OIA1003 VITAMINS & MINERALS

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.