VITAMINS
What is covered in this course?
Introduction to vitamins
Composition of vitamins
Classification of vitamins
Fat soluble vitamins: structure and
functions
Water soluble vitamins and functions
...
VITAMINS
What is covered in this course?
Introduction to vitamins
Composition of vitamins
Classification of vitamins
Fat soluble vitamins: structure and
functions
Water soluble vitamins and functions
Coenzymes and functions
INTRODUCTION TO VITAMINS
Vitamins are organic compounds required by the body in small amounts for metabolism (assist in
oxidation of biological molecules), for protection (antioxidants directly or indirectly: E, C, A, B2),
for maintenance of health and proper growth.
Vitamins also assist in the formation of hormones, blood vessels, nervous system chemicals and
genetic materials
They generally act as catalysts (cofactors), combining with proteins to create metabolically active
enzymes that are essential for biological reactions (Without enzymes, many of the reactions
essential to life would slow down or cease)
They cannot be synthesized by the body. Must be obtained by outside sources like diet, rumen of
bacteria & sun.
COMPOSITION OF VITAMINS
Vitamins are of different chemical nature - alcohols, aldehydes, organic acids, their derivatives and
nucleotide derivatives
CLASSIFICATION OF VITAMINS –
Vitamins are classified according to their ability to be absorbed in fat or water
1. Fat Soluble Vitamins:
These are oily and hydrophobic compounds
They are stored in the fatty tissues: adipose, muscles, liver and not excreted out of the body. Well
retained in the body.
Bile salts and fats are needed for their absorption.
Vitamins A,D,E and K are fat soluble
2. Water Soluble Vitamins:
Vitamin B complex (B3, B1, B2, B6 & B12, Niacin, Folic Acid) and Viamin C are water
soluble.
They are required daily in small amounts hence not stored in the body.
Only vitamin B12 and B9 are retained and stored at significant level in the body
VITAMIN A
Vitamin A is a pale yellow primary alcohol derived from carotene.
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