A Short Note on Vitamins

A vitamin is an organic compound required by an organism as a vital nutrient in limited amounts. An organic chemical compound (or related set of compounds) is called a vitamin when it cannot be synthesized in sufficient quantities by an organism, and must be obtained from the diet. Thus, the term is conditional both on the circumstances and on the particular organism.

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A short note on Vitamins Prepared by Tareq
B.Pharm
International Islamic University Chittagong




Tareq Tareq,
B.Pharm
International Islamic University Chittagong
[email protected]


A vitamin is an organic compound required by an
organism as a vital nutrient in limited amounts. An organic
chemical compound (or related set of compounds) is called a
vitamin when it cannot be synthesized in sufficient quantities by
an organism, and must be obtained from the diet. Thus, the
term is conditional both on the circumstances and on the
particular organism.
For example, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a vitamin for
humans, but not for most other animals.

The discovery of the first vitamin was published in 1911
by a Polish biochemist, Casimir Funk. The term vitamin is
derived from the words vita (meaning life-giving) and amine
(were originally thought to be amines). Although not all
vitamins are amines, they are organic compounds required by
humans in small amounts from the diet. Usually only a few
milligrams (mg) or micrograms (μg) are needed per day, but
these amounts are essential for health. Thirteen vitamins are
universally recognized at present.

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A short note on Vitamins Prepared by Tareq
B.Pharm
International Islamic University Chittagong






► “Vitamins do not contain energy, but they help regulate
energy process in the body” –

Vitamins do not directly serve as a source of energy,
but they aid the enzymes as cofactors t o generate energy from
the energy producing nutrients like protein, carbohydrates and
fats; some are antioxidants(prevent oxygen from doing damage
in the body) and one (vitamin D) is a pro- hormone.
Thus, they play a major role in helping out in the
chemical reaction that leads to fruitful generation of energy,
which enables us to perform our daily routine activities
effectively. Adequate vitamin intake promotes our health
fitness, by strengthening our bones and teeth. It makes our
immune system strong, thereby enabling us to overcome
various kinds of infections. Thus, it is of prime importance to
consume vitamins so as to enhance our energy levels.

► Classification of Vitamins:
On the basis of their solubility we can classify vitamins
into two categories:
1. Fat soluble vitamins
2. Water soluble vitamins

Fat soluble vitamins Water soluble vitamins
They are lipid soluble vitamins They are water soluble
vitamins.
They tend to be stored in the
body in moderate amounts.
They are not stored in the
body. Normally they are

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A short note on Vitamins Prepared by Tareq
B.Pharm
International Islamic University Chittagong


excreted in the urine.
The fat soluble vitamins
include vitamins A, D, E & K.
The water soluble vitamins
include vitamins B-complex &
C
► Originally, vitamins were given letters (A, B, C, etc.) but now
are usually referred to by their chemical names:
Vitamins Chemical names
Vitamin A Retinol
Vitamin D Calciferol
Vitamin E Tocopherol
Vitamin K Phylloquinone
Vitamin B1 Thiamine
Vitamin B2 Riboflavin
Vitamin B3 Niacin
Vitamin B5 Pantothenic acid
Vitamin B6 Pyridoxine
Vitamin B7 Biotin
Vitamin B9 Folic acid
Vitamin B12 Cyanocobalamin
Vitamin C Ascorbic acid

► Vitamin A:

¤ Chemical name: Retinol
¤ Source:
They c an only be found intact in animal sources. They
are widely found in liver, whole milk, eggs, cheese & butter.
¤ RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowances):
Children: 2000 – 3500 I.U
Men: 5000 I.U.
Women: 4000 I.U.

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A short note on Vitamins Prepared by Tareq
B.Pharm
International Islamic University Chittagong







¤ Functions:
a. Vision:
- Generates pigments for the retina
- Maintains surface lining of eyes
- Prevents night blindness
b. Promote s bone growth
c. Helps in cell division and differentiation
d. Anti-oxidant : Necessary for healthy Skin
e. Regulate Immune System
f. Keeps mucous membrane healthy
¤ Signs of Deficiency:
a. Night blindness
b. Decreased resistance to infections
c. Extremely dry skin, hair or nails
d. Impaired growth
¤ Indication:
-Vitamin A deficiency
-Severe acne
-photo damage
¤ Hypervitaminosis:
Hypervitaminosis A leads to following toxic symptoms:
-Dry, itchy skin
-Headaches and fatigue
-Hair loss
-Liver damage
-Blurred vision
-Loss of appetite
-Skin coloration
-Risk of birth defect

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A short note on Vitamins Prepared by Tareq
B.Pharm
International Islamic University Chittagong







► Vitamin D:

