Classification of vitamins with examples | MPO Training 24
Discover the classification of vitamins with examples to better understand how
your body absorbs essential nutrients. Each vitamin plays a unique role in
maintaining your energy, immunity, and growth. Alongside this, explore the
major functions of minerals in the body, like how calcium supports bone health
and iron helps carry oxygen.
Learn how vitamins and minerals work together to keep your body strong and
balanced. This simple guide breaks down key nutritional facts in an
easy-to-read format. Whether you’re a Medical student, health enthusiast,
Nurse, or MPO, this post is helpful for all.
Table of contents: Classification of vitamins with examples | Major functions of minerals in the body
Take a look at everything you'll learn about vitamins and minerals from this
article-
Classification of vitamins with examples
The classification of vitamins with examples helps us group them into
fat-soluble and water-soluble types. Fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and
K are stored in the body’s fat tissues. Water-soluble vitamins like
B-complex and C dissolve in water and need regular intake.
For example, Vitamin C helps in healing, and Vitamin D supports bone health.
Knowing these groups makes it easier to choose the right foods. This simple
breakdown is useful for daily health decisions.
Let us now learn about all the vitamins step by step with examples. Then we
will learn about minerals.
Vitamins
Vitamins are nutrients that are organic compounds required in tiny amounts
for essential metabolic reactions in living organisms.
Primarily, they are 6 types of Vitamin - Vitamin A, B, C, D, E and K.
Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin exposed to ultra - violet light and
vitamin K is synthesized by intestinal flora.
Why are vitamins essential for the human body?
Vitamins are natural substances your body needs to stay healthy. They help
with energy, immunity, healing, and overall body functions.
What are the chemical names of vitamins?
| Name of the vitamin | Chemical Name |
|---|---|
| Vitamin A | Retinol |
| Vitamin B₁ | Thiamine |
| Vitamin B₂ | Riboflavin |
| Vitamin B₃ | Nicotinic acid/Niacin |
| Vitamin B₄ | Adenin |
| Vitamin B₅ | Pantothenic acid |
| Vitamin B₆ | Pyridoxin |
| Vitamin B₇ | Biotin |
| Vitamin B₉ | Folic acid |
| Vitamin B₁₂ | Cyanocobalamine |
| Vitamin C | Ascorbic acid |
| Vitamin D | Calciferol |
| Vitamin E | Tocopherol |
|
Vitamin K₁ |
Phylloquinone |
| Vitamin K₂ | Flaviquinone |
Classification of Vitamins
Vitamins can be classified on two basis -
- On the basis of solubility.
- On the basis of functions/mode of action.
On the basis of solubility: On the basis of solubility, the
vitamins are classified into 2 types.
They are:
- Fat soluble vitamins: Vitamin A, D, E, K.
- Water soluble vitamins: Vitamin B complex, C.
On the basis of functions/mode of action: On the basis of functions
/mode of action, vitamins are classified into 3 types.
They are:
- As coenzyme: Water soluble vitamins - B & C.
- As antioxidant: antioxidant: Vitamin C, E.
- As a hormone: Vitamin A, D.
Vitamin A properties and functions: Effects of deficiency-Daily requirement
Vitamin A (Chemical Name: Retinol)
Properties:
- Fat soluble, water insoluble
- Heat stable, in absence of air
- Easily destroyed in exposure to air / UV light
Functions:
- Essential for growth
- Essential for night vision
- Essential for the photoreceptor mechanism of the retina
- Prevents infection
Vitamin A effects of deficiency:
- Night blindness
- Keratinization of skin and mucous membrane
- Retardation of growth in children
- Defective growth of bone and teeth
Vitamin A daily requirement:
- For adults - 5000 i.u.
- For growing children, lactation and pregnancy - 6000-8000 i.u.
Vitamin A Sources/Distribution:
- Animal Source: Cod liver oil, Halibut liver oil, Milk, Butter, Egg, Fish.
- Vegetable Source: Carrot, Spinach, Vegetable oil, Yellow fruits, Mangoes, Tomatoes.
Vitamin B₁ properties and functions: Effects of deficiency-Daily requirement
Vitamin B₁ (Chemical Name: Thiamine)
Properties:
- Water soluble
- Heat labile
- Stable in acidic medium
Functions:
- Acts as a coenzyme.
