Question

Nutrition

Describe the function of water-soluble vitamins, 10.11 Describe the functions of compounds that have vitamin-like biological roles but are not classified as vitamins.

Answer 1

Question

Describe the function of water-soluble vitamins

Ans : Water soluble vitamins are those vitamins that can dissolve in water. Water-soluble vitamins are carried to the body's tissues but are not stored in the body.

Water-soluble vitamins are:

• Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)
• Thiamin (Vitamin B1)
• Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
• Niacin (Vitamin B3)
• Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
• Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)
• Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)
• Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
• (Vitamin B7) Biotin

Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)

It is an antioxidant and protect cells and keeps them healthy. It is needed by the body to make collagen. It also aid in iron absorption.

Vitamin B1(Thiamin)

It works with other B-group vitamins to help break down and release energy from food and metabolise carbohydrates and amino acids. It also plays a vital role in the transmission of nerve impulses by keeping nerves healthy.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

It keeps skin, eyes and the nervous system healthy as well as helps the body to metabolise carbohydrates, protein and fats. Riboflavin also enhances the function of some of the other B Vitamins such as Niacin and Vitamin B12.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

It helps to produce energy from the foods we eat as well as helps to keep the nervous and digestive systems healthy.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)

It allows the body to obtain energy from carbohydrates, protein and fat. It is also used to produce hormones and cholesterol.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

It acts as a co-enzyme for chemical reactions to take place. It plays a vital role in the creation of non-essential amino acids. It also helps your body to metabolize carbohydrates, protein and fat and keeps your immune system and nervous system healthy. It helps to make red blood cells as well.

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)

It works together with Vitamin B12 to form healthy red blood cells. It is part of an enzyme needed for making DNA and new cells.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

It is involved in making red blood cells and keeping the nervous system healthy. It helps your body to metabolise fatty acids and amino acids to synthesise the DNA in your cells.

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)

It helps to convert certain nutrients into energy. It also plays an important role in the health of your hair, skin, and nails.

Question

Describe the functions of compounds that have vitamin-like biological roles but are not classified as vitamins.

Ans : There are a number of organic compounds that have vitamin-like activity, but are not defined as true vitamins. It includes

• Choline
• Myo-inositol
• Para-aminobenzoic acid
• Carnitine
• Lipoic acid
• Bioflavinoids

Choline

It is a constituent of phospholipids, which form structural elements of cell membranes. It is a component of acetylcholine molecule, which is important in nerve function. It also serves as a source of methyl groups that are required in various metabolic processes. They also function in the transport of fats from the liver.  

Myo-inositol

It is essential for the growth of yeasts and other fungi. It is a constituent of a phospholipid that is abundant in the brain. It is the precursor of inositol triphosphate, acts as an intracellular second messenger and regulates hormones such as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and insulin.

Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)

It is essential for the growth of several types of microorganisms. In bacteria, PABA is used in the synthesis of the vitamin folic acid. It is a chemical found in the folic acid and also in several foods including grains, eggs, milk, and meat.

Carnitine

It is associated with the transfer of fatty acids from the bloodstream to active sites of fatty acid oxidation within muscle cells. It regulates the rate of oxidation of these acids

Lipoic acid

It is used in the body to break down carbohydrates and to make energy for the other organs in the body. It works as an antioxidant and might provide protection to the brain under conditions of damage or injury.

Bioflavonoids

It is used in medicine to enhance the action of vitamin C, to support blood circulation. It acts as an antioxidant and used to treat allergies,arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.