Scientific Name of Vitamins and their Sources
Many plants and animals both have common names and scientific names too. Similarly, all the known vitamins have their own scientific names. The appellation depends on the composition, physical and chemical properties and also their biochemical functions.
What are Vitamins?
The organic compounds which help in performing biological functions in living organisms are called Vitamins. These are vital nutrients that should be added to our daily diet in a required amount.
These are referred to as organic compounds because our body cannot synthesize them and are required in very small amounts, as their degradation is very slow; hence, they are also known as the Micronutrients. Vitamins perform vital functions and play an essential role in our body for functions like metabolism, immunity, and digestion.
Vitamin is a Greek word – “vita”- life and “amine”- which refers to the compound found in thiamine, which was isolated from husks of rice.
Scientific Name of Vitamins and their Sources
The different types of Vitamins, sources of vitamins and their Scientific names of vitamins are as follows -
Classification Of Vitamins
Based on the physical and biological activity, Vitamins which are also known as organic compounds can be classified into the following -
Water-Soluble Vitamins:
Biotin.
Niacin.
Pyridine.
Thiamine.
Vitamin C.
Folic acid.
Riboflavin.
Vitamin B12.
Pantothenic acid.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins:
Vitamin A.
Vitamin D.
Vitamin E.
Vitamin K.
What are the Benefits of Different Vitamins in Our Body?
We all know that vitamins are very important for the proper growth and development of human beings. Let’s know what are the benefits of vitamins in our body.
Vitamin A - It helps in protecting the eyes from night blindness and also supports bone health
Vitamin B1 - It helps prevent complications in the nervous system, brain, muscles, heart, stomach, and intestines
Vitamin B2 - It helps break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It plays a vital role in maintaining the body's energy supply
Vitamin B3 - It helps lower cholesterol, ease arthritis and boost brain function, among other benefits
Vitamin B5 - It helps produce energy by breaking down fats and carbohydrates. It also helps to maintain a healthy skin, hair, eyes, and liver.
Vitamin B6 - It helps to improve mood and reduce symptoms of Depression, promote brain health and reduce Alzheimer's risk as well as prevents and treats anemia by aiding hemoglobin production.
Vitamin B7 - It helps to promote appropriate function of the nervous system and is essential for liver metabolism as well. Biotin is commonly advised as a remedy to strengthen hair and nails, as well as in skin care.
Vitamin B9 - Folic acid is used to treat folic acid deficiency and certain types of anemia (lack of red blood cells) caused by folic acid deficiency
Vitamin B12 - It helps to reduce the risk of macular degeneration and and also helps to improve mood and symptoms of depression
Vitamin C - Helps prevent iron deficiency and also boosts immunity
Vitamin D - Regulation of calcium and maintenance of phosphorus levels in the blood.
Vitamin E - Helps in moisturizing skin and wound healing
Vitamin K - Helps in the body's process of blood clotting, which helps the body heal wounds, bruises, and areas affected by surgery.
Usage and Dosage Of Vitamins
Biotin- It is known as Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H. It is required to metabolize carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Its deficiency can lead to skin problems and hair loss, but it’s rarely seen. Dietary sources include eggs, seeds, red meat, etc. An adult should have 30 mcg of biotin daily. Whereas, a lactating woman should have 35 mcg. Infants (0 to 1 years) should have 5-6 mcg.
Niacin- Also known as nicotinic acid, is a Vitamin B complex (B3). It occurs naturally in animals and plants. Dietary sources include yeast, green vegetables and fish. Niacin is used to treat circulation problems, dizziness, migraine headache, diarrhoea due to cholera. The dosage of niacin for an adult is 500mg to 2000mg depending on the body.
Pyridoxine- Also known as Vitamin B6. It is essential to treat heart diseases, anaemia, high cholesterol, and remove clogs from arteries. Dietary sources are cereals, beans, meat, etc. The dosage for males- more than 50 years (1.7mg/day), less than 50 years (1.3mg/day). For females- Older than 50 years (1.5mg/day), younger than 50 years (1.3mg/day), pregnant women – 1.9mg/day, nursing- 2 mag/day.
