Vitamin B6 and Coenzyme A

Coenzyme A

• Necessary for formation of glycogen, fatty acids, and steroid hormones
• Reduces stress, prevents tiredness
• Sources: whole grains, vegetables, eggs, liver, heart, yeast

Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)

• Converted to coenzyme pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) which is required in transamination of amino acids and decarboxylation of carboxylic acids
• Deficiency leads to dermatitis, fatigue, and anemia
• Sources: meat, fish, liver, vegetables, cereals, yolk, legumes
• Functions: amino acid and protein metabolism, cure of anemia, formation of red blood cells

Cobalamin (Vitamin B12)

• Consists of four pyrrole rings with a Co2+ ion
• Functions as coenzyme for enzymes that transfer methyl groups and produce red blood cells
• Deficiency leads to pernicious anemia and nerve damage
• Sources: dairy products, meat, poultry, sea products
• Functions: formation of red blood cells, maintenance of neuro tissue, cure of neuro diseases and anemia

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)

• Required for collagen synthesis
• Deficiency leads to weakened connective tissue, slow-healing wounds, and anemia
• Sources: Indian gooseberries, blueberries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, red and green vegetables
• Functions: collagen synthesis, infection resistance, cure of cuts

Vitamin A

• Obtained from meats and beta-carotenes in plants
• Functions: influences saccharide metabolism, helps against tiredness
• Sources: meats and beta-carotenes in plants

Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

• Part of the coenzyme thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP)
• Deficiency leads to beriberi (fatigue, weight loss, and nerve degeneration)
• Sources: yeasts, cereals, rice, liver, legumes
• Functions: influences saccharide metabolism, helps against tiredness

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

• Part of the coenzymes flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and flavin mononucleotide (FMN)
• Needed for good vision and healthy skin
• Sources: cereals, eggs, vegetables, dairy products, yeast, liver
• Functions: saccharide and lipid metabolism, curing of skin diseases, support of sight function

Niacin (Vitamin B3)

• Part of the coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)
• Deficiency leads to dermatitis, muscle fatigue, and loss of appetite
• Sources: meats, rice, and whole grains
• Functions: involved in oxidation-reduction reactions

Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)

• Part of coenzyme A needed for energy production
• Deficiency leads to fatigue, retarded growth, and anemia
• Sources: not specified

Vitamins

• Organic molecules with a wide variety of functions
• Cofactors for enzymatic reactions
• Essential, supplied in the diet
• Two distinct types: Fat-soluble (A, D, E, K) and Water-soluble (B-complex, C)
• Functions: improve immunity, prevent illnesses, slower aging

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

• A, D, E, and K
• Soluble in lipids, not in aqueous solutions
• Stored in the body
• Functions: vision, bone formation, antioxidants, and blood clotting