Abstract
Vitamins are organic compound which are required by organisms as essential nutrients in limited quantities. They are nutrients which human bodies require in order to sustain functions such as metabolism and immunity. Vitamins have broadly varying physiological and biochemical function and are widely distributed in natural sources of food. Basically, they are the basis of all functions of the human body; they make things happen and happen faster. And with the absence of vitamins these enzymes cannot perform their tasks. This paper presents a detailed analysis of the benefits of vitamins.
Introduction
According to Lieberman and Bruning (1990), vitamins are organic compound which are required by organisms as essential nutrients in limited quantities. It is also implied that an organic compound is only a vitamin if it cannot be synthesized in substantial amounts by an organism and should be obtained from the diet. Conventionally, vitamins are the nutrients which human bodies require in order to sustain functions such as metabolism and immunity. Thirteen vitamins have been recognized in human nutrition and they have been categorized into two classes, according to the solubility. The fat-soluble vitamins comprises of vitamins A, D, E, and K and approximately more than 50 carotenoids which have various degrees of vitamin A activity. The other class is the water-soluble vitamins which include vitamin c and the vitamin B group made up of the vitamins; thiamin (B1), riboflavin(B2), niacin, B6, Panthoneic acid, folate, biotin and vitamin B12 (Combs, 2012).
Vitamins have broadly varying physiological and biochemical function and are widely distributed in natural sources of food. In a broader context, vitamins work as coenzymes (Ball, 2008). Most individuals acknowledge that enzymes assist in the digestion of food; however they do more than the digestion. Basically, they are the basis of all functions of the human body; they make things happen and happen faster. And with the absence of vitamins these enzymes cannot perform their tasks. Thus, it is worth noting that vitamins are of a great importance to the functioning of human body as discussed in the subsequent section.
Benefits of Vitamins
The benefits of vitamins are limitless; each vitamin has its own benefit to the human body. To begin, vitamin A helps in the growth and repairing of tissues. This assists in the maintenance of a soft, smooth and healthy skin. Internally Vitamin A assists in the protection of the mucous membrane of various organs; thus, reducing the susceptibility to infections. Through the protection, Vitamin A also enables the mucous membranes to counter attacks from invasive organisms and harmful substance such as air pollutants. This vitamin also triggers the secretion s of the gastric enzymatic juices which are required for protein digestion. Vitamin A also has other beneficial functions including the development of strong teeth and bones, the development of immune system, rich blood, cell membrane development and stability, reproduction, and the maintenance of vision. It has also been reported that beta-carotene; vitamin A component assists in the defense against some cancers (Schmidt et.al, 2010).
The vitamin B complex work in several distinct ways to assist the enzymes undertake various conversions in the human body; resulting in the name coenzymes. All vitamins under the B complex are water–soluble organic compound which have been derived from fungi yeasts and bacteria. These compounds are grouped under the term B complex basing on the common distribution, functional relationship and close relationship in animal and vegetable tissues. Vitamin B complex provides energy to the body by assisting in the conversion of carbohydrates to glucose; consumed or burned by the body giving energy. Vitamins under the group B complex are also essential in the metabolism of protein and fats. Furthermore, they are required for a proper functioning of the nervous system; its primary role being nerve maintenance. Lastly, Vitamins under the B complex group help maintain the muscle tone in the alimentary canal and maintain the health of hair, skin, mouth, eyes and liver (Natow & Heslin, 1985).
Vitamin C, on the other hand is responsible for the maintenance of collagen; a protein required in the development of connective tissue in ligaments, bones and skin. Vitamin C also enhances the healing of wounds and burns since it expedites the development of connective tissue in the scar. Arterial wall cells and capillaries require collagen in order for them to effectively contract and expand with the heart beats. Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant. Additionally it assists in the development of red blood cells and hemorrhage prevention. Research has reported that vitamin C act as an antihistamine, thus may be used to counter the use of the drug form (Malhotra, 2006).
Vitamin D also referred to as sunshine vitamin, works in a similar way to a hormone and is mostly considered as one. Vitamin D can be acquired by the exposure to sunlight or ingestion. It targets body organs such as the intestines and kidneys. Other target tissues are the pancreas, brain, bones, skin, some cancer cells and reproductive organs (Schmidt et.al, 2010).
Vitamin E is composes of a group of organic compounds; tocopherols. Four types of tocopherol are naturally in existence namely; beta, alpha, gamma and delta. Vitamin E is required by all living organism which consume oxygen. It is an antioxidant, implying that it neutralizes the oxidation of substances in the human body. The presence of vitamin E in the digestive system help prevents the oxidation of the vitamins B and C Complex. Vitamin E has the capability of uniting with oxygen and inhibiting its conversion to harmful peroxides. Thus leaving the blood cells fully supplied with uncontaminated oxygen; carried by the blood to other body organs. Vitamin E also facilitates the cellular respiration of muscles, particularly the skeletal and cardiac muscles. This enables the muscles to work with less oxygen, resulting in an increased stamina and endurance. Vitamin E also causes blood vessel dilation thus permitting high blood flow to the heart. As a highly effective anti-thrombin, Vitamin inhibits blood coagulation this preventing the formation of blood clots. Vitamin E also stimulates the excretion of urine, which is very beneficial to heart condition patients, whose tissues have excessive tissue fluids. Finally, Vitamin E acts as a diuretic, assisting in lower high blood pressures and also protects body organs from damages resulting from substances such as pollutants (Malhotra, 2006).
Similar to vitamin D and E, vitamin K functions as a heart protector and bone builder. It also assists in the prevention of blood clots, and keeping cancer at bay.
Conclusion
As stated vitamins are essential requirements for the proper functioning of human bodies. Vitamins have marvelous benefits; they enhance normal growth, ensure standard metabolism, ensure good health and protect against certain diseases. Vitamins are needed by the body in small quantities, to facilitate metabolism, protect health and to enhance growth in children. Additionally vitamins help in the development of hormones, bones, blood tissues and cells, chemicals of the nervous system and the genetic material. The rudiments of human cells heavily hinges on vitamins. Vitamins provides for the binding of tissues, keeping cells strong, and fighting against infections. With the absence of vitamins, human cells would not function in a proper way, leading to organ malfunction which results in death. Lastly vitamins also assist in the conversion of carbohydrates and fat into energy. Therefore, vitamins are very essential to the human body as they have unlimited benefits.
References
Ball, G. (2008). Vitamins. Oxford: John Wiley & Sons
Combs, G. F. (2012). The vitamins. Amsterdam: Elsevier/ Academic Press.
Lieberman, S. P. D., & Bruning, N. (1900). The real vitamin & mineral book: The definitive guide to designing your personal supplement program. Garden City Park, NY: Avery Pub. Group
Malhotra, P. B. (2006). Benefits of Vitamins. New Dawn Books.
Natow, A. B., & Heslin, J.-A. (1985). Mega-doses: Vitamins as drugs; a complete guide to the risks and benefits of vitamin supplements. New York: Pocket Books.
Schmidt, D. R., Holmstrom, S. R., Fon, T. K., Bookout, A. L., Kliewer, S. A., & Mangelsdorf, D. J. (2010). Regulation of bile acid synthesis by fat-soluble vitamins A and D. The Journal of Biological Chemistry, 285, 14486-14494