¤ Chemical name: Calciferol
¤ Source:
-Action of sunlight on the skin
-Fish liver oil
-Eggs
-Tuna
-Salmon
-Fortified foods like dietary products
-Margarine
¤ RDA:
10 microgrammes or 400 IU
¤ Functions:
-Acts as a hormone to increase intestinal absorption
of calcium
-Promote bone and tooth formation
-Prevents rickets in children and osteomalacia in
adults
-Promotes c alcium homeostasis
-Intestinal calcium absorption: acts as a signal to tell
intestinal cells to take up more calcium from the gut
-Promotes b one calcium mobilization
¤ Signs of Deficiency:
Deficiencies are rare.
-Rickets in children
-Osteomalatia in adults,
¤ Indication:
-Management of hypocalcemia and its clinical manifestation in patients with hypoparathyroidism
-Treatment of nutritional rickets and osteomalacia

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A short note on Vitamins Prepared by Tareq
B.Pharm
International Islamic University Chittagong







¤ Hypervitaminosis:
Hypervitaminosis A leads to the following toxic symptoms:
-L oss of appetite,
-N ausea,
-Joint pains,
-Loss of muscle tone,
-Damage to soft tissues such as the kidney, heart,
and blood vessels due to deposits of calcium.

► Vitamin E:

¤ Chemical name: Tocopherol
¤ Source:
Vegetable oils, margarine, green leafy vegetables,
wheat germ, whole grain products, egg yolks etc.
¤ RDA:
-10 mg for men
-8 mg for women
¤ Functions:
1. Antioxidant:
-Reduce the energy of the free radical
-Stop the free radical from forming in the first place
-Interrupt an oxidizing chain reaction to minimize the
damage of free radicals
-May reduce the risk of heart disease
-May also discourage development of some types of
cancer
2. Promotes normal growth and development
3. Promotes normal red blood cell formation
4. Acts as anti-blood clotting agent
5. Plays some role in the body’s ability to process glucose
6. Also been known to aid the process of wound healing

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A short note on Vitamins Prepared by Tareq
B.Pharm
International Islamic University Chittagong







¤ Signs of Deficiency:
-Disruption of red blood cell membranes,
-Anemia
- Lack of vitality
- Inability to concentrate
- Muscle weakness
Deficiencies are extremely rare
¤ Indication:
-Cardiovascular disease
-Some forms of cancer
-Some neurological diseases such asAlzheimer’s
-Muscle cramp
¤ Hypervitaminosis:
-At 2,400 IU per day, may cause bleeding due to its
clot-preventing ability
-May reduce body’s supply of vitamin A
-May alter immune system
-headache, fatigue, diarrhea
Vitamin E toxicity is rare

► Vitamin K:

¤ Chemical name: Phylloquinone
¤ Source:
Beef, liver, eggs, spinach, cauliflower, broccoli,
tomatoes etc.
¤ RDA:
80 µg for men
65 µg for women
¤ Functions:
-Necessary for normal blood clotting
-Synthesis of proteins found in plasma, bone & kidneys

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A short note on Vitamins Prepared by Tareq
B.Pharm
International Islamic University Chittagong


-Helps to maintain strong bone




¤ Signs of Deficiency:
- Increased bleeding and hemorrhage
Deficiency states are rare, they may occur in some individuals
when antibiotic medications kill the intestinal bacteria that
produce the vitamin.
¤ Indication:
- Anticoagulant-induced prothrombin deficiency caused
by couramin
- Prophylaxis therapy of hemorrhagic disease of the
newborns
¤ Hypervitaminosis:
Although vitamin K toxicity is rare, the following symptoms may
arise
-Thrombosis
-Vomiting
-Nausea
-Skin rash
-Diarrhea
-Anemia

► Vitamin C:

¤ Chemical name: Ascorbic acid
¤ Source:
Guava, Broccoli, Orange Juice, Strawberries, Tomato
Juice, Raw Tomato, Sweet Potato, Tangerine, Spinach, Leafy
Greens, Berries, Citrus Fruits etc
¤ RDA:
80 mg

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A short note on Vitamins Prepared by Tareq
B.Pharm
International Islamic University Chittagong







¤ Functions:
1. A strong antioxidant:
-Protects our bodies from formation of free radicals
2. Helps to form connective tissue that hold our bones,
muscles, and tissues together (collagen)
3. aids in the healing of wounds
4. A ids the body in absorbing iron from plant sources
5. H elps to keep your gums healthy
6. H elps the body to fight infections
7. A ids in the prevention of heart disease
8. H elps prevent some forms of cancer
¤ Signs of Deficiency:
- Weight loss
- Fatigue and joint pain
- Scurvy (bruising easily, bleeding gums, and tendency
for bones to fracture)
- Reduced resistance to colds and infections
- Slow healing of wounds and fractured bones
- Gingivitis: swelling, tenderness, redness and ulceration
of gums
¤ Indication:
-Vitamin C deficiency
-Scurvy
-Delayed wound & bone healing
-Urine acidification
¤ Hypervitaminosis:
-Diarrhea
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
-R ebound Scurvy
- Oxalate kidney stones
-Decreases uric acid reabsorption resulting in increased
risk of gout

