Vitamins are organic substances the body needs in small amounts for good health. Their names, sources and deficiency diseases are among the most frequently asked exam facts.
Fat-Soluble and Water-Soluble Vitamins
- Fat-soluble: Vitamins A, D, E and K. Stored in the body.
- Water-soluble: Vitamins B and C. Not stored, needed daily.
Chemical Names
- Vitamin A = Retinol
- Vitamin B1 = Thiamine
- Vitamin C = Ascorbic acid
- Vitamin D = Calciferol
- Vitamin E = Tocopherol
- Vitamin K = Phylloquinone
Deficiency Diseases
- Vitamin A: Night blindness.
- Vitamin B1: Beriberi.
- Vitamin C: Scurvy.
- Vitamin D: Rickets (children) and osteomalacia (adults).
- Vitamin K: poor blood clotting.
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Sources
Vitamin A is found in carrots and green vegetables. Vitamin C is in citrus fruits like amla and lemon. Vitamin D is made in skin by sunlight. B vitamins come from whole grains and pulses.
Important Facts
Vitamin D is called the sunshine vitamin. Vitamin K helps blood to clot. Vitamins were named by Casimir Funk.
Quick Revision Points
- Vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy.
- Vitamin D deficiency causes rickets.
- Vitamin A deficiency causes night blindness.
- Vitamin C = ascorbic acid.
- Vitamins A, D, E, K are fat-soluble.
- Vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin.
- Vitamin K helps in blood clotting.