Biochemistry for Nurses

6

Vitamins

CHAPTER OBJECTIVES

6.1 Introduction to vitamins

6.2 Fat soluble vitamins

6.3 Water soluble vitamins

6.4 Minerals

6.1 INTRODUCTION TO VITAMINS

Addition to oxygen, water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates and inorganic salts, a number of organic compounds are also necessary for the life, growth and health of animals including man. These compounds are known as the accessory dietary factors or vitamins and are only necessary in very small amounts.

The absence of vitamins results in deficiency diseases. Vitamins are necessary because all vitamins cannot be synthesized inside the body by animals including man.

Definition: Vitamins are defined as organic compound occurring in natural food either as such as or as utilizable precursors which ...