Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) is a water-soluble B vitamin that plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and the synthesis of coenzyme A (CoA), which is essential for the breakdown of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Functions of Pantothenic Acid (B5): Food Sources: Deficiency Symptoms: (Rare but possible in cases of malnutrition) Toxicity & Supplementation: Since…
An antigen-antibody complex is formed when an antibody binds to an antigen. This complex plays a crucial role in the immune system by initiating immune responses. The binding of the antibody to the antigen helps to neutralize pathogens or mark them for destruction by other immune cells. The antigen-antibody complex is also referred to as…
vitamin K An oil-soluble vitamin essential to the normal clotting of blood. Vitamin K is normally made within the body by intestinal bacteria, but it is also found in many foods, including leafy green vegetables, yogurt, egg yolk, and fish-liver oils. Deficiency may occur following the administration of drugs that inhibit the growth of the…
vitamin H Biotin, which is actually considered part of the water-soluble, B vitamin family. It is a coenzyme essential for many enzyme functions. Normally produced by bacteria in the colon, biotin is also found in yeast, organ meats, legumes, egg yolks, whole grains, and nuts. The daily adult requirement is 60 micrograms.
vitamin E An oil-soluble vitamin that is vital for muscle, skin, blood vessel, and organ development and function. Dietary sources for vitamin E include nuts, nut and corn oils, wheat germ, liver, sweet potatoes, and green leafy vegetables. Deficiency of vitamin E can lead to anemia. The daily adult requirement is 10 milligrams.
vitamin D3 Cholecalciferol, a D vitamin that is needed for proper use of phosphorus, calcium, and vitamin A. It plays a steroid-like role in regulating cellular proliferation and differentiation. Vitamin D3 is important in normal bone metabolism. Also known as calcitrol. Vitamin D3 is largely supplied by the metabolism of vitamin D in the body.
vitamin D2 Calciferol, a synthetic form of vitamin D that is created by treating ergosterol (provitamin D2) with ultraviolet light waves. Vitamin D2 is important in normal bone metabolism. Vitamin D2 is largely supplied by the metabolism of vitamin D in the body.
vitamin D An oil-soluble steroid vitamin that promotes absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorus and that is essential for tooth and bone growth. Under normal conditions of sunlight exposure, no dietary supplementation is necessary because sunlight promotes adequate vitamin D synthesis in the skin. Vitamin D is added to many common dairy products and…
vitamin C Ascorbic acid, a water-soluble vitamin that is important in the synthesis of collagen, the framework protein for tissues of the body. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, berries, potatoes, and most vegetables. It may affect vitamin B12 absorption. Minor deficiency can cause gum bleeding, joint pain, nosebleeds, and easy bruising. Extreme…
vitamin B12 Cobalamin, a water-soluble vitamin, which is an essential factor in nucleic acid synthesis. Vitamin B12 may affect vitamin C absorption. It is found primarily in liver and yeast, and it is easily destroyed by cooking. Deficiency of vitamin B12 leads to megaloblastic anemia, as can be seen in pernicious anemia. The daily adult…
vitamin B6 Pyridoxine, a water-soluble vitamin, which is a cofactor for enzymes. Vitamin B6 is found primarily in liver and yeast, and it is easily destroyed by cooking. Deficiency of vitamin B6 leads to inflammation of the skin and mouth, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, and anemia. The daily adult requirement is 2 milligrams.
vitamin B5 Pantothenic acid, a water-soluble, B vitamin that is widely distributed in nature. Pantothenic acid is virtually ubiquitous. It is present in foods as diverse as poultry, soybeans, yogurt, and sweet potatoes. No naturally occurring disease due to a deficiency of vitamin B5 has been identified, due to the ease of obtaining this vitamin….