VITAMINS
Vitamins are organic compounds .
Required in small amount in diet to maintain normal
metabolic function.
Vitamins are of widespread occurence in nature,both
plant & animal worlds.
All common food stuff contain more than one
vitamin.
Vitamins are nonantigenic.
Vitamins are effective when take orally.

All the cells of the body store vitamins to some
extent.
Vitamins carry out functions in very low
concentrations. Hence,total daily requirement is
very low.
Old people need about the same amounts of
vitamins as young people.
Vitamins are mainly classified into two types such
as fat soluble vitamins and water soluble vitamins.
Most vitamins have been artificially synthesized.
Synthetically made vitamins are just as
nutritionally good as natural vitamins.

•FAT SOLUBLE VITAMINS.
•WATER SOLUBLE VITAMINS.

FAT SOLUBLE VITAMINS
These are oily substances,not readily soluble in water
They contain carbon,hydrogen and oxygen.
Fat soluble vitamins include vitamin A,D,E,&K.
Fat soluble vitamins can be regard as lipids
Vitamin A ,E &K are terpenoids
Vitamin D is a steroid

Also known as [A1]Retinol , [A2]Dehydroretinol
PROPERTIES OF VITAMIN A
Ordinarily retinol is a viscoid ,colourless oil.
Soluble in fats and fat solvents.
Insoluble in water.
Loss of vitamin A in cooking,canning and freezing of
foodstuffs is small.
Destroyed when exposure to sunlight

SOURCES OF VITAMIN A
CARROT
FISH
LIVER OIL
CHERRIES
APRICOTS
CANTALOUPES
PAPPAYA
VITAMIN A TABLETS
PLUMS MANGOES
YELLOW CORN

METABOLIC FUNCTION
Membrane integrity

STRUCTURE OF VITAMIN A
Vitamin A is found in two forms A1 and A2.
β carotene is most potent form of vitamin A1
β carotene is made of eight 5-carbon isoprenoid
units,linked to form a long chain of 40 carbon atoms
with an ionone ring at each end.
It is an orange-red hydrocarbon and upon hydrolysis
yields 2 moles of vitamin A1
Vitamin A1is a complex primary alchohol called
Retinol

It’s emperical formula is C20H29OH
The terminal hydroxyl group is ordinarily
esterified. It contains β-ionone ring.
Another form of vitamin A present in fresh water
fishes is known as vitamin A2
It posses an additional conjugate double bond
between carbon atoms 3 and 4 of the β-ionone
ring.

RETINOL 3DEHYDRORETINOL
Β-CAROTENE

DEFICIENCY DISEASES
Vitamin A is perhaps the most important as it affects the
various metabolic processes in the body it has profound
effect on epithelial structures in general.vitamin A
deficiency leads to various diseases such as:
Xerophthalmia
Keratomalacia
Phynoderma

XEROPHTHALMIA
Major cause of blindness in childhood.
It is characterized by the drying of eyes
The lacrymal glands became stratified and keratinized and
cease to produce tears
This make external surface dry and dull.
Ulcers develops, eyelids became swell and sticky
This results in frequent exudation of blood causing severe
infection to the eye.

Xerophthalmia affected child

KERATOMALACIA
Corneal disease occurring in pre-school children of 3-4
years.
At first cornea loses its lustre,undergoes necrosis and
develop ulcers.
Which later form large white ulcerative area.
The whole eyeball may shrink
Keratomalacia is still prevalent on a wide scale in many
parts of india and indonesia,africa,etc

PHRYNODERMA
It’s a skin lesion and is characterized by follicular
hyperkeratosis.
Forearms,elbows ,thighs becames rough and spiky.In
some cases trunk also affected.
There is a defective formation of enamel is occur and
the dentin is exposed.
Epithelial structures in diverse organs such as
eyes,respiratory tract often became infected.

HUMAN REQUIREMENTS
RDA of vitamin A is about 5,000 international
unit(I.U).
Growing childrens,adults and pregnant women and
lactating mother require high doses upto 8,000 I.U.
Some individuals require more than the minimal
requirement due to either faulty absorption or some
other reason.

