CHEMISTRY PROJECT REPORT

vitamins

[ ]

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how we stay healthy?..the proper answer lies in our balanced diet.our balanced diet contains all the vital nutrients including vitamins ,proteins ,carbohydrates…

The body needs vitamins to stay healthy and a varied diet usually gives you all the vitamins you need. Vitamins do not provide energy (calories) directly, but they do help regulate energy-producing processes. With the exception of vitamin D and K, vitamins cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained from the diet. Vitamins have to come from food because they are not manufactured or formed by the body. So lets find out the uses and the importance of vitamins in our daily life

Aim2

[ ]

To find out the importance of vitamins in daily life. To find out how much vitamins are needed for human in one day. To find out the sources of vitamins. To find out the structure of vitamins. To find out the diseases caused by deficiency of vitamins.

3

[ ]

Vitamins and classification

Vitamins are natural substances found in plants and animals and known as Essential nutrients for human beings. The name vitamin is obtained from "vital amines" as it was originally thought that these substances were all amines. Human body uses these substances to stay healthy and support its many functions.

Vitamins are generally regarded as organic compounds required in the diet in small amounts to perform specific biological functions for normal maintenance of optimum growth and health of the organism.

There are two types of vitamins: water-soluble and fat-soluble.

Water-soluble vitamins

Water-soluble vitamins cannot be stored in the body, so you need to get them from food every day. They can be destroyed by overcooking. These are easily absorbed by the body. Human body doesn't store large amounts of water-soluble vitamins. B-complex vitamins and vitamin C are water-soluble vitamins that are not stored in the body and must be replaced each day. These vitamins are easily destroyed or washed out during food storage and preparation. They are eliminated in urine so, body need a continuous supply of them in diets.

Proper storage and preparation of food can minimize vitamin loss. To reduce vitamin loss, refrigerate fresh produce, keep milk and grains away from strong light, and use the cooking water from vegetables to prepare soups. An excess of water soluble vitamins should not result in any side effects as they will disperse in the body fluids and voided in the urine. Nine of the water-soluble vitamins are known as the B-complex group: Thiamin (vitamin B1), Riboflavin (vitamin B2), Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Biotin, Pantothenic acid and Vitamin C. These vitamins are widely distributed in foods.

4

[ ]

Fat-soluble vitamins  

The fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E and K - since they are soluble in fat and are absorbed by the body from the intestinal tract. The human body has to use bile acids to absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Once these vitamins are absorbed, the body stores them in body fat. When you need them, your body takes them out of storage to be used. Eating fats or oils that are not digested can cause shortages of fat-soluble vitamins.

Fat soluble vitamins should not be consumed in excess as they are stored in the body and an excess can result in side effects. An excess of vitamin A may result in irritability, weight loss, dry itchy skin in children and nausea, headache, diarrhea in adults.

Characteristics of the vitamins are:

1. Most of the vitamins have been artificially synthesized.2. Some of vitamins are soluble in water and others are fat-soluble.3. Some vitamins are synthesized in the body. Some members of vitamin B

complex are synthesized by microorganisms in the intestinal tract.4. Vitamins are partly destroyed and are partly excreted.5. Vitamins can be stored in the body to some extent, for example the fat-

soluble vitamins are stored in the liver and subcutaneous tissue.6. Vitamins can perform their work in very small quantities. Hence, the total

daily requirement is usually very small.

5

[ ]

Action in human body

Nutrient Action Daily needVITAMIN A Vitamin A helps cell reproduction.

It also stimulates immunity and is needed for formation of some hormones. Vitamin A helps vision and promotes bone growth, tooth development, and helps maintain healthy skin, hair, and mucous membranes. It has been shown to be an effective preventive against measles.

Alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and retinol are all versions of Vitamin A.

10,000 IU/day (plant-derived) for adult males.8,000 for adult females - 12,000 if lactating.4,000 for children ages 1-35,000 for children ages 4-67,000 for children ages 7-10

VITAMIN B1

(THIAMINE)

Vitamin B1/thiamine is important in the production of energy. It helps the body cells convert carbohydrates into energy. It is also essential for the functioning of the heart, muscles, and nervous system.

1.2 mg for adult males and 1.1 mg for women - 1.5 mg if lactating.

Children need .6 to .9 mg of B1/thiamine per day.