- Helps in breaking down pyruvic acid and lactic acid and thus prevents accumulation in blood and tissues.
Vitamin B₁ Effects of Deficiency:
- Beri-beri
- Loss of appetite
- Atony (a state in which muscles are floppy, lacking their normal elasticity) of GIT
- Cardiac disorder
Vitamin B₁ daily requirement:
- About 1.2 to 1.5 mg/day.
Vitamin B₁ Sources/Distribution:
- Plant Sources: Cereals, Pulses, Nuts, Yeasts, Carrots, Lettuce.
- Animal Sources: Egg yolk.
Vitamin B₂ properties and functions: Effects of deficiency-Daily requirement
Vitamin B₂ (Chemical Name: Riboflavin):
Properties:
- Yellow crystals
- Soluble in water
- Heat stable neutral and acid media
- Destroyed by light
Functions:
- Essential for growth.
- Related to carbohydrate, fat, protein metabolism.
Vitamin B₂ Effects of Deficiency:
- Cheilosis
- Ulcer on lips
- Angular stomatitis
- Glossitis
- Photophobia
- Loss of hair
- Skin becomes dry and scaly
Vitamin B₂ daily Requirements:
- For adults - 1.5 to 1.8 mgm/day.
- Animal Sources: Milk, Liver, Kidney, Muscle.
- Vegetable Sources: Whole grains, Green leafy vegetables.
Vitamin B₃ properties and functions: Effects of deficiency-Daily requirement
Vitamin B₃ (Chemical Name: Niacin or Nicotinic Acid)
Properties:
- White crystalline powder.
- Soluble in water and alcohol.
- Heat stable.
- Stable in acidic and neutral media.
- Destroyed by strong alkali.
Functions:
- Helps in carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism.
- Important for healthy skin and nerves.
- Involved in energy production.
- Supports digestive system.
Vitamin B₃ Effects of Deficiency:
- Pellagra (characterized by the 3 Ds: Dermatitis, Diarrhea, Dementia)
- Glossitis
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability
- Mental confusion
- Rough and scaly skin
Vitamin B₃ Daily Requirements:
- For adults – 15 to 20 mg/day.
Vitamin B₃ Sources/Distribution:
- Animal Sources: Liver, Kidney, Meat, Fish, Eggs.
- Vegetable Sources: Whole grains, Groundnuts (peanuts), Legumes, Green leafy vegetables, Mushrooms.
Vitamin B₄ properties and functions: Effects of deficiency – Daily requirement
Vitamin B₄ (Chemical Name: Adenine or sometimes Choline – but not
officially recognized as a vitamin in modern science).
Note: Vitamin B₄ historically refers to Adenine, a purine base, or
Choline, depending on context. However, it's not classified as a true
vitamin anymore, as the human body can synthesize it.
Properties:
- White crystalline solid (Adenine)
- Soluble in water
- Heat stable
- Nitrogenous compound
- Found in DNA and RNA (Adenine is a nucleobase)
Functions:
- Component of DNA and RNA (as Adenine).
- Helps in protein synthesis and cell division.
- Plays role in energy production (ATP contains Adenine).
- Involved in liver function and fat metabolism (if considered as Choline).
Effects of Deficiency: (Though rare due to body's synthesis
capability)
- Liver dysfunction
- Fatty liver
- Growth retardation
- Memory problems (linked with choline deficiency)
- Nerve signaling issues
Vitamin B₄ daily requirements:
*No established RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance).
*For Choline (sometimes considered part of B₄):
- Adult males: ~550 mg/day
- Adult females: ~425 mg/day
Vitamin B₄ Sources/Distribution:
- Animal Sources: Liver, Eggs, Meat, Fish.
- Vegetable Sources: Cauliflower, Broccoli, Soybeans, Peanuts, Whole grains.
Vitamin B₅ properties and functions: Effects of deficiency – Daily requirement
Vitamin B₅ (Chemical Name: Pantothenic Acid):
Properties:
- Colorless, viscous oil.
- Soluble in water and alcohol.
- Stable in neutral and slightly acidic media.
