| 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 |