VITAMIN B2 (RIBOFLAVIN)

Vitamin B2 or riboflavin is important for body growth, reproduction and red cell production. It also helps in releasing energy from carbohydrates

1.3 mg for adult males and 1.1 mg for women - 1.5 mg if pregnant/lactating.

Children need .6 to .9 mg of B2/riboflavin per day.

VITAMIN B6 (PRYIDOXINE)

B6 plays a role in the creation of antibodies in the immune system. It helps maintain normal nerve function and acts in the formation of red blood cells. It is also required for the chemical reactions of proteins. The higher the protein intake, the more need there is for vitamin B6

1.3 to 1.7 mg for adults - 2 mg for women who are pregnant or lactating.

Children need between .6 to 1.3 mg.

VITAMIN B12Like the other B vitamins, vitamin B12 is important for metabolism. It helps in the formation of red blood cells and in the maintenance of the central nervous system.

2.4 mcg for adults and 2.6 - 2.8 mcg for women who are pregnant or lactating. Children need .9 - 2.4 mcg per day.

VITAMIN C Vitamin C is one of the most important of all vitamins. It plays a significant role as an antioxidant,

60 mg for adults - 70 mg for women who are pregnant and 95 for

6

[ ]

thereby protecting body tissue from the damage of oxidation. 

those lactating.

Children need between 45 and 50 mg

VITAMIN D Vitamin D is known as the "sunshine vitamin" since it is manufactured by the body after being exposed to sun .Vitamin D is vital to the human body as it promotes absorption of calcium and magnesium, which are essential for the normal development of healthy teeth and bones. It also helps maintain adequate levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood.

5 mg for most adults. Between 50 - 70 yrs 10 mg, and after 70 15 mg.

Children need about 5 mg/day.

VITAMIN E Like vitamin C, vitamin E plays a significant role as an antioxidant, thereby protecting body tissue from the damage of oxidation. It is important in the formation of red blood cells and the use of vitamin K. Many women also use it to help minimize the appearance of wrinkles.

30 IU for most adults. Children need between 6-11 mg/day. (1 IU is equal to approximately .75 mg)

VITAMIN K Vitamin K is fat soluble and plays a critical role in blood clotting. It regulates blood calcium levels and activates at least 3 proteins involved in bone health.

70-80 micrograms/day for adult males, 60-65 micrograms per day for adult females.

Children need about half the amount, depending on age.

Natural sources

7

[ ]

Nutrient Fruit source Vegetable source Nut sourceVitamin A Most fruits contain

vitamin A, but the following fruits have a significant amount: Tomatoes CantaloupesWatermelon Peaches Kiwi Oranges Blackberries

Sweet potatoKale Carrots Spinach Avocado Broccoli Peas Asparagus Squash - summer Green Pepper

Pistachios Chestnuts Pumpkin Seeds Pecans Pine Nuts/Pignolias Sunflower SeedsAlmonds Filberts/Hazelnuts

Vitamin B1Watermelon Peas 

AvocadoNo nuts contain a significant amount of vitamin B1.

Vitamin B2Kiwi Avocado No nuts contain a

significant amount of vitamin B2.

Vitamin B6Bananas Watermelon

Avocado Peas Potatoes Carrots

No nuts contain a significant amount of vitamin B6.

Vitamin B12None None No nuts contain a

significant amount of vitamin B6.

Vitamin C Kiwi Strawberry Orange BlackberriesCantaloupe Watermelon Tomatoes Lime Peach Bananas Apples Lemon Grapes

Artichoke Asparagus Avocado Broccoli Carrots Cauliflower Corn Cucumber Green PepperKale Lima Beans Mushrooms Onions Peas Potatoes Spinach Squash - summer Squash - winter Sweet potato

No nuts contain a significant amount of vitamin B6.

Vitamin D None Mushrooms No nuts contain a significant amount of vitamin B6.

Vitamin E BlackberriesBananas Apples Kiwi

None Almonds Sunflower SeedsPine Nuts/Pignolias Peanuts Brazil Nuts

Vitamin K None Vitamin K is found in significant quantities in dark green leafy

Pine Nuts/Pignolias Cashews Chestnuts 

8

[ ]

vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and kale.

Filberts/Hazelnuts

Structure

9

[ ]

Vitamin AVitamin A (retinol) is required for the formation of rhodopsin, a photoreceptor pigment in the retina. Vitamin A helps maintain epithelial tissues. Normally, the liver stores 90% of the body's Vitamin A.

