Advanced Analytical Chemistry

Summary of Vitamins
Hina Aslam

In this assignment a short summary of vitamins is given, which includes a brief introduction, role, sources, deficiency, causes of deficiency, supplementation and side effects of over dose of vitamins.

Table of contents:

Vitamin A ... 2 Vitamin B12 .. 3 Vitamin B complex .. 4 Vitamin C ... 5 Vitamin D ........ 6 Vitamin E ....... 7 Vitamin K ... 8

Vitamin A:
Vitamin A is one of four fat soluble vitamins necessary for good health. There are two basis forms of vitamin A. Retinoids, the active type, are contained in animal sources. Precursor forms of vitamin (carotenoid) are found in orange and leafy green produce such as sweet potatoes, carrots, collard greens, spinach, winter squash, kale and turnip green. Vitamin A serves an important role as an antioxidant by helping to prevent free radicals from causing cellular damage. Adequate level is necessary for good eye sight and proper night vision. It is also necessary for proper function of immune, skeletal, respiratory, reproductive and integumentary system. Vitamin A in the form of carotenoids may decrease the risk of certain cancer, heart attacks and certain strokes. The immune is also strengthened. Symptoms of deficiency may include, but are not limited to, loss of appetite, poor immune function causing frequent infections (especially respiratory), hair loss, rashes, dry skin and eyes, visual difficulties including night blindness, poor growth and fatigue. Deficiencies are more common in poor who are malnourished, including alcoholics, the chronically ill, and those with impaired fat absorption. People taking some medications, including birth control pills, methotrexate, cholestyramine, colestipol, and drugs that act to sequester bile will also need larger amounts. Those who are recovering from surgery or other injuries, having chronic diarrhea, type I diabetes, cystic fibrosis and kidney or liver disease may also benefit from a higher than average dose. Supplements may contain either the active or precursor form of vitamin A. The active form may be more desirable for those who may have some difficulty in converting the carotenoid into the active vitamin. Adults should not take more than 25,000 IU (5,000 RE) per day of vitamin A in its active form. The best way to get vitamin is in the natural food form. Over dose can occur when taking megadoses of the active form of vitamin A. symptom may include dry lips and skin, bone and joint pain, liver and spleen enlargement, diarrhea, vomiting, headaches, blurry and double vision, confusion, irritability, fatigue and bulging fontanel in infants. Very high level of carotenoids may cause and orange discoloration of the skin which is harmless and transient. Vitamin A reserves of the body are depleted by a number of substances, including alcohol, barbiturates, caffeine, cortisone, tobacco, and very high level of vitamin E.

Vitamin B12:
Cobalamin, also known as B12, is a member of the water-soluble family of B vitamins. It is a key factor in the bodys proper use of iron and the formation of red blood cells. The nervous system also relies on an adequate supply of cobalamin to function appropriately, because it is essential in creation and maintenance of myelin sheath that lines nerve cells. Role of cobalamin include work with pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and folic acid to reduce harmful homo cysteine level, participating in the metabolization of food, and keeping the immune system operating smoothly. Usable cobalamin is only found naturally in animal source food. Clams and beef lever have very high cobalamin levels. Chicken liver, beef, lamb, tuna, flounder, liverwurst, eggs and dairy products are also good sources. Symptoms of cobalamin deficiency are severe fatigue, effects on nervous system, weakness, numbness, tingling of limbs, memory loss, confusion, delusion, poor balance and reflexes, hearing difficulties and even dementia. Severe deficiency may appear similar to multiple sclerosis, nausea and diarrhea. Long term deficiencies of cobalamin allow homocysteine levels to build up. Large amount of homocysteine include heart disease and possibly brain toxicity. Primary group at risk for deficiency are vegans. Malabsorptive disease and stomach surgery can also predispose to a deficiency. People having megaloblastic anemia, premicious anemia, infections, burns, some types of cancer, recent surgery, illness that cause decay or loss of strength, or high amount of stress may need more than the RDA amount of B12 and other B vitamin. Asthma, atherosclerosis, bursitis, male infertility, Crohns disease, depression, diabetes, high cholesterol, osteoporosis and vitiligo can be improved using cobalamin supplements. Very high doses of cobalamin may sometimes cause acne. People who are sensitive to cobalamin or cobalt should not take cobalamin supplements. Symptoms of hypersensitivity are swelling, itching and shock. Cobalamin should be avoided by those having Lebers disease (hereditary optic nerve atrophy). Improved absoption occurs when it is taken with other B vitamin or calcium. Use of nicotine products or excessive alcohol can deplete B12.

