Vitamins

I. Definition:

A vitamin is an organic compound required as a nutrient in tiny amount by the body. The term vitamin was derived from “ vitamine” , a combined word from viral and amine , because it was suggested the organic micronutrient food factors which prevented beriberi and perhaps other similar dietary-deficiency disease, might be chemical amines. Today a chemical compound is called a vitamin when it can not be synthesized in sufficient quantities by an organism, and must be obtained from the diet.

II. Different types of Vitamins and their roles:

Vitamin A

vitamin A is found only in foods of animal origin, some fruits and vegetables contain compounds, called cartenoids, that can be converted into vitamin A by your body. Food sources of preformed vitamin A include calf liver, milk, and eggs.

Vitamin A helps to regulate the immune system, which helps to prevent or repel the injuries and that the production of white blood cells ,helps lymphocytes, and is a type of white blood cells to fight infections more efficiently.
Vitamin E:

Found in fruits and vegetables and liver of animals and milk. Vitamin E helps to maintain the integrity of the skin, too, and mucous membranes, which also act as a deterrent to bacteria and viruses.

Vitamin D

Found in fish, liver and skin cells. The major biologic function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Calcium is a mineral in your body that makes up your bones and keeps them strong. Phosphorus is a mineral that helps maintain good teeth and bones and keep muscles and nerves working properly.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is found in spinach, lettuce, kale, cabbage, cauliflower, wheat bran, organ meats, cereals, some fruits, meats, dairy products, eggs. Vitamin K is necessary for normal blood clotting and synthesis of proteins found in plasma, bone, and kidneys.

Vitamin C   

Vitamin C is found in many fresh vegetables and fruits, such as broccoli, green and red peppers, collard greens, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, lemon, cabbage, pineapples, strawberries, citrus fruits.Vitamin C is an antioxidant vitamin needed for the formation of collagen to hold the cells together and for healthy teeth, gums and blood vessels;  it improves iron absorption and it is resistance to infection.