Introduction
There are common and scientific names for many plants and animals. Likewise, each of the known vitamins has its unique scientific name. The classification is based on the composition, physical and chemical features, as well as the biochemical functions of the plants.
What exactly are vitamins?
Vitamins are chemical substances that aid in the performance of biological processes in living organisms. These are essential elements that must be included in our regular diet in the appropriate amounts.These are known as organic substances because our bodies cannot create them and because they are only required in very small amounts due to their slow breakdown; thus, they are also known as micronutrients. Vitamins serve crucial tasks in our bodies, such as metabolism, immunity, and digestion.
Vitamin is a Greek word that combines the words “vita” (life) and “amine” (the chemical found in thiamine, which was extracted from rice husks).
Vitamins Names and Their Sources
The following are the different types of vitamins, their sources, and their scientific names:
- Vitamin A (Fat-soluble) is the common name, and Retinol is the scientific name. Green green vegetables, almonds, tomatoes, oranges, ripe yellow fruits, guava, milk, liver, carrots, broccoli, and watermelon are all good sources of nutrients.
- Vitamin B-1 (Water Soluble) is a water-soluble vitamin with the scientific name Thiamin. Fresh fruits, corn, cashew nuts, potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, wheat, milk, dates, black beans, and other foods are examples of food sources.
- Riboflavin is a water-soluble vitamin found in bananas, grapes, mangoes, peas, pumpkin, dates, yoghurt, milk, mushrooms, popcorn, beef liver, and other foods.
- Vitamin B3 (Water-soluble), Niacin (scientific name), Vitamin B3 (Water-soluble), Vitamin B3 (Water-soluble), Vitamin B3 (Water-soluble), Vitamin B3 (Water-soluble Meat, eggs, fish, milk products, guava, mushroom, peanuts, cereals, green peas, and other food sources
- Food sources – Meat, kidney, egg yolk, broccoli, peanuts, fish, chicken, milk, yoghurt, legumes, mushrooms, avocado, etc. Common Name – Vitamin B5 (Water-soluble), Scientific Name – Pantothenic Acid, Food sources – Meat, kidney, egg yolk, broccoli, peanuts, fish, chicken, milk, yoghurt, legumes, mushrooms, avocado, etc.
- Food sources – Pork, chicken, fish, bread, wholegrain cereals, eggs, vegetables, soya beans, etc. Common Name – Vitamin B6 (Water-soluble), Scientific Name – Pyridoxine, Food sources – Pork, chicken, fish, bread, wholegrain cereals, eggs, vegetables, soya beans, etc.
- Vitamin B7 (Water-soluble) is the common name, and Biotin is the scientific name. Walnuts, peanuts, cereals, milk, egg yolks, salmon, pig, mushroom, cauliflower, avocados, bananas, raspberries, and other foods are examples of food sources.
- Vitamin B9 (Water-soluble) is a water-soluble vitamin that is found in citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, legumes, beets, and other foods.
- Vitamin B12 (Water-soluble) is a water-soluble vitamin with the scientific name Cobalamin. Food sources include fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and other dairy products.
- Vitamin C (Water-soluble), Scientific Name: Ascorbic acid, Common Name: Vitamin C (Water-soluble), Scientific Name: Vitamin C (Water-soluble), Common Name: Vitamin C (Water-soluble), Scientific Name Fresh citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit, broccoli, goat milk, black currants, and chestnuts are all good sources of nutrients.
- Vitamin D (Fat-soluble) is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be found in fish, beef, cod liver oil, egg yolk, liver, chicken breast, and cereals.
- Vitamin E (Fat-soluble) is a fat-soluble vitamin found in foods such as potatoes, pumpkin, guava, mango, milk, almonds, and seeds.
- Tomatoes, broccoli, mangoes, grapes, chestnuts, cashew nuts, beef, and lamb are all good sources of vitamin K (fat-soluble). Scientific name: Phytonadione.
