Function of Vitamins

Vitamins are essential for growth and good health in small amounts. Vitamins are essential for the proper functioning of the human body. They can be described as a collection of highly potent organic compounds found in food and required in minute concentrations for a variety of physiological processes related to growth, upkeep, and reproduction. Dietary supplementation is required for the majority of them. By discovering a water-soluble substance in rice polishing, Casimir Funk coined the term vitamin. A vital amine was his term for this compound, which is how he came up with the name “vitamins.”

Functions of Vitamin A

Eyesight: The cornea is kept clear by this. Rhodopsin is a protein in the eyes that allows people to see in low light.

Cell differentiation: It is used in normal cell differentiation, which is the process by which stem cells become highly specific types of cells with unique functions. Retinoic acid is used in this process.

Growth: Certain glycoproteins are essential for growth, and retinol is required for their synthesis.

Immunity: Epithelial layers are the first line of defence against invading microorganisms, and maintaining the health and function of the epithelium is essential to immunity.

Functions of Vitamin B 

Vitamin B₁ :   An essential coenzyme vitamin that is involved in a number of metabolic processes.

Vitamin B₂ : This vitamin aids the breakdown of fat, drugs, and steroid hormones in the human body.

Vitamin B₃ : An adequate supply of vitamin B₃ is necessary for the healthy functioning of the skin, digestive system, and nervous system.

Vitamin B₆ : Helps in the metabolism of fats and iron utilisation for the maturation of red blood cells (RBC). Vitamin B₆ is necessary for animal reproduction.

Vitamin B₁₂ : The biochemical processes that Vitamin B₁₂ is a part of are critical for DNA synthesis and, by extension, cell growth and division.

Functions of Vitamin C 

Enzymatic role: There are 11 enzymes which it serves as an electron donor. Many of these enzymes are involved in a wide range of cellular biochemical processes.

Collagen synthesis: As a binding agent for cells in the body, collagen synthesis plays an important role in this process.

Antioxidants action: A powerful antioxidant, it can give off a hydrogen atom and form an anciently free radical, which is relatively stable.

Bone formation: Bone formation is dependent on the presence of ascorbic acid.

Wound healing: In addition to aiding in wound healing, collagen information aids in wound healing as well.

Cancer-prevention benefits: It functions as an antioxidant to keep free radicals at bay. Vitamin C, on the other hand, reduces the risk of developing cancer.

Functions of Vitamin D 

Vitamin D functions are as follows :

Bone formation: Mineralized calcium phosphate is more likely to be deposited in the bones than amorphous calcium phosphate, thanks to this supplement’s ability to provide the bone matrix with the proper concentration of calcium and phosphate.

Ca Metabolism: As a regulator of processes in which Ca plays an important role, it also aids in the proper metabolic process of Ca in the body.

Hormonal role of Vitamin D: Since Vitamin D functions are similar to those of some hormones, vitamin D is viewed as a hormone. For example, vitamin D acts like a hormone in the intestine and bones. It works in tandem with parathyroid hormone and calcitonin to keep a variety of metabolic processes running at their optimal levels.

Functions of Vitamin E 

Heart diseases: Vitamin E protects blood vessels and coronary cells from free radical damage, which lowers the risk of coronary heart disease.

Lipofuscin: It is a substance that works to slow down the ageing process by preventing the formation of a brown pigment.

The action of selenium: The cellular immune system is maintained. It aids in the proper operation of T-cells.

In addition to serving as an antioxidant, selenium is a trace element. Antioxidant properties of selenium and vitamin E protect the body from free radical damage.

Functions of Vitamin K

Involved in forming blood clots.

Certain proteins are essential for their ability to function in a variety of bodily processes.

Facts

• A small amount of vitamins is needed in the body to carry out a specific metabolic function or to prevent a related deficiency disease

• Because the body is unable to produce vitamins, they must be obtained from the diet

• Vitamins are divided into two groups based on their solubility-

(I) Fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D and E.

(II) Vitamins that are water-soluble, such as those in the B complex and vitamin C.

• Cooking with fat does not destroy fat-soluble vitamins

• It’s possible to build up fat-soluble vitamins in the body, which can lead to toxicity (hypervitaminosis)

• It’s impossible to absorb fat-soluble vitamins when mineral oil is in the digestive tract

• Because water-soluble vitamins can be excreted through the urine and other water routes of excretion, overconsumption of these vitamins does not cause hypervitaminosis

• Preparation methods have an impact on water-soluble vitamins

• Vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, as can any other vitamin deficiency

• In 1912, scientists made a major discovery: the vitamin B ₁

Conclusion

Nutritional vitamins, which are found in natural foods, are essential for the normal growth and development of the human body. The Latin words vita and amine, which mean “life” and “nitrogen,” are the root words of the English word “vitamin.” Vitamins aid in the generation of energy by acting as catalysts for the proper utilisation of carbohydrates and fats. Only Vitamin D and vitamin B3 can be synthesised by the human body, which is why they are so vital to human health. Vitamins can be found in meat, fruits, and vegetables, as well as in supplements.

Vitamins can be dissolved in fat. They can be dissolved in fat or oil because they are fat-soluble vitamins. As fats are ingested, these can be stored in the body’s fatty tissues. Plant and animal foods, as well as vitamin supplements, are the primary sources of these vitamins.

Vitamins that are dissolvable in water because they are water-soluble, vitamins B and C can be quickly absorbed by the body and are essential for healthy skin and healthy hair. These are transported throughout the body but cannot be stored. A wide variety of foods, such as cereal grains, meat, eggs, milk and poultry, legumes and fresh vegetables (containing vitamin B-complex groups) are examples of vitamins in this group. Foods high in vitamin C include citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, kiwis, and broccoli.