VITAMINS

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VITAMINS What is covered in this course?  Introduction to vitamins  Composition of vitamins  Classification of vitamins  Fat soluble vitamins: structure and functions  Water solu... ble vitamins and functions  Coenzymes and functions INTRODUCTION TO VITAMINS  Vitamins are organic compounds required by the body in small amounts for metabolism (assist in oxidation of biological molecules), for protection (antioxidants directly or indirectly: E, C, A, B2), for maintenance of health and proper growth.  Vitamins also assist in the formation of hormones, blood vessels, nervous system chemicals and genetic materials  They generally act as catalysts (cofactors), combining with proteins to create metabolically active enzymes that are essential for biological reactions (Without enzymes, many of the reactions essential to life would slow down or cease)  They cannot be synthesized by the body. Must be obtained by outside sources like diet, rumen of bacteria & sun. COMPOSITION OF VITAMINS Vitamins are of different chemical nature - alcohols, aldehydes, organic acids, their derivatives and nucleotide derivatives CLASSIFICATION OF VITAMINS – Vitamins are classified according to their ability to be absorbed in fat or water 1. Fat Soluble Vitamins:  These are oily and hydrophobic compounds  They are stored in the fatty tissues: adipose, muscles, liver and not excreted out of the body. Well retained in the body.  Bile salts and fats are needed for their absorption.  Vitamins A,D,E and K are fat soluble 2. Water Soluble Vitamins:  Vitamin B complex (B3, B1, B2, B6 & B12, Niacin, Folic Acid) and Viamin C are water soluble.  They are required daily in small amounts hence not stored in the body.  Only vitamin B12 and B9 are retained and stored at significant level in the body VITAMIN A Vitamin A is a pale yellow primary alcohol derived from carotene. [Show More]

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