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A short note on Vitamins Prepared by Tareq
B.Pharm
International Islamic University Chittagong


-Affects diagnostic tests in feces and gout




►► Vitamin B Complex:

► Vitamin B1:

¤ Chemical name: Thiamine
¤ Source:

Whole grains, nuts, meat, w hite and brown flour and
many breakfast cereals are usually fortified with thiamine
¤ RDA:
1.5 mg for men
1.1mg for women
¤ Functions: Vitamin B1 is important for: - Producing energy from carbohydrates
- Proper nerve function
- Stabilizing the appetite
- Promoting growth and good muscle tone
- ATP production
¤ Signs of Deficiency:
-Beri -Beri (symptoms: weight loss, emotional
disturbances, weakness and pain in the limbs, irregular heart
rate...)
-A disorder of the nervous system, which occurs in
communities where white rice is the main food eaten
-Loss of appetite
-Weakness & Feeling tired
-Insomnia
-Loss of weight
-Depression -Heart & Gastrointestinal problems
¤ Indication:
- Treatment of Thiamine & niacin deficiency states

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A short note on Vitamins Prepared by Tareq
B.Pharm
International Islamic University Chittagong


- Korsakov’s alcoholic psychosis syndrome
- Wernicke-Korsakov syndrome
- Delirium & peripheral neuritis


¤ Hypervitaminosis:
Vitamin B1 toxicity is uncommon. It is nontoxic even
at high dosages as excesses are readily excreted.

► Vitamin B2:

¤ Chemical name: Riboflavin
¤ Source:
Large amounts in
-D airy
-Eggs
-M eats
Small amounts in
-Leafy green vegetables
-Enriched grains
¤ RDA:
1.7 mg for men
1. 3 mg for women
¤ Functions:
It is important in
-E nergy production
-C arbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism
-F ormation of antibodies and red blood cells
-C ell respiration
- Maintenance of good vision, skin, nails, and hair
alleviating eye fatigue
-transport and metabolism of iron in the body
¤ Signs of Deficiency:
-Itching and burning eyes
-Cracks and sores in mouth and lips
-Bloodshot eyes
-Dermatitis

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A short note on Vitamins Prepared by Tareq
B.Pharm
International Islamic University Chittagong


-Oily skin
-Digestive disturbances



¤ Indication:
-Angular stomatitis
-Cheilosis
-Glossitis
-Seborrhoeic dermatitis
-Photophobia
-Anaemia
-Neuropathy
¤ Hypervitaminosis:
It is nontoxic even at high dosages as excesses are
readily excreted.

► Vitamin B3:

¤ Chemical name: Niacin
¤ Source:
Niacin is found in most foods, although meat is the
major source. It can also be made by the body from the amino
acid tryptophan.
¤ RDA:
19 mg for men,
15 mg for women
¤ Functions:
It is important in:
-Energy production
-Maintenance of skin and tongue
-Improves circulation
-Maintenance of nervous system
-Health of the digestive track
¤ Signs of Deficiency:

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A short note on Vitamins Prepared by Tareq
B.Pharm
International Islamic University Chittagong


- Pellegra: A disease caused by B 3 deficiency
(symptoms: high sensitivity to sunlight, aggression, dermatitis,
red skin lesions, insomnia)
- Gastrointestinal disturbance, loss of appetite
- Headache, insomnia, mental depression
- Fatigue, aches, and pains
- Nervousness, irritability
¤ Indication:
- Treatment of high blood lipid levels i.e. hyperlipidaemia
(excess fat in the blood).
-Pellegra
¤ Hypervitaminosis:
Although toxicity of niacin is rare, following symptoms may
arise
-Headache
-Nausea
-Burning
-I tching skin

► Vitamin B5:

¤ Chemical name: Pantothenic acid
¤ Source:
Mushrooms, avocado, sweet potato, lentils, dried peas,
chicken, broccoli, yogurt etc.
¤ RDA:
6 mg
¤ Functions:
It is important for
-Energy to be released from carbohydrate & fat
-Maintaining a healthy digestive tract
-Synthesis of cholesterol
¤ Signs of Deficiency:
-Burning sensation in the hands and feets
-Muscle cramps
-Irritability, fatigue, tiredness
-Diarrhea, vomiting and water retention

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A short note on Vitamins Prepared by Tareq
B.Pharm
International Islamic University Chittagong


¤ Indication:
-Acne
-Alcoholism
-Attention deficit- hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
-Rheumatoid arthritis
-Parkinson’s disease
-Enlarged prostate
¤ Hypervitaminosis:
It is nontoxic even at high dosages as excesses are
readily excreted.

