Water soluble vitamins, as the name suggests, dissolve in water and are not stored in the body. These include vitamin C and the B vitamins (such as B6, B12, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, and biotin). They play important roles in various cellular processes and are crucial for maintaining health.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage, helps in the production of collagen (a protein that provides structure to the skin, bones, and connective tissues), aids in immune system function, and enhances the absorption of iron. Deficiency in vitamin C can lead to scurvy, which is characterized by fatigue, weakness, joint and muscle aches, bleeding gums, and poor wound healing.
B vitamins are involved in metabolism, energy production, and the synthesis of DNA and red blood cells. They also play a role in maintaining healthy nerves, skin, and eyes. Deficiency in B vitamins can lead to various disorders, depending on the specific vitamin. For example, a deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause pernicious anemia, which is characterized by fatigue, weakness, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, memory problems, and balance issues.
Fat soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E, and K. Unlike water soluble vitamins, these vitamins can be stored in the body's fat tissues.
Vitamin A is important for vision, cellular growth, immune system function, and reproduction. Deficiency in vitamin A can lead to night blindness, dry skin, increased susceptibility to infections, and impaired growth and development in children.
Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which are important for bone health. It also plays a role in immune system function and cell growth. Deficiency in vitamin D can lead to rickets in children (which causes soft, weak bones) and osteomalacia in adults (which causes bone pain and muscle weakness).
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. It is also involved in the formation of red blood cells and helps in immune function. Deficiency in vitamin E is rare, but it can lead to muscle weakness, vision problems, and impaired immune function.
Vitamin K is crucial for blood clotting, as it helps in the production of proteins that stop bleeding. Deficiency in vitamin K can lead to abnormal bleeding or hemorrhage.
Overall, both water soluble and fat soluble vitamins are essential for cellular functions and maintaining overall health. Deficiency in these vitamins can lead to various disorders and health problems. It is important to obtain these vitamins through a balanced diet or, in some cases, through supplementation.
2.Water soluble and fat soluble vitamins, their importance in the cell, disorder caused by their deficiency
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