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12: Vitamins

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    157539

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    • 12.1: Introduction
      This page covers the discovery and classification of vitamins as water-soluble and fat-soluble, stressing their vital roles in bodily functions and the necessity of dietary intake for some vitamins. It discusses deficiency disorders linked to insufficient or excessive intake, the supplement approval process, and associated risks. The page also clarifies the misconception that large quantities of vitamins are required for health.
    • 12.2: Water-Soluble Vitamins
      This page discusses water-soluble vitamins, which dissolve in water and require regular intake due to lack of storage in the body. Key vitamins include Vitamin C and the B complex (Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxine, Cobalamin, Biotin) and their importance in energy metabolism and immune function. Folate is emphasized for its role in DNA synthesis, influencing rapidly dividing cells, and preventing macrocytic anemia.
    • 12.3: Fat-Soluble Vitamins
      This page discusses fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, which dissolve in lipids and are stored in body tissues. Vitamin A supports skin and vision, Vitamin D is vital for bone health, Vitamin E serves as an antioxidant, and Vitamin K is important for blood clotting. Deficiencies in these vitamins can result in specific health problems, underscoring the necessity of adequate dietary intake.
    • 12.4: Supplements
      This page provides an overview of common dietary supplements like calcium, fish oil, and St. John's Wort, alongside the FDA's unique regulatory framework for these products established by the 1994 DSHEA. It emphasizes potential risks, including medication interactions and the dangers of excessive intake, while advising users to consult healthcare professionals prior to use. The page also warns about misleading information and claims found online regarding supplements.
    • 12.5: End Chapter
      This page details learning objectives about vitamins, including their historical development, classification into water-soluble and fat-soluble types, and related deficiency disorders. It also addresses the approval process for vitamin supplements and associated risks, all aimed at enhancing understanding of vitamin health implications.

    This page titled 12: Vitamins was last modified on Sun, 27 Sep 2026 02:34:55 GMT and is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Stephanie Green and Kelli Shallal via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.