Vitamins:
The term vitamins was first coined in 1912 by Funk, a polish Chemist, who believed that the water soluble anti-beri-beri substance was a ‘vital amine’, that is an amine with life-giving properties. The final word “e” was soon dropped because the substance was found to be a group of essential compounds not all of which were amines. Vitamins is the name given to the group of poten organic compounds other than proteins, carbohydrates and fats that are essential in minute quantities for specific body functions of growth, maintenance, and reproduction. With the exception of vitamin D, vitamin can’t be synthesized by the body and must be supplied by food.
Types of Vitamins:
The vitamins are classified into two groups based on their solubility:
- Fat Soluble Vitamins
- Water soluble Vitamins
Fat Soluble Vitamins:
The fat soluble vitamins are absorbed passively and must be transported with dietary lipid. They tend to be found in the lipid portions of the cell such as membranes and lipid droplets. These vitamins are excreted with faeces.
Water soluble Vitamins:
The water soluble vitamins are absorbed passive and active mechanisms, transported by carries and not stored in the body. It excreted in the urine.