Vitamins: A and B Complex Overview

Vitamin A (Retinol and Carotenoids)

• Essential for night vision and maintaining healthy skin and hair.
• Supports the development of strong bones and teeth.
• Deficiency leads to conditions such as xerophthalmia and follicular hyperkeratosis.
• Toxicity symptoms include liver damage, headache, vomiting, vision problems, and hair loss.
• Additional issues from toxicity may include constipation, loss of appetite, sleep disorders, dry mucous membranes, and birth defects.

Vitamin B Complex

• Comprises B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic Acid), B6 (Pyridoxine), B12 (Cobalamin), Folic Acid, and Biotin.
• Crucial for energy production and muscle contraction.
• Supports brain, nerve, and muscle function.

Specific Vitamins and Related Deficiencies/Toxicity

• B1 (Thiamine): Deficiency causes beriberi (infantile and wet/dry forms).
• B2 (Riboflavin): Deficiency manifests as tissue changes in the eyes, mouth, and tongue.
• B3 (Niacin): Deficiency leads to pellagra, characterized by skin changes, anorexia, and digestive issues.
• B6 (Pyridoxine): Rare deficiency in adults but can cause irritability and anemia in infants.
• B5 (Pantothenic Acid): Deficiency symptoms include insomnia and muscle cramps.
• B12 (Cobalamin): Deficiency results in demyelination of spinal cord nerve fibers and pernicious anemia.

Vitamin C

• Key for healing wounds and maintaining the health of bones, teeth, and blood vessels.
• Plays a role in bolstering the immune system.
• Deficiency results in scurvy, pallor, weakness, and irritability.
• Rich food sources include citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli, tomatoes, and potatoes.

Vitamin D (Calciferol)

• Facilitates the use of calcium and phosphorus in the body.
• Vital for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth.
• Deficiency can lead to tetany, rickets, and osteomalacia; associated with delayed closure of fontanels in infants.
• Toxicity may cause hypercalcemia, renal damage, uremia, and bone demineralization.
• Common sources include milk, egg yolks, salmon, liver, and sunlight exposure.

Vitamin E (Tocopherol)

• Important for the formation of red blood cells and muscle tissues.
• Deficiency may lead to red blood cell hemolysis.
• Found in whole grains, bread, dry beans, nuts, vegetable oils, margarine, and liver.

Vitamin K (Phylloquinone, Menadione)

• Crucial for blood clotting processes.
• Deficiency in newborns can result in hemorrhagic disease; adults may experience delayed blood clotting.
• Toxicity issues can include kernicterus and hemolysis.
• Food sources include green leafy vegetables and certain oils.