List some of the functions of vitamins in the body.
List some of the functions of vitamins in the body.
Vitamins are organic compounds that are required by advanced animals in small amounts on a regular basis. Like essential amino acids, there are 13 vitamins that are required but not produced by the human system. Unlike essential amino acids, these vitamins are required in minute quantities. In general, vitamins are coenzymes, or parts of enzymes, that function to assist a specific enzyme to catalyze (increase the rate of) a reaction.
There are two types of vitamins: fat soluble and water soluble. Water soluble vitamins are dissolved in water and are eliminated through urine from the body. The fat soluble vitamins are dissolved in fat solvents and are absorbed through the bloodstream. These are not excreted as easily as water-soluble vitamins.
Water soluble vitamins are as follows;
| VITAMINS | FUNCTIONS |
| Thiamine (vitamin B1) | Coenzyme; required for energy metabolism; important to nerve function. |
| Riboflavin (vitamin B2) | It is a part of an enzyme required for energy metabolism; important for normal vision and skin health. |
| Niacin (vitamin B3) | Coenzyme; needed for energy metabolism; important for nervous system, digestive system, and skin health |
| Pantothenic acid | Coenzyme; required for energy metabolism |
| Biotin | Coenzyme; required for energy metabolism |
| Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) | Coenzyme; needed for protein metabolism; helps make red blood cells. |
| Folic acid | Coenzyme; needed for producing DNA and new cells, especially red blood cells |
| Cobalamin (vitamin B12) | Part of an enzyme needed for making new cells; important to nerve function |
| Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) | Antioxidant; part of an enzyme needed for protein metabolism; important for immune system health; aids in iron absorption |
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