Vitamins

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Fat Soluble Vitamins

Vitamin A (Retinol) —Helps with vision an cell development; and maintains skin, mucous membranes, and immune system. Vitamin A helps with vision because it is a precursor to retinal, which is a light sensitive group in visual pigments. An overdose of vitamin A can be toxic. Beta-carotene is a precursor of Vitamin A, which means that beta-carotene can be synthesized into vitamin A (Insel, P., Turner, Rd, R. E., & Ross, D. (2004). Fat-Soluble Vitamins. Nutrition (pp. 258-390). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.). A deficiency in Vitamin A results in night blindness, cornea damage, and respiratory damage (Berg, Tymoczko, & Stryer. Recurring Motifs. Biochemistry, 6th ed. 2007: 423-25).

Vitamin D (Calcitriol)—This vitamin is also a hormone for the following three reasons: it regulates calcium absorption, it regulates the metabolism of phosphorus, and it can be produced by the body. When your skin comes in contact with ultraviolet light, cholesterol acts as a precursor in the production of vitamin D. Supplementation can lead to hypercalcemia, if taken in excess (Insel, P., Turner, Rd, R. E., & Ross, D. (2004). Fat-Soluble Vitamins. Nutrition (pp. 258-390). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.). A deficiency in Vitamin D can cause rickets and impaired growth Osteomalacia (soft-bendy bones).

Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol succinate)—Acts as an anti-oxidant by reacting with free radicals such as hydroxyl (-OH) radicals (Berg, Tymoczko, & Stryer. Recurring Motifs. Biochemistry, 6th ed. 2007: 423-25). See antioxidants.

Vitamin K—Regulates blood clotting. Excess vitamin K can be toxic, but it is rare. Aides in the formation of bone, as well (Insel, P., Turner, Rd, R. E., & Ross, D. (2004). Fat-Soluble Vitamins. Nutrition (pp. 258-390). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.).

Water Soluble Vitamins

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)—Produces diuretic effects in some people. Acts as an ant-oxidant and it is needed to synthesize collagen, which is a structural protein found in cartilage tissue. Vitamin C enables lymphocytes in the immune system to function properly. An overdose can be toxic. A deficiency in Vitamin C causes scurvy (Insel, P., Turner, Rd, R. E., & Ross, D. (2004). Water-Soluble Vitamins. Nutrition (pp. 396-425). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.).

Vitamin B

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)—Metabolizes sugar and protein and synthesizes neurotransmitters. Aids in the production of nonessential amino acids. High doses can be toxic (Insel, P., Turner, Rd, R. E., & Ross, D. (2004). Water-Soluble Vitamins. Nutrition (pp. 396-425). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.).
Folic Acid (Folate)—Helps out other vitamin Bs, works closely with vitamin B12, aids in red blood cell formation, participates in DNA synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and cell division. Prevents neural tube defects. Can be toxic.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)—Contains cobalt, which is necessary to metabolize protein and fat. Maintains the myelin sheath that surrounds neurons. Aids in red blood cell production, as well.
Vitamin Bs dealing with energy

Source: Dente, Gerard, and Kevin J. Hopkins. Macrobolic Nutrition. North Bergen: Basic Health Publications Inc., 2004. 92-103.

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