| Vitamin A |
| Year |
1913 |
|   |
Retinol |
| Main Metabolic Function |
Essential for normal growth and development. |
| For normal function of epithelical cells and normal development of teeth and bones. |
| Prevents Night blindness. |
| Deficiency - Effects |
Retarded growth. |
| Reduced resistance to infection.  |
| Abnormal function of gastrointestinal, and respiratory tracts due to altered epithelial membranes.  |
| Interferes with production of "night purple". |
| Available |
Milk, Egg yolk, Ghee, Butter, Carrots, Tomatoes, Leafy and Yellow vegetables, Cod liver oil and Fresh fruits. |
| Nature |
Fat - Soluble |
| Year |
1936 |
|   |
Thiamin |
| Main Metabolic Function |
An important aid in carbohydrate metabolism.  |
| Needed for Proper functioning of the digestive tract and nervous system.  |
| Beriberi.  |
| Loss of muscle. |
| Deficiency - Effects |
Loss of appetite. |
| Impaired digestion of starches and sugars. |
| Various nervous disorder coordination. |
| Available |
Peas, Beans and Cereals. |
| Nature |
Water - Soluble |
|   |
  |
| Vitamin - B2 |
| Year |
1935 |
|   |
Riboflavin |
| Main Metabolic Function |
Needed in formation of certain enzymes and in cellular oxidation. |
| Prevents inflammation of oral mucous membranes and the tongue. |
| Deficiency - Effects |
Impaired growth, lassitude and weakness.  |
| Causes cheillosis or glossittis.  |
| May result in Photophobia and cataracts. |
| Available |
Peas, Beans and Cereals. |
| Nature |
Water - Soluble |
|   |
  |
| Vitamin - B6 |
  |
| Year |
1934 |
| Pyridoxine |
  |
| Main Metabolic Function |
Acts as do other B vitamins.  |
| To break down protein, carbohydrate and fat.  |
| Acts as a catalyst in the formation of niacin from tryptophan. |
| Deficiency - Effects |
Increased irritability, convulsions and peripheral neuritis. |
| Anorexia, nausea and vomiting. |
| Available |
Peas, Beans and Cereals. |
| Nature |
Water - Soluble |
|   |
  |
| Vitamin - B12 |
  |
| Year |
1948 |
|   |
Cyanocobalamin |
| Main Metabolic Function |
Essential for development of red blood cells.  |
| Required for maintenance of skin, nerve tissues, bone and muscles. |
| Deficiency - Effects |
Results in pernicious anaemia.  |
| Weakness, fatigue, sore and cracked lips. |
| Available |
Peas, Beans and Cereals. |
| Nature |
Water - Soluble |
|   |
  |
| Vitamin - C |
| Year |
1919 |
|   |
Ascorbic Acid |
| Main Metabolic Function |
Needed for form the cementing substance, collagen, in various tissues (skin, dentine, cartilage and bone matrix).  |
| Assists in woundhealing and bone fractures. |
| Deficiency - Effects |
Lowered resistance to infections. |
| Susceptibility to dental cavities, pyotthea and bleeding gums. |
| Delayed wound healing.  |
| Specific treatment for Scurvy. |
| Available |
Fresh vegetables, Lemon, Orange, Tomatoes, Cabbage , Turnip and Lettuce (Beetroot). |
| Nature |
Water - Soluble |
| Year |
1925 |
|   |
Cholecalciferol |
| Main Metabolic Function |
Regulates absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestinal tract. |
| Affords antiachitic activity. |
| Deficiency - Effects |
Interferes with utilisation of calcium and phosphorus in bone and teeth formation. |
| Development of bone disease, rickets and caries. |
| Available |
Butter, Milk, Ghee, Cod liver oil, Yolk of Eggs and also in Sunrays. |
| Nature |
Fat - Soluble |
|   |
  |
| Vitamin - E |
| Year |
1936 |
|   |
Tocopherols |
| Main Metabolic Function |
Protects tissues, cell membranes and Vitamin A against peroxidation.  |
| Helps strengthen red blood cells. |
| Deficiency - Effects |
Decreased red blood cell resistance to rupture. |
| Available |
Germinating Wheat. |
| Nature |
Fat - Soluble |
|   |
  |
| Vitamin - K |
| Year |
1935 |
|   |
Phytonadione |
| Main Metabolic Function |
Essential for formation of normal amounts of prothrombin and blood coagulation. |
| Deficiency - Effects |
Diminished blood clotting time.  |
| Increased incidence of hemorrhages. |
| Available |
Fish, Wheat and Oats. |
| Nature |
Fat - Soluble |