Vitamin B complex:
Vitamin B complex consists of 12 related water-soluble substances. Eight are considered essential vitamin because they need to be included in the diet. Four are not essential because the body can synthesize them. B1 (thiamin) B6 (pyridoxine) B2 (riboflavin) B7 (biotin) B3 (niacin) B9 (folic acid) B5 (pantothenic acid) B12 (cobalamin)

Four unnumbered components of the B complex that can be synthesized by the body are choline, inositol, PABA, and lipoic acid. Some B vitamins prevent certain birth defects, maintain healthy red blood cells, support immune function, regulate cell growth, aid in hormone production and may have a role in preventing certain types of cancer. They also help maintain healthy skin, hair and nails. Many foods, fresh meat and dairy products are the best sources of most of B vitamin. Cobalamin is only found naturally in animal source foods. Dark green leafy vegetables are an excellent source of folic acid. Poor vitamin B levels will cause profound fatigue, assortment of neurologic manifestation, including weakness, poor balance, confusion, depression, irritability, memory loss, nervousness, tingling of limbs, loss of coordination, sleeping disturbances, nausea, poor appetite, frequent infection and skin lesions. Poeple are at high risk for deficiency if they have poor nutritional sources of B vitamin, taking medication, or conditions that impair absorption. Lack of niacin and thiamine occurs in alcoholics, strict vegans, and people with very low nutrition. A significant depletion causes a condition called beriberi, which can cause weakness, leg spasms, poor appetite, and loss of coordination. Risk factor may be smoking, excess use of alcohol, surgical removal of digestive tract and advanced age. Supplements are available in injectable and oral form. Injectable forms are more useful. Strict vegetarians will need to incorporate a supplemental source of B12 in their diets. Cobalamin supplementation can improve male fertility, depression, dementia, and mental impairment. Folic acid may reduce the odds of cervical or colon cancer in certain groups. Large doses of water-soluble vitamins can be taken with no ill effects since excessive amounts are readily excreted. However, if niacin is taken at daily doses of over 500 mg it may also cause liver inflammation, flushing, headaches lowering of blood pressure and cause difficulty in controlling blood sugar in diabetics. Those with ulcers could be adversely affected. High doses of pyridoxine may cause liver inflammation or permanent nerve damage. Large doses of riboflavin result in very bright yellow urine. Antibiotics potentially decrease the level of some B vitamins by killing the digestive tract bacteria that produce them.

Vitamin C:

