In this series, we are going to enlighten you broadly about Vitamins and Supplements. Vitamins are organic compounds, which are required by the human body to survive and perform different tasks. They carry out duties such as supporting general health, growth and nutrition. They also can act as catalysts in various chemical and biological processes our body performs. Deficiency of them may lead to several diseases and/or complications to our health. They are each required in different amounts to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Vitamins are divided into two types, namely, water-soluble and fat-soluble. Both types of vitamins contain various families which are represented by capital letters such as A, B, C, D, E and K. Due to the different structures of each family, almost all of them are unique to each other and perform various different tasks to ensure the functionality of the human body. Let us now discuss some of the essentials our bodies require, by detailing their importance and use.
- Vitamin A: This vitamin belong to a family of compounds, which helps improve skin, bone growth, vision, reproduction, cell differentiation and cell division. Due to its ability to improve cellular health, it plays vital role in the of heart, lungs, kidneys, eyes and other such important organs.
Importance:
- It is very important for vision because it creates the pigments in the retina of the eye
- It is important for skin repair and skin growth
Uses:
- It lowers the risk of cataracts
- It can reduce the risk of Breast Cancer
- It decreases Malaria symptoms in children less than three years old
- Folic Acid (Vitamin B9): Being a synthetic form of Vitamin B9, Folic acid is found in supplements and fortified foods. It is an important factor in the making of nucleic acid, including DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).
Importance:
- It produces healthy red blood cells
- It promotes brain health
- It helps to make and repair DNA and RNA
- It is found to be very important for pregnant women
- Promotes proper development of baby’s spine or brain
Uses:
- It prevents and improve folate deficiency which itself prevents anemia
- Lowers homocysteine levels which are highly dangers for patients with kidney diseases
- Can reduce nausea and vomiting
- Vitamin B6: Belonging to the family of B vitamins, known as B-complex vitamins, vitamin B6 can help our body metabolize proteins and fats in order to convert our food into energy.
Importance:
- It makes serotonin and norepinephrine, the neurotransmitters involved in mood
- It helps the body to make melatonin, which regulates our internal clock
- Vital for proper brain function and development
Uses:
- Prevents seizures in infants
- Just like Folic acid, it lowers homocysteine levels to reduce the risk of heart disease
- It prevents sideroblastic anemia
- Vitamin B12: Another vitamin from the B vitamin family, vitamin B12 is a vital vitamin that is important for metabolic functions, maintaining healthy cardiovascular and nervous system.
Importance:
- It helps improve heart health
- Supports bone growth and maintenance
Use:
- It improves the low red blood cells count
- Provides energy
- Vitamin D3: From the family of D vitamins, Vitamin D3 is essential for the functioning of calcium in your body and for the absorption of calcium in your stomach.
Importance:
- It helps to make bones strong
- Can lower high blood pressures
- It reduces the risk of diabetes and heart diseases
Uses:
- Prevents osteoporosis, a disease which softens the bones
