A minimum amount of vitamins and minerals are required by the body each day to remain healthy and function systematically. A well balanced diet is sufficient to meet all the vitamin requirements of the body. But, if these requirements are not met, the body may become deficient in some of these vitamins.
Vitamins are a group of organic (carbon containing) substances that are present in food in minute quantities. They are essential for growth, development, metabolism and general health of the body. In case they are not supplied in adequate quantities by the diet, they result in a number of deficiencies. There are thirteen vitamins that are needed by the body for development. Vitamins are needed by the body to make enzymes and hormones. There are no foods or any replacements for them, they do not contain any calories and do not impart energy directly, but are needed by the body to convert food into energy.
There are approx. 60 trillion cells in the body. Thousands of different chemical reactions are taking place inside each cell. A specific enzyme is needed by the body to make each of these reactions happen. This is a never ending cycle which requires vitamins in plentitude to support these reactions.
There are two types of Vitamins:
Fat Soluble Vitamins: These are stored in the fatty tissues in the body and the liver. Vitamins A, E, D, and K are fat soluble vitamins, as they can dissolve in fat but not in water. Since these vitamins can be stored, it is not necessary to get their supply on a daily basis.
Water Soluble Vitamins: These vitamins cannot be stored in the body and can dissolve in water. Vitamin C and all the B Vitamins are water soluble. It is necessary to get a fresh dose of these vitamins regularly as they cannot be stored in the body.
Characteristics of Vitamins:
They are required by the body in small doses.
Thirteen vitamins are known to be co-factors enabling the enzymes to function properly. They are required by the body to carry out several chemical reactions on a daily basis.
They aid in metabolism.
They must be obtained from food as the body is incapable of synthesizing or manufacturing them. The best sources of taking them are through diet or dietary supplements.
They must be taken on a regular basis as they are stored in the body in limited quantities and are gradually lost.
A deficiency of any of these vitamins can result in a specific disorder.
Deficiencies:
Common ones include Vitamins A, D, B6, B12, C, Thiamin, riboflavin and folacin. They can result in infections, skin disorders, blindness, weakened bones, anemia and poor functioning of the digestive, nervous, immune and circulatory systems. Certain deficiencies may also result in loss of appetite, mood swings, nausea etc.
A good diet does not always ensure that the body will benefit from an intake of vitamins. It is essential for the nutrients to break down and metabolize. Vitamins are necessary for the overall growth and development of the body. Every vitamin has a specific task to perform which is vital for the growth and development of the body. The vitamin pool is enriched with supplements for any health concern including the eyes, heart, brain, bones, skin, allergies and vitality.
Different Vitamins have different roles to play in bringing about the total well being of the body:
Vitamin A: This helps in the regeneration of vision, prevents night blindness and helps maintain good eyesight. It also prevents urolithiasis, a condition where urinary calculi are present in the form of calcium phosphate. It aids in the overall growth of the body.
Vitamin E: It prevents sterility and muscular dystrophy.
Vitamin D: This is essential for the development of bones and prevents rickets. It helps maintain a balance between bone calcium and blood calcium. It also helps in the development of teeth.
Vitamin K: This is necessary for the production of prothrombin of blood, thereby promoting blood clotting and prevents hemorrhage or excessive loss of blood from the body.
Vitamin C: Prevents scurvy and plays a significant role in wound repair.
Vitamin B3: It helps in the metabolism of carbohydrates and prevents alopecia and certain gastrointestinal disorders.
Vitamin B12: This prevents pernicious anemia and takes part in the development and maturation of red blood cells. It is also required for normal pregnancy.
It is essential to include these vitamins in the regular diet in order to beat day to day stress, fatigue and various other deficiencies. They help in maintaining good health and fight a number of diseases and ailments, thereby promoting complete wellbeing of the body.
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