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Scientific Names of Vitamins

Vitamins play crucial roles in our health, and understanding their scientific names helps in grasping their specific functions and importance in the body.

  • 28 Nov 2023
  • 3 min read
  • 4458 views

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.

 

Scientific Names 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

Deficiency symptoms

Vitamin A

Retinol

Nuts, Mangoes, Papayas, Tomatoes, Leafy Greens, Oily Fish, Apricots, etc.

Dry skin, trouble seeing in the dark

Vitamin B1

Thiamine

Corn, Cashews, Milk, Dates, Fresh Fruits, Peas, Beans, etc.

Weakness, problems moving around

Vitamin B2

Riboflavin

Cheese, Yogurt, Spinach, Red Meat, Almonds, etc.

Hair loss, feeling tired, sore throat

Vitamin B3

Niacin

Nuts, Bananas, Seeds, Brown Rice, Beans, etc.

Feeling tired and sad, hallucinations, memory trouble

Vitamin B5

Pantothenic acid

Broccoli, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, beans, etc.

Headache, fatigue, irritability, gastrointestinal issues

Vitamin B6

Pyridoxine

Chicken, Fish, Bread, Wholegrain Cereals, Eggs, etc.

Weak immune system, itchy skin, tongue swells up

Vitamin B7

Biotin

Avocado, Sweet Potato, Nuts, Seeds, Eggs, Fish, etc.

Hair gets thin, nails break easily, skin gets red and itchy

Vitamin B9

Folic Acid

Leafy Greens, Citrus Fruits, Beans, Beetroot, etc.

Feeling weak, tired all the time, problems with the nerves

Vitamin B12

Cobalamin

Poultry, Eggs, Fish, Milk, etc.

Fatigue, dizziness

Vitamin C

Ascorbic Acid

Citrus Fruits, Goat Milk, Chestnuts, Broccoli, Grapefruit, etc.

Don't feel like eating, skin gets rough, wounds take longer to heal

Vitamin D

Calciferol

Cod Liver Oil, Beef, Chicken, Cereals, Egg Yolk, etc.

Problems with the digestive system, trouble eating certain foods

Vitamin E

Tocopherol

Pumpkin, Mangoes, Guava, Potatoes, Nuts, Seeds, etc.

Muscle pain, impaired nerve function, trouble seeing

Vitamin K

Phytonadione

Mangoes, Lamb, Beef, Grapes, Tomatoes, etc.

Weak bones, retarded growth

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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 health insurance coverage can offer peace of mind for any unexpected health concerns.

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