- Destroyed by strong acids, bases, and heat during food processing.
Functions:
- Essential for the synthesis of coenzyme A (CoA).
- Involved in metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
- Plays a role in the synthesis of hormones and cholesterol.
- Important for healthy skin, nerves, and wound healing.
Vitamin B₅ Effects of Deficiency:
- Fatigue
- Numbness and tingling in hands and feet
- Muscle cramps
- Irritability
- Headache
- “Burning feet” syndrome (in severe deficiency)
Vitamin B₅ Daily Requirements:
- Adults – 5 mg/day (Adequate Intake as per most guidelines).
Vitamin B₅ Sources/Distribution:
- Animal Sources: Liver, kidney, egg yolk, fish, chicken.
- Vegetable Sources: Whole grains, legumes, broccoli, mushrooms, sweet potatoes.
Vitamin B₆ properties and functions: Effects of deficiency – Daily requirement
Vitamin B₆ (Chemical Name: Pyridoxine):
Properties:
- White crystals
- Soluble in water
- Heat stable in both acidic and basic solution
Functions:
- Acts as coenzyme.
- Related to the metabolism of unsaturated fatty acid.
- Helps in synthesis of fats from protein and carbohydrate.
Vitamin B₆ Effects of Deficiency:
- Peculiar dermatitis
- Weakness of muscle
- Difficulty in walking
Vitamin B₆ Daily Requirements:
- For adults - 1.3 - 1.7 mg/daily.
Vitamin B₆ Sources/Distribution:
- Animal Source: Liver, Egg yolk, Meat, Kidney, Yeast.
- Vegetable Sources: Bananas, potatoes, spinach, fortified cereals, whole grains, legumes.
Vitamin B₇ properties and functions: Effects of deficiency – Daily requirement
Vitamin B₇ (Chemical Name: Biotin)
Properties:
- White crystalline powder
- Water-soluble
- Stable to heat and light
- Destroyed by strong acids or alkalis
Functions:
- Acts as a coenzyme in carboxylation reactions.
- Essential for metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
- Helps maintain healthy skin, hair, and nails.
- Supports nervous system function.
Vitamin B₇ Effects of Deficiency:
- Dermatitis (inflammation of skin)
- Hair loss (alopecia)
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Neurological symptoms like tingling in the limbs
- Red rash around eyes, nose, and mouth
Vitamin B₇ Daily Requirements:
- For adults – 30 to 100 micrograms/day (µg/day).
Vitamin B₇ Sources/Distribution:
- Animal Sources: Egg yolk, Liver, Kidney, Milk, Cheese.
- Vegetable Sources: Nuts, Soybeans, Whole grains, Cauliflower, Mushrooms, Legumes.
Vitamin B₉ properties and functions: Effects of deficiency – Daily requirement
Vitamin B₉ (Chemical Name: Folic Acid/Folate)
Properties:
- Yellow-orange crystalline powder
- Water-soluble
- Heat-labile (easily destroyed by heat)
- Sensitive to light and oxygen
- Stable in acidic medium
Functions:
- Essential for DNA and RNA synthesis.
- Important for red blood cell formation.
- Crucial in fetal development and prevention of neural tube defects.
- Helps in protein metabolism.
- Supports proper brain function and mental health.
Vitamin B₉ Effects of Deficiency:
- Megaloblastic anemia
- Fatigue and weakness
- Irritability
- Poor growth
- Neural tube defects in newborns (e.g., spina bifida)
- Glossitis
- Diarrhea
Vitamin B₉ Daily Requirements:
- For adults – 400 micrograms/day (µg/day).
- Pregnant women – 600 micrograms/day.
Vitamin B₉ Sources/Distribution:
- Animal Sources: Liver, Kidney, Eggs.
- Vegetable Sources: Spinach, Broccoli, Asparagus, Legumes (lentils, beans), Citrus fruits, Whole grains, Fortified cereals.
Vitamin B₁₂ properties and functions: Effects of deficiency – Daily requirement
Vitamin B₁₂ (Chemical Name: Cyanocobalamin)
Properties:
- Red crystalline compound
- Water-soluble
- Heat stable
- Sensitive to light and strong acids
- Contains cobalt (only vitamin with a metal ion)
Functions:
- Essential for the formation and maturation of RBC.
