (Water-soluble)-Thiamine-Fresh fruits, corn, cashew nuts, potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, wheat, milk, dates, black beans, etc.
• Vitamin B2

(Water-soluble)-Riboflavin- Bananas, grapes, mangoes, peas, pumpkin, dates, yoghurt, milk, mushrooms, popcorn, beef liver, etc.

• Vitamin B3

(Water-soluble)-Niacin-Meat, eggs, fish, milk products, guava, mushroom, peanuts, cereals, green peas, etc.

• Vitamin B5           

 (Water-soluble)-Pantothenic Acid-Meat, kidney, egg yolk, broccoli, peanuts, fish, chicken, milk, yoghurt, legumes, mushrooms, avocado, etc.

• Vitamin B6          

(Water-soluble)-Pyridoxine-Pork, chicken, fish, bread, wholegrain cereals, eggs, vegetables, soya beans, etc.

• Vitamin B7         

  (Water-soluble)-Biotin-Walnuts, peanuts, cereals, milk, egg yolks, salmon, pork, mushroom, cauliflower, avocados, bananas, raspberries, etc.

• Vitamin B9

 (Water-soluble)-Folic Acid-Citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, legumes, beets, etc.

• Vitamin B12       

  (Water-soluble)-Cobalamin-Fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, etc.

• Vitamin C 

(Water-soluble)-Ascorbic acid -Fresh citrus fruits such as orange and grapefruit, broccoli, goat milk, black currant and chestnuts.

• Vitamin D

 (Fat-soluble)-Calciferol-Fish, beef, cod liver oil, egg yolk, liver, chicken breast and cereals.

• Vitamin E 

(Fat-soluble)-Tocopherol-Potatoes, pumpkin, guava, mango, milk, nuts and seeds.

• Vitamin K

(Fat-soluble)-Phytonadione-Tomatoes, broccoli, mangoes, grapes, chestnuts, cashew nuts, beef and lamb.

Vitamins and Their Classification

It was well established at the turn of the twentieth century that a diet rich in pure carbs, proteins, fats, and minerals was insufficient for a person’s optimal growth and development. In 1929, an English biochemist named “Sir Frederick Gowland Hopkins” was awarded the Nobel Prize for discovering vitamins.

These organic compounds are categorised into the following groups based on their physical and biological activity:

• Vitamins that are fat-soluble:
• Vitamin A.
• Vitamin D.
• Vitamin E.
• Vitamin K.

Water-soluble vitamins:

• Biotin.
• Niacin.
• Pyridine.
• Thiamine.
• Vitamin C.
• Folic acid.
• Riboflavin.
• Vitamin B12.
• Pantothenic acid.

Benefits of vitamin 

Vitamins are well-known for their importance in human growth and development. Let’s look at the advantages of vitamins in our bodies. 

• Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that protects the eyes from night blindness and promotes bone health. 
• Vitamin B1 protects the neurological system, brain, muscles, heart, stomach, and intestines from difficulties. 
• Vitamin B2 is a B vitamin that aids in the digestion of proteins, lipids, and carbs. It is essential for the body’s energy supply to be maintained.
•  Vitamin B3 – Among other things, it lowers cholesterol, relieves arthritis, and improves cognitive function. 
• Vitamin B5 aids in the production of energy by assisting in the breakdown of fats and carbs. It also aids in the maintenance of good skin, hair, eyes, and liver health.
• Vitamin B6 improves mood and reduces depression symptoms, promotes brain health and lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, and prevents and treats anaemia by assisting haemoglobin production. 
• Vitamin B7 aids in the proper functioning of the neurological system and is also necessary for liver metabolism. Biotin is frequently recommended as a cure for hair and nail strength, as well as for skin maintenance.
•  Folic acid insufficiency and certain kinds of anaemia (loss of red blood cells) induced by folic acid deficiency are treated with vitamin B9. 
• Vitamin B12 aids in the prevention of macular degeneration as well as the improvement of mood and depression symptoms. Vitamin C – Aids in the prevention of iron deficiency while also boosting immunity.

Usage and dosage of vitamin

• Biotin, often known as Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H, is an essential nutrient. It is necessary for the digestion of carbs, proteins, and lipids. Its lack can cause skin problems and hair loss, but it’s uncommon. Eggs, seeds, red meat, and other dietary items are examples. Biotin should be consumed in doses of 30 micrograms per day by adults. A breastfeeding lady, on the other hand, needs 35 mcg. 5-6 mcg should be given to infants aged 0 to 1.
•  Niacin is a Vitamin B complex that is also known as nicotinic acid (B3). It’s found in both animals and plants. Yeast, green vegetables, and seafood are all good sources. Niacin is used to treat cholera diarrhea, dizziness, migraine headaches, and diarrhea. Niacin dose for adults ranges from 500mg to 2000mg, depending on the individual’s needs.
• Pyridoxine is often referred to as Vitamin B6. Treatment for heart disease, anaemia, high cholesterol, and artery clogging is critical. Cereals, beans, meat, and other dietary items are examples. Males over 50 years old (1.7mg/day), males under 50 years old (1.3mg/day). Females over 50 years old (1.5 mg/day), females under 50 years old (1.3 mg/day), pregnant women – 1.9 mg/day, nursing mothers – 2 mg/day 
• Thiamine, often known as Vitamin B1, is found in foods such as pork, almonds, and liver. It’s used to treat illnesses including nerve irritation and beriberi that are caused by low levels. It’s also used to treat diarrhea, a lack of appetite, and ulcerative colitis. Males should take 1.2 mg per day, females should take 1.1 mg per day, and pregnant or lactating women should take 1.4 mg per day. 
• Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid.It is used to treat or prevent vitamin C deficiency in individuals. Its shortage can cause scurvy, which can cause joint discomfort, muscular weakness, tooth loss, and other complications. Citrus fruits, such as oranges, are dietary sources. Males should take 90 mg per day, females 75 mg per day, and nursing and pregnant women 85 mg per day. 
• Vitamin B9 (folic acid) is a kind of folic acid. Whole grain products, beans, asparagus, and other foods contain this nutrient. It aids the body in the production of new cells and protects DNA from mutation. It can be used to treat pernicious anaemia when combined with Vitamin B12. Adults, both men and women, should take 400-800 mcg per day, pregnant women should take 800 mcg per day, infants should take 0.1 mg per day, and children should take 1 mg per day.

Conclusion

Vitamins are chemical substances that aid in the performance of biological processes in living organisms. It is an essential nutrient that must be incorporated in sufficient amounts in our daily diet.These are essential elements that must be included in our regular diet in the appropriate amounts. Consuming insufficient amounts of any vitamin can increase the risk of developing health problems. Vitamins are divided into two groups: fat-soluble vitamins and water-soluble vitamins. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins, on the other hand, include Vitamin C and the Vitamin B complex.