Introduction to Vitamins

Introduction to Vitamins

• Vitamins are essential nutrients that the body needs in small quantities.
• They cannot be synthesized by the organism
• Vitamins are needed for metabolism, health protection, and proper growth, especially in children
• Vitamins aid in creating hormones, blood cells, nervous system chemicals, and genetic material
• The diverse vitamins are not chemically related, but most influence physiological actions
• Vitamins generally act as catalysts by combining with proteins to form metabolically active enzymes.
• These enzymes facilitate hundreds of chemical reactions in the body
• Many bodily reactions would slow or stop without vitamins
• A balanced intake of vitamins helps maintain proper growth and health
• Prioritizing time and a balanced approach to vitamin intake are essential for maintaining homeostasis
• Homeostasis is important for supplementary protection against infections
• Balance involves making time for important things and minimizing health risks
• Intentionally prioritizing what matters most is necessary for health, maintaining a balance in supplement absorption

Water-Soluble Vitamins

• Thiamine (Vitamin B1) is converted into thiamine pyrophosphate.
• Niacin becomes Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+).
• Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) turns into Flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and Flavin mononucleotide (FMN).
• Pantothenic acid is converted into Coenzyme A
• Pyridoxal, pyridoxine, and pyridoxamine (Vitamin B6) are all converted to pyridoxal phosphate.
• Cobalamin (Vitamin B12) goes to 5'-Deoxyadenosylcobalamin and Methylcobalamin.
• Biotin is converted into Biotin-lysine complexes (biocytin).
• Lipoic acid becomes Lipoyl-lysine complexes (lipoamide).
• Folic acid is converted into Tetrahydrofolate.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

• Fat-soluble vitamins are A, D, E, and K.
• They are absorbed with fats and can be stored
• They do not need to be consumed daily
• The body can only manufacture Vitamin D; all others must be obtained through diet
• Vitamin deficiencies cause different metabolic dysfunctions

Coenzymes and Biological Processes

• Water-soluble vitamins (except vitamin C) form coenzymes.
• Coenzymes are low-molecular-weight which give enzymes chemical functionality
• Coenzymes carry methyl and acyl groups
• A balanced diet provides the necessary vitamins people need

Vitamin Intake and Supplementation

• A balanced diet corrects vitamin deficiencies
• People on special diets, with intestinal disorders, or who are pregnant/lactating might need supplements to bolster their metabolism
• Vitamin supplements are thought to "cure" diseases like colds or cancer although the body eliminates most supplement preparations without absorbing them
• Excessive fat-soluble vitamins interfere with other vitamins and cause poisoning

Key Vitamin Concepts

• Vitamins are organic compounds that support growth and health in animals
• "Vitamines" were named by a Polish chemist in 1891.
• The "vita" means life.
• Original vitamins were thought to contain the amine group.
• The 'e' was dropped when essential substances weren't amines group
• Vitamin insufficiency leads to specific pathological conditions
• Vitamins are essential for regulating metabolism and energy transformation
• Vitamins act as both coenzymes and enzyme system parts

Vitamin Differences from Other Nutrients

• Vitamins are needed in smaller amounts than other nutrients
• Vitamins become inactive due to oxidation, heat, light, and alkalies
• Vitamins exist in an inactive form that's activated by irradiation or enzymes
• Provitamins are inactive forms, such as carotene becoming vitamin A and ergosterol becoming vitamin D

General Functions of Vitamins

• Vitamins support the metabolism of energy-bearing foods, minerals, and water
• Vitamins D, B1, B2, and niacin are involved in glucose metabolism's oxidation-reduction mechanism
• Vitamin D maintains phosphatase enzyme levels for glucose oxidation
• Riboflavin (B2) and niacin transport hydrogen in intermediate product oxidation
• Vitamin B1 or thiamine decarboxylates, splitting carbon dioxide from lactic and pyruvic acids
• Each vitamin addresses specific conditions; its presence prevents/cures the condition and absence causes it

Classification of Vitamins

• Vitamins are classified into fat-soluble and water-soluble
• Fat-soluble Vitamins:
  • Vitamin A (Anti-infective and anti-xeropthalmic)
  • Vitamin D (Antirachitic)
  • Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
  • Vitamin K (Antihemorrhagic factor)
• Water-soluble Vitamins:
  • Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)
  • Vitamin P (Citrin)
  • Vitamin B (Complex)

Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Vitamin A

• Vitamin A, or retinol, occurs as esters
• The aldehyde form is retinal or retinaldehyde
• Retinol is an isoprenoid molecule from isoprene
• Retinol comes directly from animal food or is synthesized from β-carotene from plants
• Once consumed, Vitamin A or β-carotene and their analogs are released through proteolytic enzymes
• The free carotenoids and retinyl esters then aggregate into fatty globules that subsequently go the duodenum
• Detergent actions of bile salts digest the globules into small aggregates
• These aggregates can be digested by pancreatic lipase, cholesteryl ester hydrolase, retinyl ester hydrolase, and similar enzymes
• The product compounds form mixed micelles containing the retinol, carotenoids, and other lipids for absorption
• Absorption occurs into mucosal cells in the intestinal tract
• Retinol is esterified and transported to the liver in a lipoprotein complex
• Retinal is accumulated by the rod and cone cells
• In the rods, retinol is oxidized by a specific retinol dehydrogenase to become all-trans retinal
• The resulting all-trans retinal is then converted to 11-cis-retinal by retinal isomerase
• Retinal forms a Schiff base with a lysine on opsin, to form light-sensitive rhodopsin
• Retinoic acid assists growth and differation, immune response, and embryonic development

Vitamin A Chemistry

• Vitamin A is pale yellow primary alcohol, with the molecular formula C20H29OH
• Vitamin A exists as retinol (A1) and dehydroretinol (A2)
• Vitamin A is formed from provitamins like alpha, beta, and gamma carotene, and cryptoxanthin
• It undergoes esterification with fatty acids, bile acids, and proteins
• Vitamin A, also known as anti-infective and anti-xeropthalmic vitamin
• Absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and carotenes relies on fat presence

Vitamin and Diet

• Vitamin A is soluble in fats and insoluble in water
• Unaffected by dilute alkalies and cid, stable to heat with no loss of activity even at 200 degrees F
• Vitamin A from animal products such as butter and milk
• Provitamin A sources include alpha, beta, and gamma carotenes, carotenes, and crystoxantine
• Hydrolyzed beta carotene yields two molecules of vitamin A, mainly in the liver and intestinal walls
• Provitamins are in yellow tubers and green leafy vegetables: tiesa, mongo, Spanish melon, fruits, camote, carrot, and gabi sweet leaves
• Vegetables have more provitamin A than fruits

Vitamin A Functions and Benefits

• Needed to maintain mucous membranes and epithelial cells
• Formation of rhodopsin pigment in the eye.
• Neutralizing free radicals due to antioxidant qualities
• Converting cholesterol into both female estrogens and male androgens.
• Increasing resistance to coughs, colds, and respiratory infections.
• Helping growth, strong bones, healthy skin, hair, teeth, and gums
• Treating acne, boils, and open ulcers externally
• Aiding in treating emphysema and hyperthyroidism

Vitamin A Absorption and Deficiencies

• Vitamin A is absorbed with water
• Provitamins like carotene are better absorbed with fat
• Keratinization or keratomalacia shrinks and hardens epithelial tissues in membranes of the eyes, skin, mouth and respiratory + gastro-intestinal tracts
• Xeropthalmia clouds the cornea, which prevents light transmission
• Night blindness or nyctalopia affects vision in semi-darkness due to visual purple (rhodopsin)
• Increased susceptibility to secondary respiratory infections
• Other Deficiency Signs: brittle nails, cirrhosis, corneal ulcers, diarrhea, aged skin, fatigue, reduced tearing, smell loss, appetite loss, obstruction of bile ducts, ulcerative colitis, poor tooth enamel, weight loss

Drug Interactions and Absorption of Vitamin A

• Factors interfering with vitamin A absorption: strenuous physical activity close to consumption, consumption of mineral oil, excessive alcohol, iron, cortisone, and other drugs
• Polyunsaturated fatty acids with carotene cause destruction of carotene unless antioxidants are present
• Diabetics might be unable to convert carotene into provitamin A
• Gastrointestinal and liver disorders, infection and obstructed bile duct may limit vitamin A use
• Low-fat diet reduces bile in the intestine, causing vitamin A and carotene to be lost in feces
• Antacids reduce vitamin A absorption
• Anticoagulants increase chances of bleeding Cholestyramine and colestipol decrease vitamin A absorption
• Mineral oil, neomycin, sucralfate, and isioretinoin increase vitamin A toxicity
• Oral contraceptives increase vitamin A concentrations
• Excessive doses of vitamin E may deplete vitamin A reserves in the liver

Vitamin D Overview

• Ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3)
• Cholecalciferol is produced in animal skin
• It requires ultraviolet light on 7-dehydrocholesterol
• Light absorption induces photoisomerization + bond breakage, forms previtamin D3
• Spontaneous isomerization follows and yields vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol
• Ergocalciferol differs from cholecalciferol; it is produced through sunlight + ergosterol
• Because humans produce D3 from 7-dehydrocholesterol + sunlight, “vitamin D” was not strictly speaking a vitamin