- Essential in synthesis of nucleic acid.
- Increase the number of WBC and platelets through its function in the bone marrow.
- Maintains normal health of some part of nervous tissue.
Vitamin B₁₂ Effects of Deficiency:
- Megaloblastic anemia
- Fatigue and weakness
- Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
- Memory loss and confusion
- Depression
- Difficulty maintaining balance
- Neurological disorders (if prolonged deficiency)
Vitamin B₁₂ Daily Requirements:
- For adults - 2.4 mcg/day
Vitamin B₁₂ Sources/Distribution: Mostly absent in plant, all
animal types owe it.
- Animal Sources: Liver, Kidney, Fish, Meat, Eggs, Milk, Cheese, Beef extract.
- Vegetable Sources: Very limited — only found in fortified plant-based foods or supplements (e.g., fortified cereals, nutritional yeast, plant-based milks).
Vitamin C properties and functions: Effects of deficiency – Daily requirement
Vitamin C (Chemical Name: Ascorbic acid)
Properties:
- White crystals
- Water soluble
- Heat labile
- Easily oxidized at 100° C in pressure of oxygen
- Can't stand after cooking and canning
- Destroyed by alkali and copper salts
Functions:
- Regulates oxidation reduction reactions.
- Related to carbohydrate metabolism.
- Helps in production of insulin.
- Essential for the proper functioning of formative cells of various tissues.
- Acts as free radical scavenger.
Vitamin C Effects of Deficiency:
- Scurvy
- Malformation of bone and teeth
- Anaemia and Delayed blood clotting
- Skin eruption
- Impaired healing of wound
- Disturbance in carbohydrate metabolism
- Reproductive failure
Vitamin C Daily Requirements:
- For adults - 75 mg daily.
- For pregnant and lactating mother - 100 to 150 mg daily.
Vitamin C Sources/Distribution:
- Animal Source: Liver, Kidney, Milk.
- Plant Source: Fresh Fruit and Vegetable.
Vitamin D properties and functions: Effects of deficiency – Daily requirement
Vitamin D (Chemical Name: Calciferol)
Properties:
- Soluble in fat, insoluble in water
- Heat stable
- Optionally absorbed by the intestine when there is fat in diet
Functions:
- Favors Ca+2 and phosphorus metabolism.
- Helps absorption of Ca+2 and phosphorous from the intestine.
- Helps in bone formation.
- Development of normal teeth.
Vitamin D Effects of Deficiency:
- Defective bone growth (rickets, osteomalacia).
- Defective teeth growth (dental caries).
Vitamin D Daily Requirements:
- For infants under 1 year: 400-800 i.u.
- For children and adolescents up to 20 years: 400 i.u.
- In the later half of pregnancy and throughout the lactation period: 400-800 i.u.
Vitamin D Sources/Distribution:
- Fish liver oil, Cod liver oil, Halibut liver oil.
Vitamin E properties and functions: Effects of deficiency – Daily requirement
Vitamin E (Chemical Name: Tocopherol)
Properties:
- Fat soluble
- Heat stable
- Antioxidant
- Exists naturally as a yellow oil
Functions:
- Acts as coenzyme
- Essential for fetal development
- Normal functions of muscle
Vitamin E Effects of Deficiency:
- Habitual miscarriage in women.
- Muscular dystrophy (a disorder of an organ or tissue, usually muscle).
Vitamin E Daily Requirements:
- Average daily intake: 15 - 20 i.u.
Vitamin E Sources/Distribution:
- Animal Source: Egg, Milk, Fish.
- Vegetable Source: Wheat, Corn oil, Soya bean oil, Other seed oil.
What is Vitamin K?
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for blood clotting and bone
health. It helps the body make proteins that allow wounds to heal and
prevent excessive bleeding.
There are two main types:
- Vitamin K₁ (from plants) and
- K₂ (from animal and fermented foods).
