Vitamins and Their Functions in the Body

Vitamins are substances essential for the normal functioning, growth, and development of cells. The naming of these substances as vitamins dates back to the work of Polish biochemist Casimir Funk in 1912. Vita, while being a Latin word, means Life. The -Amine in the word defining the name, as the name suggests, denotes Amine groups.

As can be understood from this, it was initially thought that all vitamins were Amines. However, over time, it was determined that not all vitamins are Amines. Despite this being the case, the general name of these substances has not changed and has remained as vitamin/vitamins.

Vitamins are divided into 2 groups. The determining factor for this is the solubility factor. These vitamin groups are as follows.

How Many Groups Are Vitamins Divided Into?

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

There are 4 fat-soluble vitamins. These are vitamins A, D, E, and K. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body's fatty tissue. Their presence in dietary fat facilitates the absorption of vitamins in this category by the body.

Vitamin A (Retinol): The chemical name of Vitamin A is called Retinol. Vitamin A strengthens the immune system in the body. It plays a role in skeletal homeostasis. It is a type of vitamin necessary for the maintenance of teeth.

Vitamin D (Calciferol): Vitamin D is called Calciferol. It is the type of vitamin that ensures the healthy absorption of the calcium element by cells. With the absorption of vitamin D by the cell, vitamins D2 and D3 are converted into calcitriol, which is active here to ensure proper maintenance of Calcium and Phosphorus elements within the cell.

Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol): It is a type of vitamin that helps strengthen the body's immune system. Additionally, it provides cholesterol balance, which is a major health issue. It protects the cell wall due to its antioxidant properties.

Vitamin K: It is a type of vitamin necessary for proper blood clotting. At the same time, it has the property of protecting bone health. It is a type of vitamin used to prevent the occurrence of Hemorrhagic Disease of the Newborn (HDN).

Water-Soluble Vitamins

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) is a type of vitamin that supports energy metabolism. It is the active vitamin type for converting nutrients taken into the body into energy form. It is a type of vitamin necessary for healthy skin, and the maintenance of muscles, hair, and also the brain. It has the ability to regulate nerve functions in cases of depression.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): It is part of an enzyme that ensures the functionality of energy metabolism within the cell. It is an important vitamin type for normal vision and skin health. It is a vitamin type that has an effect on hair.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin): It is an effective vitamin type in energy metabolism. It is a vitamin type that plays a role in the formation of healthy skin, the development of brain and blood cells, and the development of the nervous system.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): It functions as part of an enzyme involved in energy metabolism. It helps protect the adrenal glands and blood cells. It is also a type of vitamin that plays an important role in hormone and cholesterol production.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): While helping in the development of brain function, it is a vitamin type necessary for the formation of red blood cells and the development of brain function.

Vitamin B7 (Biotin): Vitamin B7 is called Biotin. It is a vitamin type necessary for metabolizing lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. It is an effective vitamin type for the healthy development of hair structure along with the skin.

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid): It is a type of vitamin necessary for the production of DNA and new blood cells. It helps the effective enzyme here to work healthily. It works together with Vitamin B12. It is the most necessary type of vitamin during pregnancy periods.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): It functions as part of the enzyme necessary for the formation and development of new cells. It contributes to the development of nerve functions.

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): It has the ability to strengthen the immune system and is necessary for protein metabolism within the body. At the same time, it contributes to the absorption of the iron element.