Vitamins

• Vitamins are chemically diverse carbon compounds that cannot be synthesised by the body
• Vitamins are organic molecules with complex chemical structures that are categorised by groups
• Water-soluble vitamins need to be constantly consumed as any excess is lost in urine (e.g. vitamins B, C)
• Fat-soluble vitamins can be stored within the body (e.g. vitamins A, D, E, K)
• The functions of vitamins are diverse and many function as cofactors, antioxidants, or hormones
• Many vitamins are essential as they cannot be synthesised by the body and their absence may cause a deficiency disease
• Production of ascorbic acid by some mammals, but not others that need a dietary supply
• Ascorbic acid is a form of vitamin C required for metabolic activities in all animals and plants
• In mammals, vitamin C functions as a potent antioxidant and plays a role in immune function and collagen synthesis
• Ascorbic acid is made internally by most mammals from monosaccharides, but not produced by humans
• Humans must ingest vitamin C as part of their dietary requirements to avoid adverse health effects
• A deficiency in vitamin C levels leads to the development of scurvy and a weakening of normal immune function
• Lack of Vitamin D or calcium can affect bone mineralisation and cause rickets or osteomalacia
• Vitamin D is involved in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus by the body, contributing to bone mineralisation
• Inadequate vitamin D leads to the excretion of calcium and phosphorus, causing diseases like osteomalacia or rickets
• Vitamin D can be naturally synthesised by the body when exposed to UV light (sunlight)
• Vitamin D deficiencies are usually in individuals with limited sun exposure, like the elderly or certain ethnicities
• Excess sun exposure is beneficial for vitamin D production but increases the risk of skin cancers
• Common symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency include rickets and bone deformities