What is a vitamin? A vitamin is an essential compound of organic molecules that cannot be synthesized in the body but acquired through the diet that the person intakes. It is taken in sufficiently small amounts and is beneficial in many metabolic processes of the body.
There are two main types of vitamins; fat-soluble vitamins (Vitamins A, D, E, and K) and water-soluble vitamins (Vitamins B and C). As the names suggest, fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the fatty tissues and can be stored in the body for longer periods of time to be eventually consumed up later while the water-soluble vitamins cannotbe stored in the body as they are excreted out in the urine by the excretory system and need to be taken regularly.
Vitamin A
This vitamin is important for a better eyesight and an improved immune system. It also promotes healthy skin, maintenance of different organs, healthy growth of muscle tissues and a healthy reproductive system.it is found in eggs, fish and different milk products. If the vitamin A is not present in sufficient amount, it could lead to a disease known as xerophthalmia.
Vitamin B
This is a diverse form of vitamin and further divided into B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12. It is important in maintaining nerve cell function, producing RBC’s, synthesizing fats and carbohydrates into energy and potentially producing cholesterol, different kinds of hormones and also aiding in the replication of DNA. It is found in bread, liver, eggs, beans, nuts, fish and many fruits and vegetables. The deficiency of the said vitamin could lead to weakness, disturbance in the gastrointestinaltract, fatigue, nausea, dermatitis etc.
Vitamin C
It is an anti-oxidant i.e it produces an inhibiting effect onthe aging process. It is also responsible for the healing of injuries by producing collagen eventually leading up to a better immune system and the formation of iron which is an essential component in driving the oxygen into different parts of the body. It is found in citrus fruits and many vegetables like Brussels, tomatoes, potatoes, spinach, andcabbage etc. Its deficiency in the body could lead to scurvy or anemia.
Vitamin D
It is an essential vitamin that can be obtained from the sunlight and helps in the growth of bone tissues by absorbing the calcium from different sources. The deficiency of vitamin D can lead to osteoporosis. Vitamin D can be acquired through the external environment but since many people work indoors, it can be consumed through other sources. It is found in fish, dairy products like yoghurt, cheese and milk and fish oils.
Vitamin E
It is also a type of anti-oxidant and also helps the body to produce better defense against diseases. It is found in wheat, margarine, nuts, oils, corn etc. Its deficiency could lead to neuropathy and breakdown of the red blood cells in the body.
Vitamin K
It is the main factor that helps in the coagulation of blood. It is found in leafy and green vegetables like cabbages, kale, spinach, broccoli etc. The deficiency of Vitamin K can lead to serious internal bleeding and internal clot formation.
To conclude the article, there are many uses of vitamins and they are considered to be vital for the body as they play a much significant part in the metabolism and immunity of the body of a living organism. That is why one should take foods which are high in vitamins because they cannot be directly produced in the body and their deficiency could lead to a number of diseases which may become harmful in the future.
