Functions of vitamins
The functions of vitamins are clarified meticulously in this post. Vitamins are a collection of compounds necessary for appropriate cell activity, growth, and progression. There are thirteen important vitamins which are indispensable for the system to function effectively. They include Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin B1 aka thiamine, Vitamin B2 aka riboflavin, Vitamin B3 aka niacin, Vitamin B6 aka pyridoxine, Vitamin B12 aka cyanocobalamin, Pantothenic acid aka B5, Biotin aka B7, and Folate aka folic acid or B9. There are two different types of vitamins; they are fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins are preserved in the liver, adipose tissue, and muscles; vitamins A, D, E, and K are the four fat-soluble vitamins, and the body absorbs them more readily in the presence of dietary fat. The nine water-soluble vitamins include vitamin C and all the B vitamins. These are excreted via the urine and must be eaten regularly to avoid deficiency or excess. The exception is vitamin B12, which may be kept for several years in the liver.
Functions of vitamins
Certain nutrients that are similar to vitamins, like Choline and Carnitine, are equally required by the human system. Each of the vitamins mentioned previously plays a crucial role in the body’s functioning. When you do not consume sufficient of a specific vitamin, you get a vitamin deficit that might result in serious health consequences. When taking supplements, be wary of vitamin overdose. The functions of vitamins involve cell-based energy processing. Vitamin A aids in the development and maintenance of healthy bones, teeth, skin, mucous membranes, and soft tissue. Vitamin B6, commonly known as pyridoxine, aids in the formation of red blood cells and the maintenance of brain function. This vitamin is also vital for proteins involved in numerous chemical processes in the body; the more protein you consume, the more pyridoxine your body needs. Vitamin B12, like the other B vitamins, is essential for metabolism and aids in the formation of red blood cells and the maintenance of the central nervous system. Vitamin C, commonly known as ascorbic acid, is an antioxidant that supports strong teeth and gums. It assists the body in assimilating iron and sustaining solid tissue, and it is crucial for wound healing.
Other functions of vitamins
The functions of vitamins entail promoting the development and repair of cells and tissues. Vitamin D is often recognised as the “sunshine vitamin” because the body produces it after exposure to sunlight. For most persons at most latitudes, 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure three times per week is sufficient to meet their vitamin D needs. Individuals who do not reside in sunny areas might not produce adequate vitamin D, and it is extremely difficult to obtain sufficient vitamin D from foodstuff alone. Vitamin D assists the body in assimilating calcium, which is necessary for the creation and preservation of robust teeth and bones. It additionally aids in sustaining normal calcium and phosphorus blood levels. Vitamin E, commonly referred to as tocopherol, is an antioxidant that lets the body make red blood cells and utilise vitamin K. Without vitamin K, blood would not clot or coagulate, and according to some research, vitamin K is also vital for bone health. Niacin is a B vitamin that promotes healthy skin and nerves, and in larger dosages, it also has cholesterol-lowering benefits.
Additional functions of vitamins
Folate collaborates with vitamin B12 to aid in the formation of red blood cells and is required to create DNA, which regulates tissue development and cell function. Low folate levels are associated with birth abnormalities such as spina bifida; thus, pregnant women should make cautious about consuming adequate folate. Numerous foods are now enriched with folic acid, a type of folate. Pantothenic acid, generally known as vitamin B5, is important for food metabolism and has a role in creating hormones and cholesterol. Riboflavin, often known as vitamin B2, is essential for developing and synthesising red blood cells. Thiamine, often known as vitamin B1, assists cells in converting carbohydrates into energy. Carbohydrate consumption is crucial during pregnancy and lactation, as well as for heart health and nerve cell health. Choline aids in the regular operation of the brain and neurological system, and its deficiency may induce liver enlargement. Carnitine assists the body in converting fatty acids into energy. Consuming insufficient amounts of whole grains, lentils, beans, vegetables, fruits, and fortified dairy products might raise the chance of developing health issues such as heart disease, cancer, and poor bone health (also known as osteoporosis). The functions of vitamins comprise serving as antioxidants and boosting the metabolism. An antioxidant is a substance that inhibits the activity of free radicals, which exist innately in the body; free radicals may harm cells of the human body, contributing to cancer.