Thiamine- Common name Vitamin B1, it is found in foods like pork, nuts, liver, etc. It is taken in conditions related to its low levels including inflammation of nerves, beriberi. It is also used in digestive problems like diarrhoea, poor appetite, ulcerative colitis. The recommended dosage for males- 1.2 mg/day, females- 1.1 mg/day, pregnancy or lactation- 1.4 mg/day.
Ascorbic acid- Common name Vitamin C. It is used to treat or prevent low levels of Vitamin C in people. Its deficiency can lead to scurvy which can further cause joint pain, muscle weakness, tooth loss, etc. Dietary sources include citrus fruits like oranges. The recommended dosage for males- 90mg/day, females- 75mg/day, lactating and pregnant women- 85 mg/day.
Folic acid- Known as Vitamin B9. Found in whole grain products, beans, asparagus, etc. It helps the body to generate new cells and prevents DNA from mutations. Its combination with Vitamin B12 can treat pernicious anaemia. Dosage plan for adults both men and women- 400-800 mcg/day, for pregnant women- 800 mcg/day, infant- 0.1 mg/day, child- 1 mg/ day.
Riboflavin- Commonly known as Vitamin B2. It is required for the proper development of skin, brain, blood cells, and lining of the digestive tract. Riboflavin is used to prevent riboflavin deficiency that can cause migraine, acne, muscle cramps, etc. Food sources are- veggies, meat, beans, etc. The recommended dietary allowance for males is 1.3mg/day, females 1.1mg/day, during pregnancy 1.4 mg/day, lactating period 1.6 mg/day.
Cobalamin- It’s a vitamin B complex (Vit B12). Cyanocobalamin is a man-made precursor of Vitamin B12. It is used to maintain the proper functioning of nerves and blood cells. Its deficiency can lead to stomach and intestine problems, anaemia, and permanent nerve damage. Sources include shellfish and dairy products. The recommended dietary dosage for adult men and women- 2.4 mcg/day, pregnant women- 2.6 mcg/day, lactating women- 2.8 mcg/ day.
Pantothenic acid- Commonly termed as Vitamin B5. It is found in legumes, cereals and dairy products. It enables the body to use fats, carbohydrates and proteins. It is used to treat skin irritation, heal wounds, decrease nasal swelling, etc. It’s recommended that adults should consume 5mg of pantothenic acid daily. However, pregnant women should consume 6 mg of it daily and lactating women should consume 7 mg daily. The recommended dosage for children depends on the age.
Retinol- Retinol or Vitamin A is important for the immune system, normal vision, reproduction and other biological activities. It is also good for the heart, kidneys and lungs. Its precursor provitamin A is found in fruits and vegetables. Males should have 900 mcg/ day of retinol. Females should have 700 mcg/day.
Calciferol- Known as Vitamin D. It helps the body to absorb phosphorus and calcium. It is used to treat or prevent bone diseases such as rickets, osteomalacia, osteoarthritis, etc. Food sources include milk, eggs, etc. Dietary dosage for adults, lactating and pregnant women 15 mcg/day.
Tocopherol- Known as Vitamin E. It exists in foods like spinach, olives, sunflower seeds, etc. Tocopherol supplementation is used to treat age-related disorders like dysmenorrhea, macular degeneration, etc. Dietary dosage for adults should not increase by 1000 mg/day.
Phytonadione- Commonly referred to as Vitamin K. It is needed by the body to carry out important processes like blood clotting, bone-building, etc. It is present in sprouts and broccoli. Males are recommended to consume 120 mcg of phytonadione daily. Whereas, normal females, pregnant and lactating women must consume 90 mcg daily.
FAQs on Scientific Name of Vitamins
1. What are Vitamins?
The organic compounds which help in performing biological functions in living organisms are called Vitamins. These are vital nutrients that should be added to our daily diet in a required amount. Consuming too little quantity of any particular vitamins can increase the risk of acquiring health issues. Vitamins are further classified into two categories- fat-soluble vitamins and water-soluble vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins consist of vitamin A, D, E, K. Whereas, water-soluble vitamins consist of Vitamin C and Vitamin B complex.
