Chapter 19, Problem 19.81CP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The relationship between Vitamin A and $\text{β-carotene}$ should be given

Concept introduction:

Vitamin: It is an organic molecule which is essential in trace amounts and it cannot be synthesized in the body. It must be obtained from the diet.

According to the solubility, vitamins can be classified into two:

• Water soluble vitamin
• Fat soluble vitamin

Water soluble vitamin:

• Found in the aqueous environment inside the cells.
• They have $-\text{OH},-\text{COOH}$ or other polar groups which make them water soluble.
• Some water soluble vitamins are incorporated into coenzymes.

Fat-soluble vitamin:

• Mainly they are stored in the body’s fat deposits.
• Vitamins A, D, E and K are examples.
• Over dose of these vitamins is hazardous since they accumulate in body fats.

Beta-carotene can be converted in the body to vitamin A and it can be considered as a precursor of Vitamin A.

Vitamin A is a family of substances called retinoids and it includes retinol, retinal and retinoic acid.