Importance of vitamins

2. VITAMINS
 Most plants synthesize all of these
substances.
 Animals generally lost their ability to
synthesize so they must obtain vitamins from
food molecules.

3. Human cells need
 At least 13 different vitamins
 Each of them has specific functions in various
metabolic activities.
 Absence of one vitamin cannot be
compensated with another.

4. Cannot be used as energy source!
 Cannot be used structural materials either.
 We can use some of the vitamins right after
we get nutrition,
 For some of them; the initial substance called
provitamin is taken firstly and converted to
the original vitamin molecule.

5. VITAMINS
Fat soluble vitamins
 A
 D
 E
 K
Water soluble vitamins
 B
 C

6. Vitamin A (Retinol)
 Important for growth
 Daily need: 1-2 mg
 Firstly taken as Provitamin A then converted
to Vitamin A
 Released to bloodstream.

11. Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
 Works with vitamin A in the development of
the ovaries and the testes.

15. Water Soluble Vitamins
 B and C groups
 Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12
 Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

16. Vitamin C involves in oxidation and
reduction reactions

20. Joins the structure of FAD molecule

23. Vitamin B5
 Widely distributed in nature.
 Essential for the synthesis of coenzyme A
(functions in conversion of carbohydrates,
lipids, proteins into energy)
 Contributes to the production of suprarenal
hormones so it’s called as Anti – stress
vitamin

28. VITAMINS Function in the
body
Deficiency
symptoms
A Help the production of
mucus
Damage the skin and
mucous membranes,
causing infections
D Help absorption of Ca
and P ions through
intestines, calcification
of bones
Bone deformation,
rickets
E Prevents damage to
cell membrane
Damage the red blood
cells, anemia
K Help blood clotting hemorrhaging
C Hormone, bone and
collagen production
Retarded growth,
swollen gums and
joints
B9(Folic Acid) Help nucleic acid
synthesis
Anemia
B12 Help nucleic acid and
amini acid metabolism
Nervous abnormalities
and anemia