LOC102724659
Description:
Vitamins are essential nutrients that the body cannot produce on its own. They must be obtained from food sources or supplements. Vitamins play a crucial role in various bodily functions, including metabolism, immune function, and cognitive health. There are two main types of vitamins: water-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins.
- Water-soluble vitamins: These vitamins dissolve in water and are easily absorbed and excreted by the body. They include vitamin C, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B7 (biotin), and vitamin B9 (folic acid).
- Fat-soluble vitamins: These vitamins dissolve in fat and are stored in the body's fatty tissues. They include vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K.
Associated Diseases:
Deficiencies in vitamins can lead to various health problems. Some common diseases associated with vitamin deficiencies include:
- Scurvy: A disease caused by vitamin C deficiency, leading to fatigue, swollen gums, skin rashes, and impaired wound healing.
- Beriberi: A disease caused by vitamin B1 deficiency, resulting in weight loss, muscle weakness, heart failure, and nerve damage.
- Pellagra: A disease caused by vitamin B3 deficiency, characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and death if left untreated.
- Night blindness: A condition caused by vitamin A deficiency, affecting vision in low light.
- Osteoporosis: A condition where bones become weak and brittle, often associated with vitamin D deficiency.
Did you Know ?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated two billion people worldwide suffer from vitamin deficiencies.
