for BSc students of biological sciences

1. VITAMINS
Sardar Hussain,,Asst.Prof.Biotechnology,Govt.Science College,Cta.
sardar1109@gmail.com

2. Introduction:
 Vitamins may be regarded as organic
compounds required in the diet in small
amounts to perform specific biological
functions for normal maintainance of optimum
growth and heath of an organism.
 Hopkins coined the term ‘accesory factors’ to
the unknown and essential nutrients present in
the natural foods.
 Funk in 1913 isolated an active principle (an
amine) from the rice polishing and later in
yeast, which could cure beri-beri in pigeons.

3. Classification:
Mainly classified as
1) Fat soluble - includes Vit. A,D,E,K
2) Water soluble- further classified as,
a) Non- B complex
i) Vit. C
b) B complex
i) Energy releasing – includes B1,B2,B3,B6,B7 and
Pantethonic acid
ii) Hematopoietic – includes Vit. B12 and folic acid

4. Fat Soluble Vitamins
 Fat soluble vitamins include: A and carotenoids, E, K, D
 Associated with fat absorption.
 Needed in small amounts.
 Stored in fatty tissues.
 Excess intake has toxic consequences.

5. 3 forms in the body-retinol,retinal,retinoic acid
collectively known as retinoids
– found in food derived from animals
Retinol, the alcohol form Retinal, the aldehyde form Retinoic acid, the acid form
Beta-carotene, a precursor
Cleavage at this point can
yield two molecules of vitamin A*
Vitamin A:

6.  precursor: beta-carotene
 derived from plant foods
 can split and form retinol in intestine and liver
 promote vision
 maintain epithelial tissue and skin
 mucous membranes
 support reproduction and growth
 sperm development
 fetal development
 deficiency
 infectious disease-pneumonia, measles, diarrhea
 Keratinization -dry, rough, scaly skin
 night blindness

7. • Deficiency leads to night blindness
• Toxicity
– yellow skin: too much beta-carotene
• excess stored under skin in fat
– weaken bones
• Found in
– colorful vegetables
– Liver, kidney, egg yolk
– milk, cheese, butter
– Carrot, pumpkin, mango
– papaya, spinach

8. Deficiency:
• increased morbidity in children under age 5 with no evident
clinical signs of deficiency
• Signs, when present include xeropthalmia, anorexia,
retarded growth, increased susceptibility to infections,
enlargement of hair follicle, and keratinization of epithelial
(mucous cells) of the skin.
Toxicity:
• Hypervitaminosis A
• Nausea, vomiting, double
vision, headache,
dizziness, and
desquamation of the skin

10. Body can make
– from sunlight
– precursor made from cholesterol
• Production occurs in liver and kidney
– diseases can affect activation
• target tissue
– intestines, kidneys, bones
• Part of the bone-making/maintenance team
– maintains blood concentrations of Ca & P
• Deficiencies
– ultimately creates a calcium deficiency
VITAMIN D

11. Vitamin D

12. • Toxicity
– most common in vitamin D
– excess vitamin D = increase in blood calcium =
stones or hardening of blood vessels
• sources
– fortified food: milk, margarine, cereals, beef, eggs

15.  antioxidant
 defender against free radicals
 polyunsaturated fatty acids
 may reduce the risk of heart disease
 Deficiencies are rare
 erythrocyte hemolysis
 widespread in food
 easily destroyed by heat processing

18. VITAMIN-K
 aids in blood clotting
 deficiency causes hemorrhagic disease
 toxicity
 not common
 sources
 made by bacteria in GI tract
 absorbed and stored in liver
 ½ of needs
 liver is also high in vitamin K

22. Vitamin C: (Ascorbic acid)
 Dietary sources: citrus fruits, amla , guava, green
vegetables(Cabbage, spinach) , tomatoes, potatoes.
 Biochemical functions:
 Collagen formation
 bone formation
 iron and hemoglobin metabolism
 tryptophan metabolism
 reduces risk of cataract
 increase phagocytic action of leucocyte


25. Deficiency
 Scurvy
 characterised by spongy and sore gums, loose teeth ,
anaemia, swollen joints, fragile blood vessels,
decreased immunocompetency, delayed wound
healing, hemorrhage, osteoporosis etc.

27. Water Soluble Vitamins!

28. Muscles and
other tissues
metabolize
protein.
Brain and
other tissues
metabolize
carbohydrates.
Bone tissues
make new
blood cells.
Liver and other
tissues
metabolize fat.
Digestive
tract
lining
replaces
its cells.

29. The B Vitamins Coenzymes

34. Niacin-B3
 Chief functions in the body
 Part of coenzymes NAD (nicotinamide adenine
dinucleotide) and NADP (its phosphate form) used in
energy metabolism
 Toxicity symptoms
 Painful flush, hives, and rash (“niacin flush”)
 Excessive sweating
 Blurred vision
 Liver damage, impaired glucose tolerance

41. FAT SOLUBLE VS WATER SOLUBLE
VITAMINS