vitamins

▪ Table

The vitamins

vitamin alternative names/forms biological function symptoms of deficiency

Water-soluble

thiamin vitamin B₁ component of a coenzyme in carbohydrate metabolism; supports normal nerve function impairment of the nerves and heart muscle wasting

riboflavin vitamin B₂ component of coenzymes required for energy production and lipid, vitamin, mineral, and drug metabolism; antioxidant inflammation of the skin, tongue, and lips; ocular disturbances; nervous symptoms

niacin nicotinic acid, nicotinamide component of coenzymes used broadly in cellular metabolism, oxidation of fuel molecules, and fatty acid and steroid synthesis skin lesions, gastrointestinal disturbances, nervous symptoms

6 (vitamin B6) pyridoxine, pyridoxal, pyridoxamine component of coenzymes in metabolism of amino acids and other nitrogen-containing compounds; synthesis of hemoglobin, neurotransmitters; regulation of blood glucose levels dermatitis, mental depression, confusion, convulsions, anemia

folic acid folate, folacin,

pteroylglutamic acid component of coenzymes in DNA synthesis, metabolism of amino acids; required for cell division, maturation of red blood cells impaired formation of red blood cells, weakness, irritability, headache, palpitations, inflammation of mouth, neural tube defects in fetus

12 (vitamin B12) cobalamin, cyanocobalamin cofactor for enzymes in metabolism of amino acids (including folic acid) and fatty acids; required for new cell synthesis, normal blood formation, and neurological function smoothness of the tongue, gastrointestinal disturbances, nervous symptoms

pantothenic acid as component of coenzyme A, essential for metabolism of carbohydrate, protein, and fat; cofactor for elongation of fatty acids weakness, gastrointestinal disturbances, nervous symptoms, fatigue, sleep disturbances, restlessness, nausea

biotin cofactor in carbohydrate, fatty acid, and amino acid metabolism dermatitis, hair loss, conjunctivitis, neurological symptoms

vitamin C ascorbic acid antioxidant; synthesis of collagen, carnitine, amino acids, and hormones; immune function; enhances absorption of non-heme iron (from plant foods) swollen and bleeding gums, soreness and stiffness of the joints and lower extremities, bleeding under the skin and in deep tissues, slow wound healing, anemia

Fat-soluble

vitamin A retinol, retinal, retinoic acid,

beta-carotene (plant version) normal vision, integrity of epithelial cells (mucous membranes and skin), reproduction, embryonic development, growth, immune response ocular disturbances leading to blindness, growth retardation, dry skin, diarrhea, vulnerability to infection

vitamin D calciferol, calatriol (1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D₁ or vitamin D hormone), cholecalciferol (D₃; plant version), ergocalciferol (D₂; animal version) maintenance of blood calcium and phosphorus levels, proper mineralization of bones defective bone growth in children, soft bones in adults

vitamin E alpha-tocopherol, tocopherol, tocotrienol antioxidant; interruption of free radical chain reactions; protection of polyunsaturated fatty acids, cell membranes peripheral neuropathy, breakdown of red blood cells

vitamin K phylloquinone, menaquinone, menadione, naphthoquinone synthesis of proteins involved in blood coagulation and bone metabolism impaired clotting of the blood and internal bleeding

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