A deficiency can lead to easy bruising, bleeding, and weak bones.
| Feature | Vitamin K₁ (Phylloquinone) | Vitamin K₂ (Menaquinone) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Mainly from green leafy vegetables | Mainly from fermented foods and animal products |
| Main Role | Helps in blood clotting | Regulates calcium in bones and arteries |
| Absorption | Less efficiently absorbed | Better absorbed and lasts longer in the body |
| Storage in Body | Stored in the liver | Found in blood vessel walls, bones, and tissues |
| Half-Life | Short (a few hours) | Long (several days to weeks) |
| Common Forms | Phylloquinone (K₁) | MK-4, MK-7 (types of menaquinone) |
| Deficiency Effects | Bleeding, poor clotting | Arterial calcification, bone weakening |
| Recommended For | Newborns (to prevent bleeding) | Adults (for bone and heart health) |
Vitamin K₁ properties and functions: Effects of deficiency – Daily requirement
Vitamin K₁ (Chemical Name: Phylloquinone)
Properties:
- Yellow viscous oil
- Fat-soluble
- Stable to heat
- Destroyed by strong acids, alkalis, and light
- Insoluble in water but soluble in fats and organic solvents
Functions:
- Essential for blood clotting (formation of prothrombin and other clotting factors).
- Supports bone metabolism and health.
- Helps prevent excessive bleeding.
- Plays a role in preventing vascular calcification.
Vitamin K₁ Effects of Deficiency:
- Delayed blood clotting
- Excessive bleeding or hemorrhage
- Easy bruising
- Osteoporosis (long-term deficiency)
- In newborns: hemorrhagic disease
Vitamin K₁ Daily Requirements:
- For adults – 90 to 120 micrograms/day (µg/day)
- Women: 90 µg/day
- Men: 120 µg/day
Vitamin K₁ Sources/Distribution:
- Animal Sources: Liver, Egg yolk, Dairy products (small amounts).
- Vegetable Sources: Green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, broccoli, cabbage, lettuce), Brussels sprouts, Green beans, Soybean oil.
Vitamin K₂ properties and functions: Effects of deficiency – Daily requirement
Vitamin K₂ (Chemical Name: Menaquinone)
Properties:
- Yellow oil
- Fat-soluble
- Heat stable
- Sensitive to light
- Produced by intestinal bacteria in small amounts
- More stable than Vitamin K₁
Functions:
- Helps regulate calcium deposition in bones and arteries.
- Supports bone health and density.
- Prevents arterial calcification.
- Works with Vitamin D to support cardiovascular and skeletal health.
- Supports proper blood clotting (though K₁ is more active in clotting).
Vitamin K₂ Effects of Deficiency:
- Increased risk of osteoporosis
- Arterial calcification
- Cardiovascular issues
- Delayed blood clotting (if severely deficient)
Vitamin K₂ Daily Requirements:
- No fixed RDA, but commonly recommended: 90–120 micrograms/day (similar to K₁).
- Some sources suggest: 100–200 µg/day for therapeutic effects.
Vitamin K₂ Sources/Distribution:
- Animal Sources: Egg yolk, Liver, Cheese, Butter, Chicken, Fermented dairy products.
- Vegetable/Fermented Sources: Natto (fermented soybeans – richest source), Sauerkraut, Miso, Fermented pickles.
Major functions of minerals in the body
What is Mineral?
Mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic element or compound, having
an orderly internal structure and characteristic chemical composition,
crystal form, and physical properties.
What are the major functions of minerals in the body?
Minerals help with bone health, nerve signals, fluid balance, and
muscle function. Key minerals include calcium, iron, zinc, and
magnesium.
How do vitamins and minerals work together in the body?
They support each other. For example, Vitamin D helps the body
absorb calcium, and Vitamin C helps absorb iron.
Functions of some important Minerals
Iron:
- Formation of Haemoglobin.
- Development of RBC.
- Oxygen carriage in blood.
- Related to tissue oxidation.
- Supply oxygen to muscle.
- Related to oxidation in nerve cells.
Calcium:
- Promotes strong bones.
- Maintains normal blood pressure.
- Reduces risks of colon cancer.
- Transmission of nerve impulses and control of muscle contraction.
- Release of chemical messenger for communication between nerves.
- Hormone secretion.
- Regulation of hormone, enzyme production and activity.
- Blood clotting.
- Wound healing.
Zinc:
- Required for protein and DNA synthesis.