Also known as sunshine vitamin or
antirachitic factor
PROPERTIES
Vitamin D is a white and colourless crystalline
substance
Soluble in fat and fat solvents
Fairly heat resistant
Not affected by acids and alkalies.

SOURCES OF VITAMIN D
MILK
EGG YOLKERGOT
BUTTER
MUSHROOM COD LIVER OIL
SALMON FISH
HERRING
SARDINE

METABOLC FUNCTION
Calcification of bones and teeth.

STRUCTURE OF VITAMIN D
The transformation of ergosterol (C27H44O) TO active
form D2 takes place through a series of intermediates
steps
Ergosterol Lumisterol Protachysterol
Tachysterol Precalciferol Calciferol
Cholecalciferol(C27H44O) is produced from
7-dehydrocholestrol
Toxisterol
Suprasterols

Ergosterol Ergocalciferol
7-dehydrocholestrol
Cholecalciferol

DEFICIENCY DISEASES
The most characteristic symptom of vitamin D
deficiency is the childhood disease known as
‘Rickets’.
Deficiency of it in human adults leads to
‘Osteomalacia’, a condition that might also termed as
“adult ricket”

RICKETS
Disease of growing bones
Deposition of inorganic materials on the matrix of
bones fails to occur.
It may occur older children with malabsorption.
One of the early sign of rickets is Craniotabes, which
is due to thickening of outer table of the skull.
Rickets in itself is not a fatal disease but
complications and intercurrent infections such as
pneumonia,tuberculosis are more likely to cause
death in rachitic children than normal children.

CHILD WITH RICKETS

OSTEOMALACIA
Action of bones were similar as rickets
Bones become softer than rachitic bones.
Loss of calcium is greater than that of phosphrous
Prevalent in india,china and arab,particularly in
women because of the custom that keeps them indoor
and alsoprevents them from exposure to sunlight

HUMAN REQUIREMENTS
Vitamin D requirement is gretly influenced by the
amount of ultraviolet light to which the individual is
exposed.
Half an hour of direct sunlight on the cheeks of a
baby each day is sufficient to generate daily
requirement of vitamin D
For adults also,exposure to sunlight for 30 minutes a
day is believed to satisfy the daily requirement.

In some areas the sunshine is not
much beneficial so vitamin D is need
to include with diet.
400 IU is recommended for infants,lactating
mother,and pregnent women.
For adult also 400 IU is adequate.

Also known as antisterility factor
PROPERTIES
Vitamin E is a light yellow oil.
Resistant to heat and acids.
Acted upon alkalies.
Slowly oxidized and destroyed by UV rays.

SOURCES OF VITAMIN E
WHEAT GERM OIL
CORN EGG MILK
SOYABEAN MEAT
RICE

METABOLIC FUNCTION
Act as antioxidents
Control Oxygen consumption
Participate innucleic acid metabolism

STRUCTURE OF VITAMIN E
Vitamin E is the collective name for a group of
closely related lipids called Tocopherols.
The tocopherols are derivatives of 6-
hydrochroman bearing an isoprenoid side
chain at carbon 2

DEFICIENCY DISEASE
Premature, very low birth weight infants.
Neurological problems.
Impairment of the immune response .
Neuromuscular problems.
Rare disorders of fat metabolism.
Fat malabsorption .

HUMAN REQUIREMENTS
Daily requiremnt for adults is 30IU.
Pregnent and lactating mothers aso requires 30IU
daily.
The vitamin E requirement is at the rate of 1 to 1.25
IU per kilogram weight.

Also known as antihemorrhagic factor
PROPERTIES
It’s a yellow viscid oil.
Sensitive to light so that it is kept in dark bottles.
Destroyed by stong acids and alkalies and oxidizing
agents.

SOURCES OF VITAMIN K
SPINACH CORIANDER LEAFS CABBAGE
DRUMSTICK LEAFS
CABBAGE
ALFALFA BROCOLI FRUITS

METABOLIC FUNCTION
Biosynthesis of prothrombin
Oxidative phosphorylation in electron
transport chain.

