Vitamins play crucial roles in our health, and understanding their scientific names helps in grasping their specific functions and importance in the body. All living creatures, including humans, need vitamins in certain amounts to keep their metabolism working smoothly. These are important micronutrients that come in two types: fat-soluble (vitamins A, D, E, and K) and water-soluble (B and C vitamins). In total, there are 13 vitamins in the human body.
Common and scientific names exist for these vitamins. Their biochemical structure and functions determine the scientific names. This blog will discuss the scientific names of vitamins, their source, and the results of their deficiency.
What are vitamins?
Vitamins are organic compounds that are required by the body in small amounts to support normal growth, metabolism and overall health. Because the human body either cannot produce them or produces them in insufficient quantities, vitamins must be obtained through a balanced diet. They are important for many physiological functions such as increasing immunity, improving vision, helping in bone health and cell repair.
Scientific name of vitamins and their sources
Here's a table summarizing the common and scientific names of 13 vitamins, where they come from in our diets, their importance in human health, and the illnesses that can result from their deficiencies.
|
Common name
|
Scientific name
|
Source
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Deficiency symptoms
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Vitamin A
|
Retinol
|
Nuts, Mangoes, Papayas, Tomatoes, Leafy Greens, Oily Fish, Apricots, etc.
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Dry skin, trouble seeing in the dark
|
|
Vitamin B1
|
Thiamine
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Corn, Cashews, Milk, Dates, Fresh Fruits, Peas, Beans, etc.
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Weakness, problems moving around
|
|
Vitamin B2
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Riboflavin
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Cheese, Yogurt, Spinach, Red Meat, Almonds, etc.
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Hair loss, feeling tired, sore throat
|
|
Vitamin B3
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Niacin
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Nuts, Bananas, Seeds, Brown Rice, Beans, etc.
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Feeling tired and sad, hallucinations, memory trouble
|
|
Vitamin B5
|
Pantothenic acid
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Broccoli, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, beans, etc.
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Headache, fatigue, irritability, gastrointestinal issues
|
|
Vitamin B6
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Pyridoxine
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Chicken, Fish, Bread, Wholegrain Cereals, Eggs, etc.
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Weak immune system, itchy skin, tongue swells up
|
|
Vitamin B7
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Biotin
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Avocado, Sweet Potato, Nuts, Seeds, Eggs, Fish, etc.
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Hair gets thin, nails break easily, skin gets red and itchy
|
|
Vitamin B9
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Folic Acid
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Leafy Greens, Citrus Fruits, Beans, Beetroot, etc.
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Feeling weak, tired all the time, problems with the nerves
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|
Vitamin B12
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Cobalamin
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Poultry, Eggs, Fish, Milk, etc.
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Fatigue, dizziness
|
|
Vitamin C
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Ascorbic Acid
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Citrus Fruits, Goat Milk, Chestnuts, Broccoli, Grapefruit, etc.
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Don't feel like eating, skin gets rough, wounds take longer to heal
|
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Vitamin D
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Calciferol
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Cod Liver Oil, Beef, Chicken, Cereals, Egg Yolk, etc.
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Problems with the digestive system, trouble eating certain foods
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|
Vitamin E
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Tocopherol
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Pumpkin, Mangoes, Guava, Potatoes, Nuts, Seeds, etc.
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Muscle pain, impaired nerve function, trouble seeing
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|
Vitamin K
|
Phytonadione
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Mangoes, Lamb, Beef, Grapes, Tomatoes, etc.
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Weak bones, retarded growth
|
Classification of vitamins
Vitamins are broadly classified into two categories based on their solubility:
- Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body’s fat tissues and include:
- Vitamin A (Retinol)
- Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol)
- Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
- Vitamin K (Phylloquinone, Menaquinone)
- Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body and need to be consumed regularly:
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)
- Vitamin B-complex group (B1 to B12)
Benefits of vitamins in our body
Vitamins contribute significantly to various bodily functions. Here are some of the major health benefits they offer:
This vitamin supports healthy vision, especially in low light. It also strengthens your immune system, helping your body fight illness.
B vitamins help in turning the food you eat into energy. They’re also important for brain and nerve function, and keeping your skin healthy.
Vitamin C is linked with strong immunity and faster healing. It helps repair body tissues and keeps your skin, bones and blood vessels healthy.
Getting enough Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium for strong bones and teeth. Sunshine is a natural source, and it’s also key to healthy muscles.
This nutrient protects your cells from damage caused by free radicals. It supports healthy skin and helps your immune system work properly.
Vital for proper blood clotting, Vitamin K helps stop bleeding when you get a cut. It also has an important role in maintaining strong bones.
Conclusion
The amount of each vitamin each person requires depends on the body type. Sometimes, measuring and eating exactly the right amount of each vitamin that experts recommend takes work. So, the better idea is to eat meals with a good mix of foods in the right amounts. This helps keep us healthy and avoid problems caused by not having enough vitamins. Having too much or too little of a vitamin is harmful to the body. Remember, maintaining a balanced diet with a variety of nutrient-rich foods can help ensure you get the vitamins your body needs. Additionally, consulting with a healthcare provider or nutritionist can provide personalized guidance on meeting your nutritional requirements. And considering the importance of overall health, exploring senior citizen health insurance or any other health insurance of your choice can give you peace of mind for any unexpected health concerns.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.