2. What are the Functions of Vitamins in Our Body?
Vitamins help in Digestion, Metabolism and boosting Immunity. Moreover, these micronutrients offer a wide range of health benefits such as-
It helps in increasing the efficiency of the body to combat disease-causing organisms.
It helps in forming the building blocks of the body that are cells and tissues.
Helps in preventing or delaying certain types of cancer such as prostate cancer.
Strengthen bones and teeth.
Allow calcium absorption.
Maintain skin health.
Helps in metabolizing proteins, carbs, and lipids.
Maintain healthy blood.
3. What are Water Soluble Vitamins?
Water-soluble vitamins are those biomolecules that are soluble in water. Vitamins are required by the body to carry out necessary functions. Water-soluble vitamins are transported to the tissues and they are absorbed. However, they are not stored in the body, therefore, they are required to be taken daily. They are found in many animal and plant sources such as eggs, beans, green leafy vegetables, meat, pork, fish, milk, etc.
Some of the important water-soluble vitamins are -
Biotin.
Niacin.
Pyridine.
Thiamine.
Vitamin C.
Folic acid.
Riboflavin.
Vitamin B12.
Pantothenic acid.
4. What are Fat-Soluble Vitamins?
Fat-soluble vitamins are those vitamins that are not soluble in water. These vitamins are only absorbed in oils or fats. These are required by the body for its development. These are absorbed in the body through diet. Unlike water-soluble vitamins, they get stored in the body tissues especially in the liver. However, people should meet their daily requirements for these vitamins. These are found in plant and animal-based products along with dietary supplements.
Some of the important fat-soluble vitamins are -
Vitamin A
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
5. What are the Sources of Vitamin B9?
Some of the sources of Vitamin B9 are - Citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, legumes, beets, etc. Folic acid or vitamin B9 is a water-soluble vitamin found in many foods. It helps to form RNA and DNA and is involved in protein metabolism. It plays an important role in breaking down homocysteine, an amino acid that can cause toxicity in the body leading to diseases if present in large amounts. It is needed to generate healthy blood cells to maintain the quality and quantity of the blood in the body.
6. What are the Sources of Vitamin C?
Fresh citrus fruits such as orange and grapefruit, broccoli, goat milk, black currant, peppers, strawberries, potatoes, brussels sprouts and chestnuts. It is necessary to consume Vitamin C which is also known as ascorbic acid as it keeps the cell healthy and protected and helps in maintaining healthy bones and skin. Lack of Vitamin C can cause a disease called scurvy therefore, everyone should take some amount of Vitamin C during the day. But taking Vitamin C in excess amounts can result in flatulence, stomach pain and diarrhoea.
7. What is the Scientific Name of Vitamin B6?
The scientific name of Vitamin B6 is Pyridoxine. The intake of this vitamin helps the body in storing and using energy from carbohydrates and proteins in food. It also helps the human body in manufacturing haemoglobin. The food sources which are rich in Vitamin B6 are chicken, turkey, pork, fish peanuts, wheat germ, soya beans, bananas, milk, oat and some fortified breakfast cereals. It is advised that people do not take Vitamin B6 supplements in large amounts as it can cause peripheral neuropathy.
8. How do you Classify Vitamins?
Vitamins can be classified into two categories -
Water-Soluble Vitamins - These vitamins are Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B7, Vitamin B9, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin C. These vitamins are not stored in the body, hence need to be consumed daily through proper diet. The sources of water-soluble vitamins are watermelon, ham, milk, whole grains, mushroom, cheese, yoghurt, etc.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins - These vitamins are Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E and Vitamin K. These vitamins are dissolved in fat and are absorbed by fat globules. The excess fat-soluble vitamins are stored in adipose tissues and the liver. The sources of these vitamins are sweet potatoes, beef liver, spinach, carrots, milk, cheese, etc.
