Vitamins are essential for good health. To be able to carry out the chemical reactions which allow our bodies to utilise the food we eat, vitamins must be present.

Vitamins are essential for the different enzyme activities in cells.

 

Vitamin A is an unsaturated alcohol, which maintains good eyesight. A deficiency in the diet leads to a degeneration of the structure of the eye.

 

Vitamin B1 is a Vitamin which is antineuritic - and prevents the disease beriberi.

 

Vitamin B2 is a component of the respiratory enzyme and is involved in carbohydrate metabolism.

 

Vitamin C is a atrong reducing agent. The absence of Vitamin C in an otherwise normal diet will ultimately lead to scurvy.

 

Vitamin D is necessary for the proper formation of bones, and when lacking, leads to rickets.

 

Vitamin E is found in seed germ oils and is thought to be necessary for healthy reproduction.

 

Vitamin K has anti-haemorrhage factors.

Bibliography

Martin, D. & Sampugna, J. Molecules in Living Systems (New York: Harper & Row, 1973).