STRUCTURE OF VITAMIN K

DEFICIENCY DISEASES
Cause loss of blood-clotting power.
In infants hemorrhage should form.
In man it leads to diminished intestinal absorption of
lipids.

HUMAN REQUIREMENTS
There is seldom a lack of sufficient vitaminK in
human beings.as such no standard requirement has
been set.

WATER SOLUBLE VITAMINS
It contains carbon,hydrogen,oxygen and nitrogen.
Soluble in water.
Water soluble vitamins are vitamins of B complex
such as B1 through B12 and vitamin C

Also known as antineuritic factor
PROPERTIES
I’ts a white crystalline substance.
Soluble in water
Odour resembles yeast
The solution is optically inactive.
Destroyed at elevated temperature.

SOURCES OF VITAMIN B1
CEREALS
KIDNEY
LIVER
FRUITS&VEGETABLES
MEAT
MILK

METABOLIC FUNCTION
Thiamine pyrophosphate(TPP) as coenzyme in
many decarboxylation reaction.

STRUCTURE OF VITAMIN B1

DEFICIENCY DISEASE
BERIBERI
Beriberi is a neurological and cardiovascular disease
Dry beriberi is characterized principally by peripheral
neuropathy consisting of symmetric impairment of
sensory, motor, and reflex functions affecting distal more
than proximal limb segments and causing calf muscle
tenderness
Wet beriberi is associated with mental confusion

• Infantile beriberi occurs in infants breast-fed by
thiamin-deficient mothers (who may show no sign
of thiamine deficiency). Infants may manifest
cardiac, aphonic, or pseudomeningitic forms of
the disorder. Infants with cardiac beriberi
frequently exhibit a loud piercing cry, vomiting,
and tachycardia.Convulsions are not uncommon,
and death may ensue if thiamine is not
administered promptly.
• Gastrointestinal beriberi is associated with
nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and lactic
acidosis

BERIBERI AFFECTED CHILD

HUMAN REQUIREMENT
RDA for men is of 1.2-1.4 mg .
1 mg for women
Pregnant and lactating mother requires 1.5 mg daily
For infants 0.2-0.5 mg daily.

Also known as Riboflavin
PROPERTIES
It’s a yellow orange crystalline powder.
Soluble in water
Easily decomposed by alkali and light.
The aqueous solution exhibit green flurascence.

SOURCES OF VITAMIN B2
LIVER GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES KIDNEY
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
MILK MEAT

METABOLIC FUNCTION
Phototropic curvature of plant organs.

STRUCTURE OF VITAMIN B2

DEFICIENCY DISEASES
Deficiency causes ariboflavinosis.
Symptoms may include cheilosis (cracks in the lips),
high sensitivity to sunlight, angular
cheilitis,glossitis (inflammation of the
tongue),seborrheic dermatitis or pseudo-
syphilis (particularly affecting the or and
the mouth), pharyngitis (sore throat), hyperemia, and
edema of the pharyngeal and oral mucosa

HUMAN REQUIREMENTS
The dietary allowance of B2 varies from 0.6 to1.7mg
for children and adults.
During pregnancy and lactation women require up
to2.0 mg daily.

Also known as yeast factor
PROPERTIES
It’s a pale yellow viscous oil
Soluble in water
Insoluble in chloroform
Destroyed by heating in acid and alkaline medium

SOURCES OF VITAMIN B3
YEAST
EGG
FRUITS & VEGETABLES
KIDNEY

METABOLIC FUNCTION
Participate in the formation of co-enzyme A.

STRUCTURE OF VITAMIN B3

DEFICIENCY DISEASES
Pellagra is the disease icaused by a severe and
prolonged deficiency of vitamin B3.
Characterized by bilateral dermatitis, dementia, and
diarrhea.
A prolonged and severe niacin deficiency may cause
depression and neurasthenia (weakening of muscles).

HUMAN REQUIREMENTS
The dietary allowance does has not been
officiallyworked out.yet,5-10mg per day of vitamin
B3 have been suggested.

Also known as antiblacktongue factor
PROPERTIES
It’s a white crystalline substance.
Soluble in water
Heat stable
Stable in air and water
Soluble in ethyl alchohol also

SOURCES OF VITAMIN B5
TEAST
MEAT
LIVER

METABOLIC FUNCTION
Act as a constituent in two pyrimidine
nucleotide coenzymes,NAD and NADP.

