Classification of Vitamins

The word “Vitamin” was earlier called “Vitamine”, which was a combination of the words “Vit” and “amine”, which is complementary to the amino group. Amines were first derived and vitamins are a sub-part of amines. Vitamins are substances that are used by the human body for growth purposes. Vitamins are the most vital nutrients, which are required by the body for the proper functioning of the organs and increasing the rate of metabolism in the body. Vitamins are considered the next most important nutrient after protein, which helps in the overall development of the body. Vitamins can be consumed through a balanced diet and some vitamins can be taken as supplements.

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION

Basically, vitamins can be segregated into Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D and others based on their characteristics. There are numerous vitamins that are needed by a normal body for proper functioning. Hence, vitamins can be classified into broadly two categories based on their solubility in solvents.

FAT-SOLUBLE VITAMINS

Vitamins soluble in fat are referred to as fat-soluble vitamins. The fat-soluble vitamins are easily soluble when added to fats. The fat-soluble vitamins are thus soluble in oils too. These vitamins are completely insoluble in water. When such vitamins get dissolved in water, they float on the surface of the water and do not get dissolved.

Fat-soluble vitamins are generally present inside the human body and there is no need to take them externally. Thus, fat-soluble vitamins are superior in number as compared to water-soluble vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins are abundantly present in the body and high-fat foods. They get easily absorbed by the bloodstream when we eat food. The fat-soluble vitamins are as follows,

• Vitamin A : Vitamin A plays a major role in improving the vision and eyesight of human beings. Hence, lack of vitamin A can lead to blindness. Vitamin A is also important in terms of immune function. It helps in increasing the immunity of individuals. The lack of vitamin A results in the bad growth rate of hair and even hair fall. Also, vitamin A helps in fertility and reproductive health.

• Vitamin D: It is the most abundant vitamin on the planet. The sun is the rich source of vitamin D. Therefore, sometimes, vitamin D is also referred to as Sunshine Vitamin. Vitamin D is automatically produced when the skin gets exposed to the sunlight and thus, it is abundantly present in nature itself. Vitamin D helps maintain the proper functioning of the bone. Hence, the lack of Vitamin D can lead to bone malfunction. The deficiency of Vitamin D can result in the darkening of the skin colour and obesity.

• Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects our cells against premature ageing and thus, it is important. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that prevents oxidation effects in the body. Vitamin E deficiency causes muscle weakness and some difficulties in walking and muscle movement.

• Vitamin K: Vitamin K is a complex vitamin, which comprises other vitamins. It helps in the coagulation of blood whenever there is a cut in the skin. Coagulation refers to blood clotting and thus, Vitamin K deficiency may hinder the process of blood clotting.

WATER-SOLUBLE VITAMINS

Vitamins soluble in water but not in fats or oils are water-soluble vitamins. The vitamins which are water-soluble are mainly:

• Vitamin B

• Vitamin C

Vitamin B

Vitamin B comprises other vitamins, which are,

• Vitamin B1:  This vitamin is also known as Thiamine and is the first water-soluble vitamin. It can occur in the form of phosphate, mononitrate, and hydrochloride. Thiamine basically plays a major role in various chemical reactions, majorly biological reactions.

• Vitamin B2: Vitamin B2 is basically known as Riboflavin and it is used in food colouring. Vitamin B2 majorly works as a coenzyme in chemical reactions. It is also used to convert Vitamin B6 into its active form and for other conversions also.

• Vitamin B3

• Vitamin B4

• Vitamin B5

• Vitamin B6

• Vitamin B7

• Vitamin B9

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is also a water-soluble vitamin. It is mostly present in sour-taste substances like citrus fruits and lemon. Vitamin C is yet another important Vitamin. Its deficiency can cause several health problems as well.

CONCLUSION

Vitamins are an essential part of the diet of each individual. Vitamins can be classified as fat-soluble vitamins and water-soluble vitamins based on their solubility. Fat-soluble vitamins are soluble in fats but not in water. On the other hand, water-soluble vitamins are soluble in water but insoluble in fats or oils. Water-soluble vitamins are vitamin B and vitamin C. The fat-soluble vitamins include Vitamin A, Vitamin D, VItamin E, and Vitamin K.