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is naturally produced in fruits and vegetables. It is absorbed by the intestine and is water soluble. Adrenal glands, pituitary gland, thymus, retina, brain, spleen, lungs, liver, thyroids, testicles, lymph nodes, kidney and pancreas all contain much higher levels of vitamin C than are found in circulating blood. Vitamin C is critical component of both disease prevention and of basic body building processes. The therapeutic effect of vitamin C include allergy and asthma relief, improved lung function, cancer prevention, cataract prevention, collagen production, diabetes control, gallbladder disease prevention, immune system booster, neurotransmitter building, adrenal hormone manufacturer, treat common cold and heart disease, i.e., coronary artery disease. Source of vitamin C are many fruits, vegetables, citrus fruits, barriers, raw red peppers, guava, orange fruits, black currants, rose hips, broccoli, tomatoes, strawberries, papaya, lemons, kiwis, Brussels and sprouts. Fresh, raw fruits and vegetables contain the highest levels of the vitamin. Low vitamin C level has been associated with high blood pressure, increased heart attack risk, increased risk for developing cataract, and higher risk for developing certain type of cancer (i.e., prostate, stomach, colon, oral and lung). Deficiency leads to scurvy. Symptoms of scurvy include weakness, bleeding, tooth loss, bleeding gums, bruising and joint pain. Less serious vitamin C depletion can have more subtle effects such as weight loss, fatigue, weakened immune system, bruises and slow healing of wounds. Individual at risk for vitamin C depletion such as smokers, women who take birth control pills and those with unhealthy dietary habits may benefit from a daily supplement. Diabetics, people having high blood pressure, smokers, elderly men, high stress level and women who take estrogen may have low vitamin C level, because these conditions deplete vitamin C. Hemodialysis cause patients with kidney disease to loss as 66 mg per session. Supplements are available in pills, capsules, powders, and liquids. Vitamin C is added to some skin creams, throat lozenges, energy drinks, energy bars and to some processed food. Over dose of vitamin C can cause nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes and excessive urination. Person with a history of kidney disease or kidney stones should never take dosage above 200 mg daily. Vitamin C increases iron absorption. Estrogen decreases absorption of vitamin C. large dose of vitamin C can cause a false-positive result in tests for diabetes.

Vitamin D:
Vitamin D, also known as calciferol, is essential for strong teeth and bones. Vitamin D is important for the maintenance of proper bone density, to many calciumdriven neurologic and cellular functions, and normal growth and development. It also assists the immune system by playing a part in the production of a type of white blood cell called monocyte. White blood cells are infection fighters. It also has a part in cancer prevention. Natural source of vitamin D is sunlight. Approximately ten minutes per day in the sun in clear summer will produce adequate amount. In the winter, it may require as much as two hours. It is fat soluble, so extra amount can be stored in the liver and fatty tissue for future use. It is found naturally in fish liver oils, butter, eggs, fortified and cereals in the form of vitamin D2. Deficiency of vitamin D can cause hearing loss. A topical form of vitamin D can be helpful in the treatment of plaque-type psoriasis. In adults, a mild deficiency of vitamin D may be manifested as loss of appetite and weight, difficulty sleeping and diarrhea. Deficiency may be due to poor sun exposure, poor intake, poor absorption, cystic fibrosis, removal of portion of digestive tract, surgery, major injuries, burn, high level of stress and chronic wasting illnesses. Osteoporosis can be treated by vitamin D along with calcium. Osteomalacia (softening of bones in adults) and rickets (syndrome in children causing bowed legs and joint deformities) are also effectively prevented and treated through adequate vitamin D supplementation. Vitamin D cannot be used to treat alcoholism, acne, arthritis, cystic fibrosis or herpes. People who are on medication for arthritis, asthma, allergies, auto-immune conditions, high cholesterol, epilepsy or other seizure problem should consult health care practitioner. Individuals with hypercalcemia, sarcoidosis, hypoparathyroidism, kidney disease, arteriosclerosis and heart disease should avoid vitamin D supplements. Overdose can cause toxicity. Symptoms are largely those of hypercalcemia, high blood pressure, headaches, weakness, fatigue, heart arrhythmia, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, irritability, seizures, kidney damage, poor growth, premature hardening of arteries and pain in the abdomen, muscles and bones. Minor side effects may include poor appetite, constipation, dry mouth, increased thirst, metallic taste or fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, or confusion. The absorption of vitamin D is improved by calcium, choline, fats, phosphorous, and vitamin A and C. overuse of mineral oil, olestra, and stimulant laxatives may also deplete vitamin D.

