Question

• Define the term vitamins and be able to list three characteristics of vitamins as a group Be able to classify vitamins according to whether they are fat soluble or water soluble and state any major conditions that are necessary for specific individual absorption into the body Be able to list major functions and deficiency symptoms for each vitamin Describe toxicity symptoms from excess consumption of certain vitamins Evaluate the use of vitamin supplements with respect to their potential benefits and hazards to the body

Answer 1

Vitamins are the organic substances which are required in minute quantities to maintain the normal health of an organism.

These have to be supplied by external food intake as they can't be synthesised by the organism.

They supply very little energy but play an important role in many energy transformation reactions in body.

They cause specific deficiency when absent from the diet .

Vitamins are divided into two groups on the basis of their solubility :

1. Fat soluble vitamins

2. Water soluble vitamins.

Fat soluble vitamins--

Vitamin A - also called retinol

Deficiency of this causes night blindness and xeropthalmia

Vitamin D - also called calciferol

Deficiency of this rickets in growing children and osteomalacia in adults

Vitamin E - also called tocoferol

Deficiency of this causes muscle dystrophy

Vitamin K -

It is required for the formation of number of coagulation factors in the liver hence affecting clotting and can cause haemorrhagic risks.

Water soluble vitamins --

Vitamin B complex -

Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

Deficiency of this causes beri beri

Vitamin B2 ( riboflavin)

Deficiency of this causes cheilosis and eye diseases

Niacin

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

Pantothenic acid

Biotin

Folic acid

Vitamin B12 ( cobalamine )

Deficiency of this causes pernicious anaemia.

Vitamin C - also called ascorbic acid

Deficiency of this causes scurvy