Hormones, Vitamins and Enzymes role in health
You can learn Hormones, Vitamins and Enzymes roles in health
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After completing this unit, You will be able to :
- explain the types Vitamins and its uses
- appreciate the hormones and its functions
- describe the role of enzymes
2. Vitamines
2.1. Vitamins Types, Functions & Deficiencies
Vitamins: These are specific organic compounds required in small amounts by men, animals, bacteria and micro organisms for the maintenance and normal growth of life in addition to carbohydrates, proteins, fats, inorganic mineral salts and water.
Lack of vitamins may cause a number of diseases in man. Vitamins are classified as fat soluble vitamins and water soluble vitamins. Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat soluble, B-complex and Vitamin C are water soluble. Vitamins are co-enzymes in nature.
| Vitamin | Function | Deficiencies Can Lead To | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | Needed by the body to process lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates Coenzyme removes CO2 from organic compounds | Muscle weakness, Beriberi: reduced heart function, CNS problems | Milk, meat, dried beans, whole grains |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | Takes an active role in metabolism, aiding in the conversion of food to energy (FAD and FMN) | Cracks or sores on the outer surface of the lips (cheliosis); inflammation and redness of the tongue; moist, scaly skin inflammation (seborrheic dermatitis) | Meat, eggs, enriched grains, vegetables |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | Used by the body to release energy from carbohydrates and to process alcohol; required for the synthesis of sex hormones; component of coenzyme NAD+ and NADP+ | Pellagra, which can result in dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and death | Meat, eggs, grains, nuts, potatoes |
| Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) | Assists in producing energy from foods (lipids, in particular); component of coenzyme A | Fatigue, poor coordination, retarded growth, numbness, tingling of hands and feet | Meat, whole grains, milk, fruits, vegetables |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) | The principal vitamin for processing amino acids and lipids; also helps convert nutrients into energy | Irritability, depression, confusion, mouth sores or ulcers, anemia, muscular twitching | Meat, dairy products, whole grains, orange juice |
| Vitamin B7 (Biotin) | Used in energy and amino acid metabolism, fat synthesis, and fat breakdown; helps the body use blood sugar | Hair loss, dermatitis, depression, numbness and tingling in the extremities; neuromuscular disorders | Meat, eggs, legumes and other vegetables |
| Vitamin B9 (Folic acid) | Assists the normal development of cells, especially during fetal development; helps metabolize nucleic and amino acids | Deficiency during pregnancy is associated with birth defects, such as neural tube defects and anemia | Leafy green vegetables, whole wheat, fruits, nuts, legumes |
| Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) | Maintains healthy nervous system and assists with blood cell formation; coenzyme in nucleic acid metabolism | Anemia, neurological disorders, numbness, loss of balance | Meat, eggs, animal products |
| Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) | Helps maintain connective tissue: bone, cartilage, and dentin; boosts the immune system | Scurvy, which results in bleeding, hair and tooth loss; joint pain and swelling; delayed wound healing | Citrus fruits, broccoli, tomatoes, red sweet bell peppers |
| Vitamin | Function | Deficiencies Can Lead To | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A (Retinol) | Critical to the development of bones, teeth, and skin; helps maintain eyesight, enhances the immune system, fetal development, gene expression | Night-blindness, skin disorders, impaired immunity | Dark green leafy vegetables, yellow-orange vegetables fruits, milk, butter |
| Vitamin D | Critical for calcium absorption for bone development and strength; maintains a stable nervous system; maintains a normal and strong heartbeat; helps in blood clotting | Rickets, osteomalacia, immunity | Cod liver oil, milk, egg yolk |
| Vitamin E (Tocopherol) | Lessens oxidative damage of cells,and prevents lung damage from pollutants; vital to the immune system | Deficiency is rare; anemia, nervous system degeneration | Wheat germ oil, unrefined vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, grains |
| Vitamin K (Phylloquinone) | Essential to blood clotting | Bleeding and easy bruising | Leafy green vegetables, tea |
Source: "15.2 Nutrition and Energy Production" by Charles Molnar and Jane Gair is licensed under CC BY 4.0
https://opentextbc.ca/biology/chapter/15-2-nutrition-and-energy-production/