Vitamins are a group of organic nutrients required in small quantities for a variety of biochemical functions which cannot be synthesized by the body and must be supplied through the diet. The lipid – soluble vitamins are apolar hydrophobic compounds that can only be reabsorbed efficiently when there is normal fat absorption. They are transported in the blood like any other apolar lipid, in lipoproteins or attached to specific building proteins. They have diverse functions such as vitamin A enhances vision, vitamin D absorbs calcium and phosphate metabolism, vitamin E is known for its antioxidant properties and vitamin K is beneficial for blood clotting. Liquid vitamins are the latest rage in the health and fitness industry. They are ideal for those who are unable to swallow pills or have trouble in digesting tablets. Dietary inadequacy, conditions effecting the dilution and absorption of vitamins in the body, mal nutrition etc. lead to the development of a number of deficiencies in the human body resulting in a number of diseases such as night blindness, scurvy, anemia, rickets etc.
Most of these vitamins can be attained through regular meals, but it is not possible to consume a variety of foods everyday in the diet to meet their recommended daily allowance (RDA).
Liquid vitamins come in the form of tonics and serums that can be injected directly into the blood stream. They comprise of vitamin B complex injections, calcium tonics, and other multivitamins and help fight a number of deficiencies in the human body. Vitamins are required in small quantities by the body and are necessary for growth and maintenance of good health in human beings. They are essential food factors, which are vital for the proper utilization of the adjacent principals of food like carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. They cater to the needs of growth, differeciation and functioning of normal cellular processes.
Although vitamins are important nutritionally, taking higher doses will not lead to any health benefits. Vitamins are mainly classified into two groups.
1.
Water soluble vitamins – They comprise of the B complex group of vitamins and vitamin C and function as enzyme cofactors.
2.
Fat soluble vitamins – These are vitamins A, D, E and K.
Significance of liquid vitamins – deficiency of a single vitamin is rare, but poor diets are mostly associated with multiple deficiencies such as beriberi (thiamin), cheilosis, glossitis (riboflavin) etc.
Vitamin A – This is a fat soluble and water soluble vitamin. All the compounds with vitamin A activity are known as retinoids. They are poly-isoprenoid compounds having a beta-ionone ring system. Three different compounds with Vitamin A activity are retinal, retinal and retinoid acid. Retinal can be reduced to retinol by the process retinal reductase. It is found in fish, oils, lever, eggs, butter, cheese, whole milk, cereals, papaya, mango, pumpkin etc. It is indispensable for normal vision, contributes to the production of retinal pigments which are needed for vision in dim light and protect the body against night blindness.
Vitamin D – It promotes intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus, stimulates normal mineralization and enhances bone re-absorption. It increases tribular re-absorption and permits normal growth of the body. The best source of vitamin D is direct sunlight. Liquid Vitamin D can also be obtained in case one is unable to get enough exposure to direct sunlight. The deficiency of this vitamin may lead to rickets which is found in young children.
Vitamin E – It is a naturally occurring fat soluble group of compounds called tocopherols. It is known for its antioxidant properties that protect the body from the harmful effects of free radicals in the environment.
Vitamin K – helps in the production and release of the coagulation factor. It is known to play a prominent in the clotting of blood during injuries and excessive bleeding.
B complex group of vitamins – It contains 8 different vitamins which are water soluble in nature. They function collectively in the cells as coenzymes. The important members are Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pyridoxine, Pantothenic acid, Biotin, Folic acid and Vitamin B-12. They are known to enhance metabolism, boost the immune system and initiate cell growth and division.
Liquid vitamins reach the blood stream and are absorbed by the body instantly. Vitamin K is often injected in patients before major surgeries in order to aid coagulation and prevent excessive blood loss.
Vitamin B complex is usually injected in patients suffering from anemia, depression, stress related disorders and anxiety. They are absorbed faster in the blood stream and in a wider range. Patients of beriberi also respond to the injections of vitamin E