Retinol (Vitamin A)

Vitamin (B1) ThiaminThiamin or Thiamine (vitamin B1) is widely available in the diet. Thiamin is involved in carbohydrate, fat, amino acid, glucose, and alcohol metabolism.

Thiamin (vitamin B1)

Vitamin (B2) RiboflavinRiboflavin (vitamin B2) is involved in carbohydrate metabolism as an essential coenzyme in many oxidation-reduction reactions.

Riboflavin (vitamin B2)

Vitamin (B6) pyridoxineVitamin B6 includes a group of closely related compounds: pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine. Vitamin B6 is important in the biosynthesis of heamoglobin and nucleic acid, as well as in lipid, carbohydrate, and amino acid metabolism.

10

[ ]

Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)

Vitamin B12

Cobalamin is a general term for compounds with biologic vitamin B12 activity. These compounds are involved in nucleic acid metabolism, methyl transfer, and myelin synthesis and repair. They are necessary for the formation of normal red blood cells

Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)

Vitamin C Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) plays a role in collagen, carnitine, hormone, and amino acid formation. It is essential for wound healing and facilitates recovery from burns. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, supports immune function, and facilitates the absorption of iron.

11

[ ]

Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)

Vitamin DVitamin D has two main forms: D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). Vitamin D3 is synthesized in skin by exposure to sunlight (ultraviolet radiation) and obtained in the diet chiefly in fish liver oils and egg yolks

Cholecalciferol

(Vitamin D)

Vitamin EVitamin E is a group of that have similar biologic activities. These compounds act as antioxidants, which prevent lipid peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids in cellular membranes.

Alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E)

Vitamin KVitamin K1 (phylloquinone) is dietary vitamin K. Dietary fat enhances its absorption. Infant formulas contain supplemental vitamin K.

Vitamin K (phylloquinone)

12

[ ]

Deficiency disease

Vitamin A

13

[ ]

Deficiency Disease: Night-blindness and Keratomalacia, Keratinisation of the nasal and respiratory passage epithelium

Deficiency Symptoms: Defective Teeth and Gums, Allergies, Dry Hair, Retarded Growth, Susceptibility to Infections, Night Blindness, Eye Irritations, Sinus Trouble, Dry Skin, Loss of Smell.

Deficiency Occurs in:

1. People who limit their consumption of liver, dairy foods, and beta-carotene-containing vegetables can develop a vitamin A deficiency.

2. Extremely low birth weight babies

Vitamin B1

Deficiency Disease: Beriberi

Deficiency Symptoms:Symptoms include fatigue, depression, decreased mental functioning, muscle cramps, nausea, heart enlargement, and eventually beriberi. Alcoholics are at increased risk of a deficiency.

Deficiency Occurs in:

1. Most commonly found in alcoholics2. People with Malabsorption conditions3. Those eating a very poor diet4. Also common in children with congenital heart disease5. People with chronic fatigue syndrome6. Individuals undergoing regular kidney dialysis

Vitamin B2

Deficiency Disease: Ariboflavinosis, Painful tongue and fissures to the corners of the mouth, chapped lips.

Deficiency Symptoms: Symptoms include red, swollen, cracked mouth and tongue; fatigue; depression; anemia; and greasy, scaly skin. The formation of cataracts may be a result of this vitamin deficiency.

14

[ ]

Deficiency Occurs in:

1. Alcoholics2. People with cataracts or sickle cell anemia3. People with chronic fatigue syndrome

Vitamin B6

Deficiency Disease: Anemia

Deficiency Symptoms:Symptoms include Weakness, Mental Confusion, Irritability, Nervousness, Inability to sleep, Hyperactivity, Anemia, Skin lesions, Tongue Discoloration, and Kidney Stones.

Deficiency Occurs in:

1. Alcoholics2. Patients with kidney failure3. Women using oral contraceptives4. People with chronic fatigue syndrome

Vitamin B12

Deficiency Disease:Megaloblastic or Pernicious Anaemia

Deficiency Symptoms:Symptoms include nausea, loss of appetite, sore mouth, diarrhea, abnormal gait, loss of sensation in hands and feet, confusion, memory loss, and depression. Harmful anemia may be a result of this deficiency.