Vitamins and Their Classification
Vitamins, also known as organic substances, are categorised into the following categories based on their physical and biological activity
Vitamins that are soluble in water:
- Biotin.
- Niacin.
- Pyridine.
- Thiamine.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant.
- Folic acid is a kind of vitamin B.
- Riboflavin.
- Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin.
- Pantothenic acid is a type of B vitamin.
- Vitamins that are fat-soluble:
- Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin.
- Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin.
- Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant.
- Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin.
What Are the Health Benefits of Different Vitamins?
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.
Vitamin D regulates calcium and keeps phosphorus levels in the blood at a healthy range.
Vitamin E aids in wound healing and skin moisturization.
Vitamin K aids in the body’s blood clotting process, which aids in the healing of wounds, bruises, and surgery-affected areas.
Vitamin Dosage and Usage
- 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 diarrhoea, dizziness, migraine headaches, and diarrhoea. 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 diarrhoea, 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.
- Riboflavin, often known as Vitamin B2, is a water-soluble vitamin. It is necessary for the correct development of the skin, brain, blood cells, and digestive tract lining. Riboflavin is used to avoid riboflavin deficiency, which can lead to migraines, acne, and muscle cramps, among other things. Vegetables, meat, legumes, and other foods are examples of food sources. Males should consume 1.3 mg per day, females 1.1 mg per day, pregnant women 1.4 mg per day, and nursing women 1.6 mg per day.
- It’s a vitamin B complex called cobalamin (Vit B12). Vitamin B12 precursor cyanocobalamin is a man-made substance. It is utilised to keep nerves and blood cells in good working order. Its lack can cause stomach and bowel issues, as well as anaemia and lasting nerve damage. Shellfish and dairy products are among the sources. Adult men and women should consume 2.4 mcg per day, pregnant women 2.6 mcg per day, and breastfeeding women 2.8 mcg per day.
- Pantothenic acid is also known as Vitamin B5. Legumes, grains, and dairy products all contain it. It permits lipids, carbs, and proteins to be used by the body. It’s used to relieve skin irritation, heal wounds, and reduce nasal swelling, among other things. Adults should ingest 5 mg of pantothenic acid on a daily basis. However, pregnant and lactating women should take 6 mg daily and lactating women should take 7 mg daily. The dosage for children is determined on their age.
- Vitamin A (retinol) is necessary for the immune system, normal vision, reproduction, and other biological functions. It’s also beneficial to your heart, kidneys, and lungs. Fruits and vegetables contain provitamin A, which is its precursor. Retinol intake for men should be 900 micrograms per day. Females require 700 mcg per day.
- Vitamin D is a compound called calciferol. It aids in the absorption of phosphorus and calcium by the body. It’s used to cure and prevent bone illnesses like rickets, osteomalacia, and osteoarthritis, among others. Milk, eggs, and other foods are examples of food sources. Adults, nursing mothers, and pregnant women should take 15 mcg per day in their diet.
- Vitamin E (tocopherol) is a kind of tocopherol. It can be found in foods like spinach, olives, and sunflower seeds, among others. Supplementing with tocopherol can help with age-related issues like dysmenorrhea and macular degeneration. Adults should not raise their dietary dosage by more than 1000 mg per day.
- Vitamin K is a compound called phytonadione. It is required by the body for crucial functions like blood clotting and bone formation. It’s found in broccoli and sprouts. Males should take 120 micrograms of phytonadione each day. Normal females, pregnant, and breastfeeding women, on the other hand, must ingest 90 mcg each day.
Conclusion
Vitamins are water-soluble vitamins that play a very crucial role in producing the energy required for the body to function properly. There are eight different B vitamins, and these help in the metabolism of the body as well as make molecules that are very important for cells.These eight vitamins are collectively called the Vitamin B complex.Despite sharing a common name, all eight B vitamins are chemically different from each other. Unprocessed carbohydrates and meat are some significant sources of vitamin b complex. In addition, each Vitamin acts as a cofactor or coenzyme in some vital metabolic processes. Some of them also work as precursors for other enzymes.