Vitamins

NCERT Reference: Chapter 10 – Biomolecules – Page 276–277

Quick Notes

Vitamins are micronutrients, essential for normal metabolism.
They do not provide energy but are vital for proper body function.
Classified into fat-soluble (A, D, E, K) and water-soluble (B-complex, C).
Deficiency of vitamins leads to specific deficiency diseases.

Full Notes

Vitamins are organic compounds that are required in small quantities for the normal functioning, growth, and maintenance of living organisms. Although they do not provide energy, they play essential roles in various biochemical and physiological processes.

Classification of Vitamins

Vitamins are classified based on their solubility:

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

These are soluble in fat and stored in the liver and fatty tissues. They are not excreted easily in urine.

Vitamin	Chemical Name	Deficiency Disease	Source
A	Retinol	Xerophthalmia (night blindness)	Fish liver oil, carrots, milk
D	Calciferol	Rickets, osteomalacia	Fish liver oil, sunlight
E	Tocopherol	Fragility of red blood cells	Vegetable oils, nuts
K	Phylloquinone	Delayed blood clotting	Green leafy vegetables

Water-Soluble Vitamins

These are soluble in water and not stored in the body in large amounts. Excess is excreted in urine.

Vitamin	Chemical Name	Deficiency Disease	Source
B₁	Thiamine	Beriberi	Cereals, yeast, pulses
B₂	Riboflavin	Cheilosis, digestive disorders	Milk, green vegetables
B₆	Pyridoxine	Convulsions	Cereals, legumes, milk
B₁₂	Cobalamin	Pernicious anaemia	Animal products
C	Ascorbic acid	Scurvy	Citrus fruits, amla, green vegetables

Summary

Fat-soluble vitamins can be toxic if taken in excess due to their storage in the body.
Water-soluble vitamins must be consumed regularly.
Deficiency diseases are reversible with supplementation.