Chapter 53, Problem 1O

Summary Introduction

To discuss:

The importance of the several minerals and vitamins to the normal functioning of the human body.

Concept introduction:

The human body needs vital building blocks to develop and sustain itself. The proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, and fats are the providers of these building blocks. An organic molecules, which is needed in minimum amount for biochemical functions (tissue repairing, cell growth) and normal metabolism are referred to as vitamins.

Explanation of Solution

Vitamins are classified into two types. They are fat soluble (Vitamin A, D, E, and K) and water soluble (B vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, and vitamin C).

Fat soluble Vitamins - Vitamins that dissolve in oil and fat. They get deposited in the body as fat.

Water soluble vitamins - Vitamins that dissolve in water. They can easily expelled in the urine.

Minerals - They are organic substances present in crystalline form and are not generated by life process.

S.NO	Vitamin types	Importance
Fat soluble vitamins
1	Vitamin A	It plays an important role in normal vision, reproduction, bone development, cell division, and the immune system. It also assists proper functioning of organs (kidneys, heart, and lungs).
2	Vitamin D	It increases the strength of the bone and muscle, reduces possibilities of fracture, mineral density of the bone is increased.
3	Vitamin E	It is an antioxidant. Thus, it defends the body cells and tissues from free radicals-are substances that affect the body cells. It also helps in cholesterol balancing, skin damage repair, decreases the aging, athletic performance increases, and prevents anemia, decreases blood pressure, and hormonal balance.
4	Vitamin K	It helps calcium absorption into the bones, aids clotting of blood, and inhibits bruising.
Water soluble
1	Vitamin B1	It helps in liberating energy from the carbohydrate. It also involves in nerve signal conduction, and contraction of muscles, enhance the immune system, and decrease the risk of stroke.
2	Vitamin B2	It aids in breaking down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, regulating the energy supply of the body.
3	Vitamin B3	Plays a vital role in energy production, maintaining the muscle tone (GI tract), needed for production of DNA, decreases LDL (low density lipopolysaccharide) cholesterol, and produces stress and sex hormones.
4	Vitamin B5	Plays a vital role in releasing energy from fats, starches, and sugars, important for metabolism of cells, act as an anti-stress factor, and speeds up the healing of wound.
5	Vitamin B6	It plays a lead role in the development and function of the brain, assist to make red blood cells.
6	Vitamin B7	It helps in nourishing hair and skin, regulates sugar level in the blood, induces metabolism, decreases weight, and enhances heart normal function, helpful for development and maintenance of muscle tissues.
7	Vitamin B9	Helps in generation of red blood cell, fetal brain, bone, and spinal cord development, prevents cardiac attacks, cancer, and strokes.
8	Vitamin B12	It helps in generating DNA, and maintains the central nervous system (spinal cord and brain) and blood cells healthier.
9	Vitamin C	It acts as an antioxidant, thus prevents aging, aids in maintaining a healthy skin, gums, and teeth, enhances wound healing, collagen synthesizes, red blood cell production, and builds up the immune system.
	Minerals	Importance
1	Calcium	Teeth and bone formation.
2	Magnesium	Act as a cofactor for metabolic enzymes.
3	Iron	Aids in oxygen transportation.
4	Potassium	Standardizes membrane potential and heartbeat.
5	Zinc	It enhances the wound healing and immunity.
6	Sodium	Retains pH, and controls body fluids.
7	Chlorine	Helps in generating the hydrochloric acid (HCL) in the stomach.
8	Copper	Helps in iron and enzyme metabolism.

Conclusion

Vitamins and minerals plays an important role in effective functioning of the body like cell metabolism, growth, and tissue repairing.