- Helps in calcium absorption.
- Accelerate the activity of vitamin D.
- Essential for normal growth, development and reproduction in both males & females.
- Normal fetal growth and development.
- Proper formation of various organs of baby.
- Gaining adequate birth weight of baby.
- Helps to avoid complications of labor & delivery.
- Proper milk production.
- Boost up immune and reproductive system of baby.
Magnesium:
- Essential for normal muscular function & normal heart rhythm.
- Essential for bone mineralization and growth.
- Enhances calcium absorption & proper deposit.
- Prevents bone loss by reducing acid level in blood.
- Magnesium is involved in more than 300 essential metabolic reactions.
Manganese:
- Helps proper bone formation and maintenance.
- Prevents gout & pain bone joints.
- Required for bone mineralization.
- Necessary for fetal development.
- It is the brain & nerve food element.
Copper:
- Helps in the formation & strengthening of collagen and connective tissue important to bone.
- Necessary for fetal development.
- Aids in the formation of red blood cells.
- Helps proper bone formation & maintenance.
Boron:
- Prevents bone loss associated with osteoporosis.
- Essential for utilization of Vitamin D, which enhances the absorption of Calcium.
- Due to inadequate amounts of boron bones would slowly break down & become brittle.
- Reduces up to 44% calcium excretion in postmenopausal women.
General characteristics of vitamin
Distribution: The vitamins are widely distributed in
nature, both in animals and plants. The main sources are plants
but few of them are found in animals.
Daily requirements: The total daily requirement is
very small and not fixed for any person definitely. It varies
according to the rate of metabolism. When the metabolic rate is
high, then the requirement of vitamins is also high and
vice-versa.
Storage: Vitamin can be stored in the body to some
extent. The fat soluble vitamins are stored in the liver,
subcutaneous tissue etc.
Synthesis in Body:
- Vitamin A is synthesized from pro-vitamin carotene.
- Vitamin D is synthesized from UV radiation.
- Vitamin B complex is synthesized by the organisms in the intestinal tract.
Destruction: Vitamins are not destroyed by the
digestive process.
Mode of action: Some of the vitamins act as coenzyme,
hormone etc.
Common Deficiency Diseases Caused by Lack of Essential Vitamins
| Disease | Deficient Vitamin | Key Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Beriberi | Vitamin B₁ (Thiamine) | Muscle weakness, nerve damage, heart problems |
| Pellagra | Vitamin B₃ (Niacin) | Dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, death (4 D's) |
| Scurvy | Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) | Bleeding gums, fatigue, joint pain, poor wound healing |
| Rickets (in children)/Osteomalacia (in adults) | Vitamin D | Bone deformities, soft/weak bones |
| Night Blindness/Xerophthalmia | Vitamin A | Poor vision in low light, dry eyes |
| Cheilosis, Glossitis, Angular Stomatitis | Vitamin B₂ (Riboflavin) | Cracked lips, swollen tongue, mouth ulcers |
| Neural Tube Defects (in fetus) | Vitamin B₉ (Folic Acid) | Spina bifida and other birth defects |
| Megaloblastic Anemia | Vitamin B₁₂ or B₉ | Fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath |
| Hemorrhagic Disease (in newborns) | Vitamin K |
Excessive bleeding, delayed clotting
|
What is beriberi?
Beriberi is a disease caused by a vitamin B-1 deficiency, also known as
thiamine deficiency.
There are two types of the disease:
- Wet beriberi and
- Dry beriberi.
Wet beriberi: Wet beriberi affects the heart and circulatory
system. In extreme cases, wet beriberi can cause heart failure.
Dry beriberi: Dry beriberi damages the nerves and can lead to
decreased muscle strength and eventually, muscle paralysis.
Beriberi can be life-threatening if it isn't treated.
Symptoms of beriberi:
Wet beriberi: Shortness of breath during physical activity,
waking up short of breath, rapid heart rate, swollen lower legs.
Dry beriberi: Decreased muscle function, particularly in the
lower legs, tingling or loss of feeling in the feet and hands, pain,
mental confusion, difficulty speaking.
What is scurvy?
