Vitamins
Organic compounds required in small amounts for normal metabolism and essential biological functions.
Minerals
Inorganic elements required for various physiological processes, including enzyme function and nerve conduction.
Micronutrients
Essential nutrients needed in small amounts, including vitamins and minerals.
Provitamins
Inactive precursors converted into active vitamins in the body (e.g., β-carotene → Vitamin A).
Bioavailability
The rate and extent to which a nutrient is absorbed and used by the body.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Active form: Thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP)
Function: Energy metabolism, nerve impulse transmission
Deficiency: Beri-Beri, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Active forms: FAD, FMN
Function: Oxidation-reduction reactions, energy production
Deficiency: Scaly dermatitis, cheilitis, glossitis
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Active forms: NAD, NADP
Function: Energy metabolism, hyperlipidemia treatment
Deficiency: Pellagra (3 D’s: Dermatitis, Diarrhoea, Dementia)
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Function: Coenzyme A (CoA) synthesis
Deficiency: Rare; may cause fatigue and irritability
Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
Function: Coenzyme in carboxylation reactions
Deficiency: Dermatitis, glossitis, nausea, hair loss
Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
Function: DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation
Deficiency: Megaloblastic anemia, neural tube defects (spina bifida, anencephaly)
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Function: DNA synthesis, nerve function, metabolism of odd-chain fatty acids
Deficiency: Pernicious anemia, neurological disorders
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Function: Amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis
Deficiency: Sideroblastic anemia, neuropathy, irritability
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Function: Collagen synthesis, antioxidant, iron absorption
Deficiency: Scurvy (bleeding gums, easy bruising, poor wound healing)
Toxicity: Diarrhoea, kidney stone formation
Vitamin A (Retinol, Retinal, Retinoic Acid)
Function: Vision (rhodopsin cycle), cell differentiation, immune function
Deficiency: Night blindness, xerophthalmia, follicular hyperkeratosis
Toxicity: Hypervitaminosis A (headache, liver damage, birth defects)
Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol, Ergocalciferol)
Function: Calcium absorption, bone health
Deficiency: Rickets (children), osteomalacia (adults)
Toxicity: Hypercalcemia, kidney stones
Vitamin E (Tocopherols, Tocotrienols)
Function: Antioxidant, protects cell membranes
Deficiency: Hemolytic anemia, neurological damage
Toxicity: Rare; may increase risk of bleeding
Vitamin K (Phylloquinone, Menaquinone)
Function: Blood clotting (activates clotting factors II, VII, IX, X)
Deficiency: Bleeding disorders (hypoprothrombinemia)
Toxicity: Rare; high doses may interfere with anticoagulant therapy
Calcium (Ca)
Function: Bone health, muscle contraction, nerve transmission
Deficiency: Osteoporosis, muscle cramps
Toxicity: Hypercalcemia, kidney stones
Phosphorus (P)
Function: Bone structure, ATP production, buffer system
Deficiency: Weak bones, muscle dysfunction
Toxicity: Hyperphosphatemia (kidney failure risk)
Magnesium (Mg)
Function: Cofactor in >300 enzymatic reactions, muscle relaxation
Deficiency: Tremors, arrhythmia, muscle weakness
Toxicity: Diarrhoea, hypotension, cardiac arrest in severe cases
Iron (Fe)
Function: Oxygen transport (hemoglobin, myoglobin), electron transport
Deficiency: Microcytic hypochromic anemia, fatigue, weakness
Toxicity: Hemochromatosis, iron overload (organ damage)
Iodine (I)
Function: Thyroid hormone synthesis
Deficiency: Goitre, hypothyroidism, cretinism
Toxicity: Hyperthyroidism, thyroid dysfunction
Zinc (Zn)
Function: Immune function, wound healing, enzyme cofactor
Deficiency: Growth retardation, hair loss, delayed wound healing
Toxicity: Impaired immune function, nausea
Copper (Cu)
Function: Iron metabolism, antioxidant enzyme function
Deficiency: Anemia, neutropenia, bone demineralization
Toxicity: Wilson’s disease (copper accumulation in organs)
Chromium (Cr)
Function: Enhances insulin action, carbohydrate metabolism
Deficiency: Glucose intolerance, insulin resistance
Toxicity: Liver and kidney damage (rare)
Selenium (Se)
Function: Antioxidant (glutathione peroxidase), thyroid hormone metabolism
Deficiency: Keshan disease (cardiomyopathy), weak immune system
Toxicity: Selenosis (nausea, hair loss, brittle nails)
Energy Metabolism
B-complex vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B7) assist in ATP production.
Bone Health
Calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, magnesium maintain bone structure.
Antioxidant Protection
Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium neutralize free radicals.
Blood Clotting
Vitamin K, Calcium essential for clot formation.
Nerve Function
Magnesium, B1, B6, B12 maintain neural transmission.
Thyroid Function
Iodine, Selenium regulate thyroid hormone synthesis.
Red Blood Cell Formation
Iron, B9, B12 prevent anemia.
Detoxification
Liver enzymes depend on copper, selenium, and zinc.
Scurvy
Caused by vitamin C deficiency (bleeding gums, weak immunity).
Rickets/Osteomalacia
Vitamin D deficiency leads to soft, weak bones.
Beriberi & Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
Thiamine (B1) deficiency, common in alcoholics.
Pellagra
Niacin (B3) deficiency, symptoms include dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia.
Hypervitaminosis A & D
Excessive vitamin A or D can lead to toxicity affecting organs.