Vitamin E:

Vitamin E is a group of fat soluble compounds known as tocopherols (i.e., alpha tocopherol and gamma tocopherol). It is absorbed by the gastrointestinal system and stored in tissues and organs throughout the body. Vitamin E is necessary for optimal immune system functioning, healthy eyes, good memory and cell protection throughout the body. Vitamin E is known antioxidant and it reduce the risk of gastrointestinal, cervical, prostate, lungs and possibly breast cancer. It is used to slow disease progression in HIV-positive patients. It is also used to treat Alzheimers disease. Vitamin E can be used for liver disease treatment, diabetes treatment, pain relief, Parkinson disease prevention, tardive dyskinesia treatment, porphyria treatment, heart disease prevention, skin care because it is thought to increase an individuals tolerance to UV rays when taken as a supplement in conjunction with vitamin C. it has benefits in reducing swelling and relieving discomfort in a wound, decrease in hot flashes, for muscular maintenance and repair, treatment of fertility. Vitamin E rich foods include nuts, cereals, beans, eggs, cold-pressed oils and assorted fruits and vegetables. Foods rich in vitamin E include wheat germ oil, wheat germ cereal, peanuts, soybeans, corn oil, avocado and olive oil. Grapes, peaches, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, eggs, tomatoes and blackberries are also good source of vitamin E. Fresh, raw foods contain highest level of vitamin E. Vitamin E deficiency can cause fatigue, concentration problems, weakened immune system, anemia and low thyroid level. It may also cause vision problem and irritability. Low serum levels have also been linked to major depression. Certain health conditions may cause vitamin E depletion, including liver disease, celiac disease and cystic fibrosis. Person frequently taking iron supplements through intravenous infusion may have vitamin E deficiency. Vitamin E supplement are also available in a variety of different forms, including pills, capsules, powder, and liquids for oral ingestion. For topical use, vitamin E is available in ointments, creams, lotions, and oils. Over dose of vitamin E can cause nausea, diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, bleeding, high blood pressure, fatigue and weakened immune system functions. Patients with rheumatic heart disease, iron deficiency anemia, hypertension, or thyroid dysfunction should consult health care provider before taking supplements of vitamin E. Individual who take anticoagulant or anticonvulsant medications should consult their health care provider before starting vitamin E supplementation. Large doses of vitamin A can decrease the absorption of vitamin E. Alcohol and mineral oil can also reduce vitamin E absorption.

Vitamin K:

Vitamin K originates from the German term koajulation. It is also known as antihemorrhagic factor and it is one of the four fat-soluble vitamins necessary for good health. The primary and best known purpose of vitamin K is support of the process of blood clotting. It also plays a role in bone health, and may help to prevent osteoporosis. The most common use of vitamin K is to supplement babies at birth, thus preventing hemorrhagic disease of the newborn. Vitamin K is also used to treat bleeding from the esophagus and other complications of cirrhosis, a disease of the liver. Topical formulations of vitamin K are used to reduce spider veins on the face and legs. Vitamin K3 in particular may be useful as an adjuvant treatment for ovarian cancer. Source of vitamin K is dark green leafy vegetables. In the form of K1. Seaweed is packed with it, and beef liver, cauliflower, eggs and strawberries are rich source as well. It is fairly heat stable. Some of the supply for body is synthesized as vitamin K2 by the good bacteria in the intestine. Deficiency of vitamin K is uncommon in general population but is of particular concern in neonates, who are born with low level of vitamin K. the primary sign of deficiency at any stage is bleeding and poor growth may also be observed in children. Chronically low level of vitamin K is correlated with higher risk of hip fracture in older person. Vitamin K deficiency may occur in certain populations including those on medication of certain diseases, alcoholics, and people with disease of gastrointestinal tract that impair absorption. Conditions that may be problematic include Crohns disease, chronic diarrhea, sprue, and ulcerative colitis. Allergic reactions, such as skin rashes, itching, and flushing, to vitamin K supplements may occur, although they are rare. Symptoms may include flushed skin, nausea, rash and itching. Infants receiving vitamin K injections occasionally suffer hemolytic anemia or high bilirubin levels, noticeable from the yellow cast of the skin. Liver and brain impairment are also possible in severe cases. Efficiency of vitamin K is decreased by long term use of antacids and certain anticoagulants. Efficiency is deceased by dactinomycin and sucralfate. Absorption is decreased by cholestyramine and colestipol. Causes of deficiency include long term use of mineral oil, quinidine, and sulfa drugs. Anticonvulsants also cause depletion of vitamin K.