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Vitamins: Discovering Their Origins, Functions, Deficiencies, Liposoluble, Hydrosoluble Aspects

Vitamins are essential nutrients your body requires to function optimally. They play diverse roles, and their discovery has revolutionized our understanding of nutrition and health. Let's delve into this fascinating subject by exploring each of these subcategories.

Origin of Vitamins

The term 'vitamin' was coined in 1912 when British scientist Funk suggested that certain food components, necessary in small quantities, prevented deficiency diseases like scurvy and beriberi. These discoveries led scientists down a path of exploration to identify the various vitamins required by humans and animals. Today, we know there are 13 essential vitamins: four fat-soluble (A, D, E, K) and nine water-soluble (C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, folate, B12, choline).

Roles of Vitamins

These micronutrients serve various functions within cells, including acting as antioxidants, facilitating chemical reactions, regulating gene expression, maintaining cell structure, and supporting immune responses. For example, vitamin A is vital for vision, skin integrity, reproduction, and healthy bones; while vitamin C plays critical roles in collagen synthesis and supports immune defense mechanisms.

Avitaminoses

Avitaminosis refers to the insufficient intake of specific vitamins leading to clinical symptoms associated with their deficiency. For instance, vitamin C deficiency produces Scurvy – characterized by bleeding gums, poor wound healing, and joint pain. Although considered rare in developed countries today due to dietary awareness, avitaminoses remain crucial issues in developing nations where access to balanced diets may be limited.

Vitamins: Liposoluble vs. Hydrosoluble

Liposoluble vitamins (fat-soluble):

• Vitamin A (retinol) – vital for eye health, growth, and development
• Vitamin D (cholecalciferol) – regulates calcium absorption from the gut, promoting bone strength and general wellbeing
• Vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols) – acts as an antioxidant protecting membranes and other lipids against oxidative damage
• Vitamin K (phylloquinone and menaquinones) – involved in blood clotting and bone metabolism

Hydrosoluble vitamins (water-soluble):

• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) – key for immune system support, iron absorption promotion, and connective tissue formation
• Thiamin (B1) – converts carbohydrates into energy
• Riboflavin (B2) – helps convert food into cellular energy
• Niacin (B3) – crucial for nerve function, growth, and digestion
• Pantothenic Acid (B5) – supports the production of hormones, cholesterol, and hemoglobin
• Biotin (B7) – assists in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism
• Folate (Folate, Folic Acid) – important during rapid cell division, such as pregnancy and infancy
• Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) – essential for neurological function and DNA synthesis
• Choline – supports liver function, brain development, and muscle movement

In summary, vitamins possess a rich history, instrumental physiological effects, and varying solubility properties. Exploring their origins, roles, and underlying mechanisms deepens our appreciation for these indispensable micronutrients and inspires us all to consume healthy, balanced diets and maintain optimal overall health.