Scurvy happens when there is a lack of vitamin C, or ascorbic acid. The
deficiency leads to symptoms of weakness, anemia, gum disease, and skin
problems.
What are rickets ?
Rickets is a bone disorder caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium,
or phosphate. Rickets leads to softening and weakening of the bones and
is seen most commonly in children 6-24 months of age.
What is Pellagra?
Pellagra is a disease caused by a deficiency of niacin, also known as
vitamin B₃. It mainly affects the skin, digestive system, and nervous
system. Common symptoms include diarrhea, dermatitis, and dementia—often
referred to as the "three Ds." If left untreated, pellagra can become
life-threatening, but it is preventable with a balanced diet.
What is Night Blindness/Xerophthalmia?
Night blindness is a condition where a person has difficulty seeing in
low light or darkness. Xerophthalmia is a severe form of vitamin A
deficiency that dries out the eyes and damages the cornea. Both
conditions are linked to low vitamin A intake and can lead to vision
loss if untreated. Early treatment with vitamin A can restore vision and
prevent permanent eye damage.
What is Cheilosis, Glossitis, Angular Stomatitis?
Cheilosis causes cracked, dry skin at the corners of the mouth.
Glossitis is the inflammation and swelling of the tongue, making it red
and smooth. Angular stomatitis refers to painful sores or splits at the
mouth corners. These symptoms are often linked to deficiencies in
vitamin B₂ (riboflavin) or other B-complex vitamins.
What are Neural Tube Defects (in fetuses)?
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are serious birth defects of the brain and
spine. They occur early in pregnancy when the neural tube fails to close
properly. Common types include spina bifida and anencephaly. A lack of
folic acid (vitamin B₉) before and during early pregnancy is a major
cause.
What is Megaloblastic Anemia?
Megaloblastic anemia is a blood disorder caused by a deficiency of
vitamin B₁₂ or folic acid. It leads to the production of unusually
large, immature red blood cells. Symptoms include fatigue, pale skin,
shortness of breath, and weakness. Proper intake of B₁₂ and B₉ through
diet or supplements can prevent and treat this condition.
What is Hemorrhagic Disease (in newborns)?
Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn is a bleeding disorder caused by
vitamin K deficiency. It usually appears within the first week of life,
leading to unexpected bleeding. Since newborns have low vitamin K
levels, they can’t form proper blood clots. This condition is
preventable with a single vitamin K injection at birth.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between fat-soluble and water-soluble
vitamins?
Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) are stored in the body's fat.
Water-soluble vitamins (like B-complex and C) dissolve in water and
need to be taken daily.
2. Can the body produce vitamins on its own?
The body can produce some vitamins like Vitamin D (from sunlight), but
most must come from food or supplements.
3. Why is calcium important and which foods are good sources?
Calcium keeps bones and teeth strong. You can get it from milk,
yogurt, cheese, and leafy greens like spinach.
4. What role does iron play in the human body?
Iron helps carry oxygen in the blood. It prevents tiredness and
supports brain and muscle function.
5. Which minerals are essential for bone strength?
Calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium are the most important minerals
for keeping bones strong and healthy.
6. Which vitamins help improve skin, hair, and nails?
Vitamins A, C, E, and B7 (biotin) are great for healthy skin, shiny
hair, and strong nails.
7. How much of each vitamin or mineral should I take daily?
The daily needs depend on your age, gender, and health. You can follow
the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) or ask a doctor for guidance.
Conclusion: Classification of vitamins with examples
Understanding the classification of vitamins with examples gives us a
clear idea of how different vitamins support our body. From boosting
immunity to helping in growth, each vitamin plays an important role.
When you learn the types, it becomes easier to plan a balanced diet.
This knowledge helps us stay healthy naturally. It’s simple,
practical, and useful for everyone. Keep learning and make informed
choices for better health.
Sarwar Hossain Himel
I am Sarwar Hossain Himel — a sports-loving person. Education: I have obtained a BBA and MBA degree in Accounting. Profession: Currently, I am working as a Medical Promotion Officer (MPO). In addition, I have over 5 years of experience in teaching. Freelance Work: I work as a Google Blogger and Article Writer in freelancing. Passion: I love doing web design and digital marketing. Especially, web design is one of my passions.