medicalx - How many vitamins are known

How many vitamins are known?

Today there are thirteen vitamins that the human body desperately needs:

    * Vitamin A (retinol)
    * Vitamin D (kalciferol)
    * Vitamin E (tocopherol)
    * Vitamin C (filokinon)
    * Vitamin C (ascorbic acid);
    * Group B vitamins:
          of thiamin (vitamin B1)
          of riboflavin (vitamin B2)
          of niacin (vitamin B3 or PP or niacinamide or nicotinic acid or nicotinamide)
          of pyridoxine (vitamin B6)
          of cobalamin (vitamin B12)
          of folic acid (vitamin B9 or folate or folacin)
          of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5 or panthenol)
          of biotin (vitamin H).

Vitamin A

Vitamin A, all compounds that have biological activity of retinol. There are three forms of retinoids: alcohol (retinol), aldehydes (retinal) and acid (retinoic acid). Those carotenoids, which are converted to retinol, the pro A. Most active among the beta carotene. Vitamin A in the body to act locally and systemically. Local operations are linked primarily to the perception of light, because retinol is an essential component of visual pigment rhodopsin and jodopsina, which are found in the pin and sticks retina. Systemic action of vitamin A is less studied, and participate in the growth and differentiation of epithelial tissue, bone growth, and other tissues, reproduction and growth of embryo and stimulates the immune system.
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Vitamin D

Vitamin D is the only vitamin that the body can produce itself, by irradiation of skin by ultraviolet light. Even 10 - to 15-minute exposure to the sun 2 - to 3-times per week meet human needs for vitamin D. People who spend long periods indoors or living in northern latitudes, as much vitamin D can only be provided with adequate food or taking vitamin supplements. Vitamin D promotes absorption of calcium and is involved in bone formation.
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Vitamin E

Vitamin E tocopherols and tocotrienols characterize that group of compounds with similar biological function. Efficient Sat tocopherols. The condition for the normal absorption of vitamin E from food is food that contains enough fat. Vitamin E is mainly stored in cell membranes and is essential for normal cell metabolism. Vitamin E is the most important antioxidant, soluble in fats. As a "free radical scavenger" protects cell membranes. Protect against conditions caused by oxidative charge, aging, arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and infections.
Vitamin K

Vitamin K consists of vitamin K1 and K2. Vitamin K1 is of vegetable origin, while vitamin K2 synthesized by intestinal bacteria. The most important role of vitamin K clotting. The need for vitamin K are small and lack is rare.
Vitamin C

Animals can synthesize vitamin C alone, a man must take the body to enter with food. Research shows that the majority of Slovenians that day do not consume enough vitamin C. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant in the cells. Reduces oxidative damage of DNA and protein. The fact is that nations who eat lots of fruits and vegetables that are rich source of vitamin C, less affected by cardiovascular disease. Excessive doses are harmful, increasing the possibility of oxalate stones.
B group vitamins

Vitamins B group by function and structure vary widely. In the same group found themselves only for historical reasons, they are all isolated from yeast and liver.
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    * Thiamine or Vitamin B1 is needed for digestion, especially carbohydrates. Concerns for the normal functioning of the nervous system, muscles and heart.
    * Riboflavin or vitamin B2 works in oxidation-reduction processes as a carrier of hydrogen. Beneficial for healthy skin, nails and hair.
    * Nicotinic acid or vitamin B3, as a coenzyme participates in oxidation-reduction processes. What is needed is to create sex hormones, for normal functioning of the nervous system and brain.
    * Pantothenic acid or vitamin B5 is an integral part of coenzyme A and participates in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates.
    * Vitamin B6 is important for the metabolism of amino acids, regulates the functioning of hormones. The body needs it for the formation of antibodies and red blood cells.
    * Biotin participates in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and certain amino acids.
    * Vitamin B12 is a coenzyme in biochemical reactions. If it is not enough in the body can cause macrocytic anemia megaloblastne.
    * Folate is a group of related compounds that are responsible for the synthesis of DNA and the transfer of methyl groups to various acceptors. Lack of folate is often because of the daily diet usually do not eat enough, and emerging as megaloblastna anemia, general weakness, and even a depression. Folic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin and its entry into the body is reduced to the active form.