Vitamins
The name “vitamin” was first mentioned in 1911th year. Specifically, it was the British scientist Funk that isolated thiamine (later called vitamin B1) and according to its chemical material (amine) decided to name these substances “that signify life” (Latin Vita) vitamins. Chemists, surely, have a legitimate complaint because the vitamins are constructed of different materials and they represent a large number of diverse compounds that the body must receive through food.
Vitamins, for the most part, can not be synthesized in our bodies and they are overly required and indispensable for the normal exchange of matter. Thanks to them, and large molecules called enzymes, our body works in this life form as we know it.
Small amounts of certain vitamins can be synthesized in the body, eg vitamin D (under the influence of sunlight), Vitamin K and Vitamin H (biotin) with the help of the intestinal micro flora and vitamin B3 (niacin) from the amino acid tryptophan, which we have to insert through food.
Thanks to the knowledge of vitamins, which have conditioned changes in dietary habits and preventive intake of vitamins, the incidence of hypovitaminosis is greatly reduced; this is a disease that is a consequence of lack of one or more types of vitamins. Hypovitaminosis is usually a consequence of hunger and malnutrition in underdeveloped countries. In more developed countries, hypovitaminosis occur because of poor absorption due to hereditary disorder in the exchange of matter, then with the people who receive food for extended periods of matter through the infusion solution, or in chronic alcoholics who meet their need for the energy not through food, but through alcoholic beverages. Method of storing and preparing food from largely determines the loss of vitamin content in certain foods.
Water soluble vitamins include vitamins of group B and vitamin C. The body does not generally retain significant amounts of these vitamins because they are rapidly excreted from the body, and therefore, they need to be brought in through food on daily basis. Possibility of hypervitaminosis is relatively small, because any excess is excreted rapidly from the body through urine.
Vitamins soluble in oil (A, D, E, K) are well resorbed, they are introduced into the body through intestines. However, this transfer can be significantly disturbed due to the digestive system, biliary system and pancreas diseases. These vitamins may very well remain in the body, usually in the liver and adipose tissue. Their excess is reflected as hypervitaminosis, with a consequence of a disturbance of balance and occurrence of certain diseases.
Vitamin A is important in the formation and maintenance of vision. Vitamin A deficiency leads to an inability of the eye to adapt at reduced light. Vitamin A is important for skin health and beauty, to create a body’s defense system and to protect against the harmful effects of sun rays and free radicals.Deficiency of vitamin A will be first seen by night blindness, skin dryness and changes in the mucosa.
Vitamin B1 is also called thiamine. It is important for utilization of carbohydrates or sugar, and it provides normal nerve conduction.
Vitamin B1 deficiency causes the disease known in its classic form as Beriberi. It is characterized by hands and feet spasms and numbness, heart function disturbances, water retention, and sometimes by the brain disorder.
Vitamin B2 or riboflavin participates in the most important process in a cell, the breakdown of nutrients to water and carbon – dioxide, ie in the process of cellular respiration.
The deficiency of vitamin B2 leads to eyes irritation which is especially manifested in the light sensitivity. In addition, it slows down the process of healing wounds, sometimes there are allergic reactions and inflammatory changes in the skin as rash and desquamation.
Vitamin B3 is also known as niacin, which is the original name for nicotinic acid and nicotinamide. It is interesting that this vitamin can be created in our body from the amino acid tryptophan, if it is ingested in sufficient quantities through food. This vitamin is very essential component of the two compounds – NAD + and NADP + – with a role in the cell exchange matter.
The disease pellagra, which is characterized by diarrhea, skin changes, and forgetfulness is a consequence of vitamin B3 deficiency.
Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine (ie pyridoxal and piridoksamin) is essential for good protein utilization, and the required amount of this vitamin depends on the daily intake of protein. It has an important role in the metabolism of fats. Deficiency of vitamin B6 is characterized by peeling skin, changes in the mucous membrane, inflammatory changes, tongue annealing, and hands and feet cramps.
Vitamin B12 ensures proper utilization of iron and maturing of red blood cells. It is necessary for normal growth and nutrition of all cells.It is kept in the liver in our body. If the function of bile is preserved, the reserves of this vitamin are effectively stored and renewed. Vitamin B12 deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia, which is characterized by the appearance of large (immature) red blood cells in the bloodstream. In addition, there is gastritis, and neurological changes.
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid, participates in the creation of collagen. increases the utilization of iron from the digestive system, ensures defense of the body by strengthening the immune system, acting in the elimination of harmful consequences of free radicals.
Due to a deficiency of vitamin C, scurvy occurs. This disease is characterized by bone brittleness, joint swelling, looseness of teeth and bleeding.
Vitamin D is responsible for instigating utilization of calcium and phosphate from food through the digestive system. Stable concentrations of these ions in plasma is essential for normal cell function nadražajnih and bone mineralization. Lack of vitamin D in children manifests rickets. In adults, the disorder is manifested by the disease known as osteomalacia.
Comments