Vitamins are organic compounds essential for biological functions like metabolism, immunity, and digestion. They are micronutrients required in small amounts and must be part of a balanced diet.
The term “vitamin” comes from the Greek words “vita” (life) and “amine.” Sir Frederick Gowland Hopkins received the 1929 Nobel Prize for discovering vitamins.
Classification:
- Fat-soluble vitamins:
- Vitamin A, D, E, K
- Water-soluble vitamins:
- Vitamin C, B-complex group (e.g., Biotin, Niacin, Folic acid, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Pantothenic acid, Pyridine, Vitamin B12)
| Vitamin | Chemical Name | Deficiency Disease |
| Vitamin A | Retinal | Night blindness |
| Vitamin B1 | Thiamine | Beriberi |
| Vitamin B2 | Riboflavin | Skin Burst, Eye Disease |
| Vitamin B3 | Nicotinamide (Niacin) | Burning feet, Hair whitening |
| Vitamin B5 | Pantothenic Acid | Monthly Disorders (Pellagra) |
| Vitamin B6 | Pyridoxine | Anemia, Skin Disease |
| Vitamin B9 | Folic Acid | Megaloblastic Anemia, Mouth Sores and Tongue Swelling. |
| Vitamin H / B7 | Biotin | Hair Fall, Skin Disease |
| Vitamin B12 | Cyanocobalamin | Anemia, Pernicious Anemia |
| Vitamin C | Ascorbic Acid | Scurvy, Gingivitis |
| Vitamin D | Calciferol | Rickets |
| Vitamin E | Tocopherol | Decreased fertility |
| Vitamin K | Phylloquinone | Blood Clotting Disorders |