Chemistry and Sources of Vitamin D

• Pure vitamin D is white and odorless crystals
• It is soluble in fat solvents like ether, alcohol, and chloroform but insoluble in water
• Vitamin D is stable with moderate heat, acids, alkalis, and oxidation
• Vitamin D is a sterol
• Cod liver oil is the most abundant source of vitamin D

Functions and Deficiencies of Vitamin D

• Phosphorus and calcium retention and bone formation
• Metabolism of magnesium and iron
• It raises the phosphorus level, while the parathyroid raises calcium levels
• Wound healing and the decomposition of calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth
• Rickets is a childhood disease due to inadequate intestinal absorption and kidney reabsorption of calcium and phosphate
• Inadequacies eventually lead to demineralization which results in symptoms that include bowlegs, knock-knees, curvature of the spine, and pelvic and thoracic deformities
• Osteomalacia is characterized by soft bones
• Defective tooth structure

Vitamin D Absorption

• Vitamin D absorption is possible with bile salts

Vitamin E: Chemistry and Sources

• Alpha tocopherol is the most active form of vitamin E
• It is a antioxidant - It protects the unsaturated fatty acids
• Low plasma alpha tocopherol, and high red blood cells show oxidative hemolysis
• Oily tocopherols are antioxidants that are utilized as their acetic and benzoic acid esters
• It is composed of eight tocopherols, of with alpha-tocopherol is the most effective.
• Synthetic alpha-tocopherol is light yellow oil that resists attempts to crystallize it at ordinary temperatures
• Vitamin E is the most stable vitamin
• It is unstable to ultraviolet light, oxygen, and oxidizing agents.
• Vitamin E is associated with unsaturated lipids in germ oils and leafy and yellow plants

Vitamin E Functions and Deficiencies

• It assists cell maturation and differentiation
• It is needed for normal embryonic growth in rats and mice
• Vitamin E assists prevention of muscular degeneration + abortion in women
• Vitamin E acts with vitamins A and D, preventing their oxidation, hence is an antioxidant
• Also considered assist in the body’s slowdown of the aging process + cure blood clots, heart disorders, arthritis, skin blemishes, burns + wounds
• Vitamin E aids in the absorption of lipids and vitamin A
• It acts as a diuretic
• It can help to destruction of red blood cells, muscle degeneration, some anemias, and reproductive disorders.

Vitamin K Chemistry and Sources

• Blood clotting for animals and treated humans with coumadin-type anticoagulants + inactive prothrombin
• 1920s: Chicks fed nonpolar solvents bleed longer period.
• Antihemorrhagic factor is a new fat-soluble that was later called vitamin K
• Vitamin K forms: K1 (Phytonadione), K2 (farmoquinone), K3 (menadione
• Pure vitamin K is light yellow solid or powder
• It is sensitive to light and affected by alkalis
• Certain microorganisms and fishmeal

Vitamin K Functions and Deficiencies

• Maintaining normal blood coagulation
• Synthesizing prothrombin in the liver
• Vitamin K, acts like a bacteriostatic agent
• Preventing internal bleeding and hemorrhages
• Deficiencies results in abnormal bleeding and increased blood clotting time

Vitamin C Chemistry and Sources

• L-Ascorbic Acid, also known as vitamin C, has the simplest chemical structure of all the vitamins
• It is located in the animal and plant kingdoms, and only a few vertebrates
• Vitamin C, otherwise known as Ascorbic acid, is the reducing agent
• It is a hexose derivative
• Unstable vitamins, especially in aqueous solutions
• It is easily oxidizes and has reduces properties
• In alkaline solution, metals catalyze it oxidation
• Fresh fruits and vegetables

Vitamin C Functions and Deficiencies

• Its importance includes the creation and the formation of the intercellular substances with cells of the body,
• Resistance against infections
• Healing Wounds
• Its aids in the harmful detoxification
• Proper adrenal cortex utilization
• The lack of the specific vitamin results in diseases

Vitamin P Chemistry and Sources

• Believed, that it is a mixture consisting of the two with, glucosides
• It forms an association with citrin, rutin, and hesperidin, and with flavones and flavonals
• Vitamin P in the citrus peels and juice and in tabacos that aren’t cured

Vitamin P Functions and Deficiencies

• Decreases the capillaries and tendency
• Destroys the radiation sickness that are dangerous for patients- The results include, the animals in the vitamin survive more
• Oxidation is not a problem with the protection
• Strengthens the body