STRUCTURE OF VITAMIN B5

DEFICIENCY DISEASES
The first signs of vitamin B5 deficiency are burning
sensations in the hands and feet and numbness
coupled with poor coordination.
This vitamin is extremely essential for acetylcholine
synthesis which is required for muscle contractions
and its deficiency can cause muscle cramps,
numbness, and tingling sensations of muscles which
make them very uncomfortable.

This vitamin also contributes to producing energy
inside the body. As a result, common symptoms of
vitamin B5 deficiency in the body are irritability,
fatigue, tiredness, and apathy.
Intestinal symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and
water retention are also other deficiency related
symptoms.

HUMAN REQUIREMENT
The RDA for children is about 8-15 mg
For men 15-20g
For women 13-15
For pregnant and lactating mothers 20 mg
daily.

Also known as antidermatitis factor
PROPERTIES
It’s a white crystalline substance
Soluble in water
Sensitive to light and ultraviolet rays
Resistant to acids and alkalies

SOURCES OF VITAMIN B6
YEAST
BANANA
EGG YOLK
AVOCADO
SALMON FISH
PEAS CEREALS
WATER MELON
SWEET POTATO
POTATO
TURNIP GREEN

METABOLIC FUNCTION
Serves as growth factor to a number of bacteria
Also act as a carrier in active transport of
amino acids across cell membrane

STRUCTURE OF VITAMINB6

DEFICIENCY DISEASE
Vitamin B6 deficiency in adults may cause health
problems affecting the nerves, skin, mucous membranes,
and circulatory system.
In children, the central nervous system is also affected
Deficiency can occur in people with kidney failure
complications, alcoholism, liver scarring, overactive
thyroid, problems with absorbing nutrients, and heart
failure, as well as those taking certain medications

HUMAN REQUIREMENTS
For infants and childrens 0.2-1.2
2.0mg for men and women daily.
For pregnant and lactating mother 2.5 mg
daily needed

Also known as antiegg white injury factor
PROPERTIES
Biotin crystallizes as long needles.
Soluble in water and ethyl alcohol.
Heat stable.
Resistant to both acids and alkalies.

SOURCES OF VITAMIN B7
YEAST
PEANUTS
LIVER MOLASSES MEAT

METABOLIC FUNCTION
Act as a prosthetic group for many enzymes
which bring about carboxylation and synthesis
of fatty acids.

STRUCTURE OF VITAMIN B7

DEFICIENCY DISEASE
Signs of ovitamin B7 (biotin) deficiency include hair
loss and a scaly red rash around the eyes, nose,
mouth, and genital area.
Neurologic symptoms in adults have included
depression, lethargy, hallucination, and numbness and
tingling of the extremities.
Individuals with hereditary disorders of biotin
metabolism show in addition impaired immune
system function and increased susceptibility to
bacterial and fungal infections.

HUMAN REQUIREMENTS
RDA for this vitamin has not been established.
But 10 mg per day of biotin is sufficient for an
adult.

Also known as liver lactobacillus casei factor
PROPERTIES
Follic acid is a yollow crysralline substance.
Soluble in water.
Insoluble in fat solvents.
Stable to heat in alkaline solution.
Inactivated by sunlight.

SOURCES OF VITAMIN B9
CLAMS MILK
OYSTER EGG
MEAT
YEAST
WHEAT

METABOLIC FUNCTION
Enzymatic synthesis of purines ,pyrimidines
and amino acids.

STRUCTURE OF VITAMIN B9

DEFICIENCY DISEASE
• Deficiency of vitamin B9 is generally indicated
by headache, nausea, and irritability.
• Other signs of vitamin B9 deficiency are fatigue,
acne, sore tongue, and cracks at the corner of the
mouth.
• Signs of deficiency of vitamin B9 also include loss of
memory, restricted growth of the brain and nerves,
paranoia, weakness, and skin cracking.