Deficiency Occurs in:

1. Alcoholics2. Vegetarians who also avoid dairy and eggs3. People with malabsorption conditions4. Older people with urinary incontinence and hearing loss

15

[ ]

5. People with tinnitus and related disorders6. People with psychiatric disorders

Vitamin C

Deficiency Disease: Scurvy

Deficiency Symptoms:Prolonged healing of wounds, Easy bruising, Frequent infections, Prolonged colds, Scurvy: weak muscles, fatigue, loss of teeth, bleeding gums, depression, bleeding beneath the skin, Swollen or painful joints, Nosebleeds, Anemia: tired, paleness

Deficiency Occurs in:

1. Smokers2. Women with Preeclampsia, who have lower blood levels3. People with kidney failure

Vitamin D

Deficiency Disease: Rickets and Osteomalacia

Deficiency Symptoms:Symptoms include bone pain and tenderness and Muscle Weakness. In children, Rickets may occur, in which bones lose calcium and become soft and curved. Without proper intake, there is an increased risk of Osteoporosis, Arthritis, and Cancer.

Deficiency Occurs in:

1. More common in strict vegetarians2. Dark-skinned people3. Alcoholics4. People with liver or kidney disease5. People with hyperparathyroidism6. Also common in men with advanced prostate cancer

16

[ ]

Vitamin E

Deficiency Disease:Deficiency is very rare; mild hemolytic anemia in newborn infants

Deficiency Symptoms:Symptoms include in Infants irritability, Fluid Retention and Anemia. Adult symptoms may include Lethargy, Loss of balance and Anemia. There may be increased risk of Heart Disease, Cancer, and Premature Aging with marginal deficiencies.

Deficiency Occurs in:

1. People with a genetic defect in a vitamin E transfer protein called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)

2. Women with Preeclampsia3. Very old people with type 2 diabetes

Vitamin K

Deficiency Disease:Bleeding Diathesis, Delayed clotting & Hemorrhaging, Cholestatic Constipation, Patients may show signs of bruising easily and have nosebleeds.

Deficiency Symptoms:Symptoms include prolonged clotting time, easy bleeding, and bruising. This deficiency is rare in adults and normally limited to those with liver or food absorption disorders. However, it may occur in premature babies.

Deficiency Occurs in:

1. People with certain Mal absorption diseases2. Hospitalized patients who had poor food intake and were receiving

antibiotics3. Sometimes develop in breast-fed infants.

17

[ ]

Pictures of deficiency diseases

18

[ ]

Night blindness(vitamin A) Beriberi(vitamin B1)

Anemia (vitamin B6) Pernicious Anemia (vitamin B12)

Scurvy(vitamin C) Rickets(Vitamin D)

19

[ ]

How to overcome these deficiency

Food The best method available to overcome these deficiency is by proper diet which includes proper amounts of vegetables, fruits and some amount of meat.

Medicine To avoid the deficiency of any Vitamin B we can use B complex. Vitamin B complex is a group of 12 related water-soluble substances. The eight water-soluble vitamins including thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), biotin (B7), pyridoxine (B6), folic acid (B9), and cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12).

20

[ ]

Additional information

Vitamin Facts

1. A lot of the vitamins in fruits and vegetables are lost between the farm and your plate. The longer the foods are stored before you eat them, the more nutrients are lost. Heat, light, and exposure to air all reduce the amount of vitamins, especially Vitamin C, thiamin, and folic acid.

2. About 25% of US households do not have balanced meals to meet the requirements that the body needs in digesting enough nutrients to sustain the body's health and fuel factors.

3. Research has shown that almost all varieties of disease can be produced by the deficiency of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients. Vitamins are vital for your skin. The most important factor of nutritional deficiencies is the intense processing and refining of foods like cereals and sugar.

4. The human body uses food to manufacture all its building blocks as well as to provide fuel. To do this, it performs several thousand different chemical reactions. Each reaction is controlled by "enzymes" and "coenzymes". Some of the coenzymes contain vitamins which the body cannot make by itself and which must be obtained from outside the body.

21

[ ]

Conclusion

Vitamins are in every aspect essential to our life. First of all vitamin is that component of a balanced diet which the human body generally cannot manufacture on its own. So you must consume vitamin directly in the form of food or through supplements as tonic or pills. The whole process of assimilation of vitamins depends on ingestion of food. Once you have it as a part of your meal, say for tomatoes, lemon, spinach and other stuffs, it is more helpful.

To maintain a healthy life we must use regular proper balanced diet.the diet must contain vegetables, fruits, meat … The body's metabolism is also dependent on vitamins as on carbohydrates, fats, minerals and other basic components of a complete diet.

Always remember that vitamins are not food but should be a part of your food.

22