Vitamin B Complex Components

• These are the identified members:

  • Thiamine or vitamin B1 = Anti-beriberi factor
  • Riboflavin or vitamin B2 = Anticheilosis factor
  • Niacin B3 = Antipellagra factor
  • Choline B4 = growth and lactation factor
  • Pantothenic acid = antidermatitis factor
  • Pyrodixine or vitamin B6 = antiacrodynia factor
  • Biotin =Factor of injuring eggs
  • Inositol = alopecia factor
  • Folic acid = antimacrocytic anemia factor
  • Vitamin B12 = antipernicious anemia factor
  • Para-amino-benzoic (PABA) - factor of the increase

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

• Thiamine is a component of a thiazole that is substituted with a pyrimidine
• This helps with a coezyme and a methylene bridge in the reasctions

Vitamin B1 Chemistry and Sources

• Thiamine has been produced and isolated with nonordous and whiteness when in crystals, soluble H2O
• It is widely available in grains form food and from rice to yeast.
• It is also prepared with the formula R. R. Williams.
• It is compounded, it’s found because of 2 ring components

Vitamin B1 Functions and Deficiencies

• The diseases include protecting from nerves
• Carbohydrates can be broken down for energy
• Increasing digestion and promote digestive action
• The insulin that controls the adrenal and thyroid gland can be broken down

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

• Riboflavin is a important constituituent

Vitamin B2 History and Chemistry

• Isolated in 1879
• The structure has the yellow that creates the main component that is flavin

Vitamin B2: Functions and Sources

• It is a hydrogen acceptor to help carboyhydryates for respiration
• Absorption happens in the intestines
• It controls enzymes and other minerals
• Growth can be created by light adoption

VItamin B2- Deficiencies

• It helps develop corners in the mouth or corners
• It is made with the same effects through animals

Vitamin B3 Overview

• Two important components: nicotinamde adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) + phosphate (NADP+) with NADPH

Chemistry of Vitamin B3

• Alkaloi to reduce acid
• This is the most important for energy creation
• It is stable to light and dilute

Vitamin B3 Sources and Deficiencies

• Meat, whole bread,yeast, kidney, fish, eggs, white poultry
• A lack results in conditions
• The deficiency include toungue irritation
• Nicotinic deficieny includes dogs with the condition “black toungue.”

Vitamin B4 Overview

• Choline is a alkaline substance that is commonly stable and composed with hydrozide

Chemistry of Vitamin B4

• It is an absorber of hyrospic liquid, and co2
• Used to create memory with the brain and to protect variation of the brain

Vitamin B4 Functions and Deficiencies

• This allows transportation of fats that are important for the body
• Its used to help the blood to flow with creatiine
• Help in the aiding process to send nerve impulses

Vitamin B5 Overview

• The composition is from Co A

Vitamin B5 History

• Is commonly consumed in food
• The bio chem is from Lippmann

Chemistry of Vitamin B5

• Nitrogen carbon chains and oxygen levels
• Calcium can form with microganisms

Vitamin B5 Functions and Deficiencies

• Creates and controls normal skin
• Can create acetylcholine
• Causes less toxic effects and side effects

Vitamin B6 Overview

• Bioactive form of nutrition
• Co enzyme has the ability to participate under a broad circumstance

Vitamin B6 Background and Chemistry

• This causes skins conditions
• Compunds that are heteroalcyitc has the possibility that can occur in the skin
• It includes liver, eggs, milk , beef

Vitamin B7 Summary

• It helps as the transfer for the carboxly reaction
• Creates residue through inzymatic process

Vitamin B8 Overview

• Biotin is a material for yest and required
• Yolk contains high levels of biotin (h)
• Protein contains avidin and sequencing biotin

More About Vitamin B8

• This helps stabilize the heat to alkalis
• C02 helps to catalize and create a better higher plant
• helps to create Gray and help treatment

Vitamin B2 Overview

• Its known as the Alopecia Factor -It forms nervous systems with alcohol and ether

Vitamin Functions and Deficiencies

• It helps reduce Chosetrol levels in the body
• AId hair prevention and healthy skin

Vitamin B13 Actions

• Acceptor for donors (folaes) and carbons
• THFS by DHR by redustase
• Green vegetables

Chemistry and Deficiencies

• It helps dissolve and made of pigments
  • More stable
  • Ultra voilet helps

VItamin K Functions and Deficiencies

• Synthesis by PAA
  • Nutrition can be a problem but it can resolve

Vitamin B12 Facts

• Injections induced
  • Can result animals