Mood disorder and depression are also signs of
deficiency of vitamin B9.
Loss of appetite, inflamed tongue, gastrointestinal
problems, and diarrhea are the other common signs of
vitamin B9 deficiency.

HUMAN REQUIREMENTS
For infants 0.1mg daily.
0.4 mg for men
0.8 mg per day for pregnant and lactating
mothers.

Also known as anti-pernivious anemia factor
PROPERTIES
It’s a deep red crystalline substance
Soluble in water
Stable to heat in neutral solutions.
Destroyed by heat in acids and alkaline solutions.

SOURCES OF VITAMIN B12
CHLORELLA
MILK
OYSTER
EGG
SPIRULINA
MEAT

METABOLIC FUNCTION
Nucleic acid metabolism.

STRUCTURE OF VITAMIN B12

DEFICIENCY DISEASES
Fatigue (tiredness
Panting (shortness of breath)
Palpitations (disagreeable sensations of irregular or
heavy beating of the heart).
B12 deficiency anemia may also be caused by a lack
of intrinsic factor - pernicious anemia. The patient's
digestive system cannot absorb B12 properly
Pale or yellowish skin

HUMAN REQUIREMENTS
For children 2-4mg.
For men and women 5mg.
For pregnant and lactating mother 8mg.

Also known as antiscorbutic factor
PROPERTIES
Colourless and odourless crystalline substance.
Slightly sour substance optically active.
Soluble in water.
Drying of fruits and vegetables also results in loss of
vitamin c.
It’s a powerful reducing agent.

SOURCES OF VITAMIN C
CITRUS FRUITS
ORANGE
LEMON APPLE
CHERRIE
GOOSEBERRY
TOMATO
POTATO

METABOLIC FUNCTION
Act as reducing agent
Biosynthesis of adrenal steroid hormones.
Helps in synthesis of colagen.

STRUCTURE OF VITAMIN C

DEFICIENCY DISEASE
Fatigue - Early on, someone with a vitamin C
deficiency will tend to get tired easily and experience
reduced energy. Because chronic fatigue is a symptom of so
many illnesses, it can be hard to catch a specific condition
based on this symptom.
Mood Changes - Individuals with a vitamin C
deficiency may become irritable or short tempered.
Weight Loss - As with other "wasting conditions" someone
with a vitamin C deficiency may experience sudden weight
loss.
Joint and Muscle Aches - Chronic pain in the limbs or
joints can be a symptom of a vitamin deficiency.
Bruising - Individuals with a vitamin C deficiency will tend
to bruise easily. Excessive bruising is a sign that the body's
chemistry needs to be improved.

Dental Conditions - Just as a healthy daily dose of
vitamin C contributes to healthy teeth and gums, a
deficiency can cause deterioration of the gums.
Periodontal problems are a symptom of a vitamin C
deficiency that has been allowed to develop to a
hazardous level
Dry Hair and Skin - A change in hair and skin
conditions can also signal that the body is not
getting enough of vitamin C and other essential
vitamins and minerals.
Infections - When an individual does not have
enough vitamin C over time, this can have a
negative impact on general healing of wounds and
the fighting of infections. Generally, the body's
immune system will be compromised.

HUMAN REQUIREMENT
For childrens 40 mg per day.
For adults 50-60 mg.
Lactating and pregnant women require 100mg
Daily.

Also known as vitamin p
PROPERTIES
They are water soluble vitamins

SOURCES OF VITAMIN P
TOBACCO LEAVES
BUCKWHEAT SEEDS
JUICE ,PEEL AND PULP OF CITRUS FRUITS

METABOLIC FUNCTION
Act as antioxident
Maintains of capillary permeability and
fragility.

DEFICIENCY DISEASE
Bioflavinoid deficiency in animals results in a
syndrome characterized by increased capillary
permiability and fragility.
In man however deficiency syndrome have7 not
observed.

HUMAN REQUIREMENT
The dietary allowances for man are not known.

Recommended daily daietary allowances

Always Remember to take your vitamins.
Take your vitamin A for ACTION .
Vitamin B for BELIEF,
vitamin C for CONFIDENCE,
vitamin D for DISCIPLINE,
vitamin E for ENTHUSIASM!