All About Vitamin Supplements

Vitamins are a group of organic substances in foods or nutrients. They are found in living things; plants and animals. They play essential roles in the building, functioning and maintenance of our bodies and their intricate systems.

Vitamins are categorized in two classes based on their solubility (see details below): fat soluble vitamins consist of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen molecules, and include vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin A and vitamin K. Water-soluble vitamins consist of the above three elements along with nitrogen, and sometimes sulphur (sulfur). Water soluble vitamins include include folate (folic acid), vitamin B12, biotin, vitamin B6, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Because of these differences, water-soluble vitamins need to be consumed every day as they get flushed out, and are not held in the body as are fat soluble vitamins.

Real vitamins are needed in small quantities for normal metabolism and good health. Vitamins and minerals do not have calories and therefore not a source of energy, however they contribute immeasurably to good health, including the metabolism of nutrients in foods. Vitamins are sometimes referred to as the “spark plugs” of our human machine. They are so necessary that their excess or depletion can lead to acute and chronic illnesses. If you do not have the correct balance of vitamins in your diet, you may wish to use vitamin supplements (high quality, of course) to ensure your needs are met.

Roles of vitamins in the human body include the promotion of growth, the regulation of metabolism and generally promoting good health and disease prevention. This includes detoxification and antioxidant roles. They are involved in the formation of hormones, blood cells, nervous system chemicals and genetic material. Many serve as catalysts for specific reactions in the body. Some vitamins combine with proteins to create metabolically active enzymes that in turn produce hundreds of chemical reactions in the body during life. They help convert fats and carbohydrates into energy, and assist in forming bone and tissue.

Fat-soluble vitamins

Vitamin A: Vitamin A is the main collective name for a group of fat-soluble vitamins, the most well-known of which is retinol. Vitamin A is one of the most versatile vitamins, with roles in various functions such as vision, immune system, maintenance and growth of bones, skin and tissues, and assisting in the normal development of cells.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D refers to a group of steroid molecules. Vitamin D is best created by getting regular doses of sunlight, because the body produces Vitamin D when the sun’s ultraviolet B (UVB) rays strike the skin. Vitamin D is also important for the proper absorption of calcium from food.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E is actually a generic term for a group of compounds called tocopherols and tocotrienols. Alpha-tocopherol is the name of the most active form of vitamin E in humans.

Vitamin K: Vitamin K is a group of vitamins involved in blood coagulation and other bone and tissue processes. Vitamin K deficiencies are rare, but production can be reduced with prolonged antibiotic use, which reduces the healthy bacteria in the digestive system.

Water-soluble vitamins

The b Vitamin complex is essential for various bodily functions, including: 

Vitamin B1 (thiamine): Metabolism – Assisting in the utlilization of carbohydrates as an energy source as well as metabolising amino acids. Thiamin is available in nutritional supplements in the form of thiamine hydrochloride and thiamine nitrate.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Riboflavin or vitamin B2 is an essential nutrient in human nutrition and plays a key role in energy production. Vitamin B2 is an intermediary in the transfer of electrons in the cellular oxidation-reduction reactions that generate energy from protein, carbohydrates and fats. Vitamin B2 helps prevent and is used to treat migraine headaches, cataracts, rheumatoid arthritis, and a number of skin disorders such as acne (acne rosacea), dermatitis and eczema.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Vitamin B3 is also known as niacin, nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, and vitamin Niacinamide antipellagra or PP factor. Vitamin B3 is essential in the metabolism of carbohydrates (for energy), fats and proteins.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) acts as coenzyme and is involved in the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates, the production of insulin and red and white blood cells, and synthesis of neurotransmitters, enzymes, and prostaglandins.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid): Pantothenic acid is an antioxidant water-soluble vitamin needed to break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Pantothenic acid comes in two forms: calcium pantothenate and pantethine.

Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H (Biotin): Biotin is of great importance to the biochemistry of the human body. Biotin helps in the synthesis of fatty acids in energy metabolism and the synthesis of amino acids and glucose.

Vitamin B9 (Folic acid, folate):- Folate and folic acid are forms of a water soluble vitamin B. Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate that is used for food fortification and nutritional supplements. Especially important for pregnant women.

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Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid is a water soluble vitamin that is an essential part of life. Vitamin C is perhaps the most popular vitamin among the common nutrients and biochemicals.

Health Consequences of Vitamin Deficiencies

Vitamins are vital in maintaining human health. Deficiencies of most vitamins can result in corresponding diseases. For instance, a deficiency of vitamin A can cause delays in skeletal growth, night blindness, various abnormalities of the skin and the linings of the genitourinary system and gastrointestinal tract. A thiamine deficiency can lead to muscle weakness, leg cramps, slow heartbeat, irritability, failure of acid production in the stomach and consequent digestive disorders. Riboflavin deficiency can cause tongue swelling, inflammation and ulcers in the mouth, dandruff, weakness, abnormal growth of blood vessels on the sclerae, and low blood counts. A Niacin deficiency often leads to a chronic disease called pellagra. Vitamin B5 deficiency causes depression, personality changes and heart problems. Vitamin B6 deficiency can cause impaired immunity, skin lesions, and mental confusion.

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