► Vitamin B6:

¤ Chemical name: Pyridoxine
¤ Source:
It is found in a variety of foods. Beef, fish and poultry are
rich sources. It also occurs in eggs, whole-grains and some
vegetables.
¤ RDA:
2 mg for men
1.6 mg for women
¤ Functions:
It is important in:
-Production of red blood cells
-C onversion of tryptophan to niacin (B-3)
-I mmunity
-N ervous system functions
-R educing muscle spasms, cramps, and numbness
-M aintaining proper balance of sodium and
phosphorous in the body
¤ Signs of Deficiency:
-Nervousness, insomnia
-Loss of muscle control, muscle weakness
-Arm and leg cramps
-Water retention
-Skin lesions
¤ Indication:

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A short note on Vitamins Prepared by Tareq
B.Pharm
International Islamic University Chittagong


- Treatment of vitamin B6 deficiency
- Prophylaxis of isoniazid-induced peripheral neuropathy
¤ Hypervitaminosis:
- Continued use of high doses may result in permanent
nerve damage.
- High levels may be associated with peripheral sensory
neuropathy

► Vitamin B7:

¤ Chemical name: Biotin
¤ Source:
Meats, legumes, milk, egg yolk, whole grain products,
most vegetables etc
¤ RDA:
300 µg
¤ Functions:
- Acts as a coenzyme in the metabolism of
carbohydrates, fats, and protein
- Strengthens hair and nails
¤ Signs of Deficiency:
-In infants lack of biotin may lead to neurological
disorders
-Signs in adults are rare
¤ Indication:
Biotin is used for preventing & treating
- Biotin deficiency associated with pregnancy
- Malnutrition
- Rapid weight loss
- Hair loss
- Skin rash in infants
¤ Hypervitaminosis:
It is nontoxic even at high dosages as excesses are
readily excreted.

► Vitamin B9:

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A short note on Vitamins Prepared by Tareq
B.Pharm
International Islamic University Chittagong


¤ Chemical name: Folic acid
¤ Source:
Folic acid is largely available in liver, yeast extract,
orange juice and green leafy vegetables. Various foods, e.g.
breakfast cereals and bread may be fortified with folic acid.


¤ RDA:
200 µg for men
180 µg for women
¤ Functions:
-Folic acid is essential for normal cell division and in the
formation of blood cells.
-It is also needed for the normal structure of the nervous
system and specifically in the development of the neural tube
(which develops into the spine and skull) in the developing
embryo.
-Together with vitamins B6 and B12, folate is involved
with the maintenance of normal blood homocysteine
¤ Signs of Deficiency:
-M egaloblastic anaemia
-Gastrointestinal disorders
-Birth defects if pregnant womenare deficient
¤ Indication:
- Folate deficient megaloblastic anemia e.g. due to poor
nutrition, pregnancy, or antiepileptics
- Prophylaxis in chronic haemolytic states or in renal
dialysis
¤ Hypervitaminosis:
Taking folate supplements can mask the effects of
vitamin B12 deficiency

► Vitamin B12:

¤ Chemical name: Cyanocobalamin
¤ Source:

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A short note on Vitamins Prepared by Tareq
B.Pharm
International Islamic University Chittagong


It is found exclusively from animal sources, e.g. milk,
meat and eggs.
Fortified breakfast cereals can be a useful
source of this vitamin.
¤ RDA:
2 µg



¤ Functions:
It is Important in:
- Proper nerve function
- Production of red blood cells
- Metabolizing fats and proteins
- Prevention of anemia
- DNA reproduction
- Energy production
¤ Signs of Deficiency:
-Peripheral neuropathy & cognitive deficits resulting
from neurological damage
-Anemia
-Hypersensitive skin
¤ Indication:
-B12 responsive megaloblastic anemia
-pernicious anemia
-Prophylaxis in total gastractomy
-Malabsorbtion syndrome
¤ Hypervitaminosis:
Anaphylactic reaction (skin rash, itching, wheezing)
after parenteral administration




► References:
¤ http://webmd.com/vitamins-supplements

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A short note on Vitamins Prepared by Tareq
B.Pharm
International Islamic University Chittagong


¤ http://ifbb.org.uk/vitamins
¤ http://drugbank.ca/drugs
¤ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/vitamin
¤ http://umm.edu/health/medical