Niacin in the blood
Normally niacin remains in the amount of 35 µg / ml in the blood, the maximum amount of which is found in RBC.
Functions
(1) Niacin is essential for the normal functioning of the skin, intestines and nervous system.
(2) Nicotinamide is a component of two major, enzymes of the body (Co. enzymes = Nicotinamide Adenine Dinudetide NAD and Nicotinamide Adenim Dinudeotide Phosphate NADP) which are essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
(3) Nicotinamide is mainly active in the formation of energy from glucose and for the formation of fat.
(4) The maximum amount of digestive juices from nicotinic acid is secreted in the stomach.
Effect of Deficiency-A disease called pellagra is caused by a persistent deficiency of niacin. This disease is also called Three D’s disease because it has three symptoms 1. Diarrhoea, 2. Dermatitis, 3. Dementia.
First symptoms are of diarrhoea, then skin diseases and later symptoms of dementia or insanity appear.
- Diarrhoea-
(i) There are problems associated with the digestive system. Tongue and lips become dark red in colour. Difficulty in eating and swallowing.
(ii) Nausea, vomiting, heaviness occur.
(iii) Diarrhoea occurs.
(iv) Blood and mucus start coming in the stool.
(v) There is a lack of blood.
(vi) Weakness, early tiredness, back pain, loss of appetite, weakness in physical health.
- Skin diseases
(i) The parts of the body where sunlight falls, that part becomes red. There is swelling
(ii) Itching and burning in the skin.
(iii) The color of the skin changes to dark red, the crust starts to settle on it.
(iv) The skin becomes thin and wrinkled.
- Insanity-
(i) Anxiety, tension, irritability.
(ii) Headache, sleeplessness.
(iii) Memory begins to weaken.
(iv) Hands and feet start trembling.
(v) Attacks of unconsciousness and insanity.
Consequences of Excess of Niacin
Excess of niacin causes burning sensation in the body. The diameter of the blood vessels of the skin, especially the arteries increases. The blood vessels of ears, throat, nose, arms, face, cheeks, etc. become wide. The skin there turns red. This causes itching.
Daily Requirement of Niacin-The FAO/WHO proposes a daily requirement of niacin at 6.6 ml g/100 calories. ICMR has accepted this preamble for Indians.
(4) Vitamin B6 (Vitamin B. Pyridoxine, Adermin)
In 1938, Samuel Lepkovsky isolated vitamin B6. In 1939, Stiller Harris made the chemical structure of this vitamin.
Chemical Composition and Properties
Vitamin B6 contains three compounds: Pyridoxine, pyridoxal and pyridoxamine. The action potential of vitamins is found in all three components.
This vitamin is slowly destroyed in alkaline medium. Vitamin B is colourless, fibrous and soluble in water and alcohol.
Absorption, Functions, Excretion and Storage
Vitamins are absorbed into the blood by the skin. Intestinal bacteria can make small amounts of vitamin B6.
Functions
(1) Required for the nerves to remain in a normal state.
(2) It is necessary in the process of formation of vitamin niacin from amino acid tryptophan.
(3) Vitamin B6 is essential in converting glycogen into glucose and distributing it in the cell.
(4) Helps in making hemoglobin and preparing antibodies.
(5) This vitamin helps by increasing the utilization of iron in the process of maturing RBC.
(6) Helps in fat metabolism. Vitamin B, and its other constituents are excreted in the urine. Vitamin B6 is stored in the body. Vitamin B6 can be stored in a healthy person’s body in such an amount that it can be used for eight weeks.
Effects of Deficiency
- Physical dysfunction,
- Pain in legs,
- Loss of appetite,
- Difficulty in walking,
- Decreased sleep,
- Increase in oxalate due to reduction of citrate in urine,
- Dry mouth,
- Chances of kidney stones,
- Nausea,
- Red eyes,
- Vomiting.
Treatment-Adults suffering from vitamin B deficiency should be given a dose of 50 – 200 ml/gm vitamin B daily for two months.
Need Per Day
The need for vitamin B increases when the amount of protein in the diet is high. Normally a healthy adult person requires 2.0 – 25 mg of vitamin B.
Sources of Occurrence
Vitamin B is found in all its three forms pyridoxine, pyridoxal and pyridoxamine in food. Dry yeast, polished rice, sprouts of wheat are excellent sources of vitamin B. Cereals, pulses, oil, seeds are also good sources of its receipt.
(5) Pantothenic Acid or Anti Dermatitis Factor/Filtrate
In 1938 Williams isolated pantothenic acid. In 1940, the same scientist synthesized this vitamin and named it pantothenic acid, which is found in food. In 1940, in the Merck laboratory, crystal of this vitamin was made with calcium and the chemical structure of this vitamin was known.
Chemical Properties
Pantothenic acid is not easily destroyed in alkali, acid and heat. It is a Hydroxy Acid (Dimethyl of Butyric Acid) and Derivative from Beta-Alanine (B- Alanine).
This vitamin is synthesized by bacteria in the small intestine in humans.
Absorption and Excretion
- Pantothenic acid acts as a coenzyme or co-acetylase in the body in the following processes
(a) Acetylation of some atomic amines and choline.
(b) Synthesis of acetoacetic acid, cholesterol, fatty acids, phospholipids, citrates and steroid hormones
(c) Oxidation of pyruvate and acetaldehyde in the caveolae
(d) Creation of porphyrins for haemoglobin.
- Carbohydrates are active in the metabolism of substances, fats and proteins; For example-(i) the metabolism of amino acids, (ii) the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol, (iii) the functions related to the formation of sterols. The normal amount of pantothenic acid in the blood is 0.225 µg/ml.
Effects of Deficiency
This pantothenic acid is found in almost all food items and this vitamin is also synthesized by E-coli bacteria in the intestines. Due to this there is no deficiency of this vitamin in humans.
Omega-Methyl-Pantothenic Acid: In the presence of this element, a deficiency of pantothenic acid occurs, the symptoms of which are:
(1) headache, (2) restlessness, (3) nausea, (4) irritability, (5) stomach pain, (6) sleeplessness, (7) vomiting, (8) extreme tiredness.
Use of pantothenic acid.
(1) Used in curing pulse disorders burning of the feet.
(2) Treatment of skin diseases is also possible.
Daily Requirement and Achievement
The daily required amount of pantothenic acid is 10 mg per 2,500 calories for an adult.
Infant – 1.5-2.5 mg/day
Child – 5-8 mg
Adolescent – 8-10 mg
Pregnancy/Mercury pregnancy – 10-15 mg
Source of Occurrence
Pantothenic acid is found in all food items. Liver, moong dal, wheat sprouts are its best sources. It is found in large quantities in pulses, nuts, and cereals. It is found in very small amounts in fruits.
(6) Folic Acid Folate C19H19N708
Vitamin folic acid was initially given different names by different scientists. e.g. Folacin Pteroylaglutanic acid (Teryl-Glutamic Acid) Lactovacillus Cocci Factor, Vitamin B., Vitamin M and Vitamin U.
At present this vitamin is recognized only by the names of folic acid and folate. In 1945, Nger and his colleagues obtained this vitamin from the liver and synthesized it.
Folic acid is a yellow colored fibrous compound. It is found in large quantities in green leafy vegetables as a combined compound of glutamic acid with pteridine-nucleus and para-amino benzoic acid.
Folic acid is unstable in acid medium and gets destroyed in sunlight.
Functions
(1) The main function of folic acid is to help in the formation of the porphyrin ring of blood in the body, due to which the hemoglobin molecule of the blood is formed and matures.
(2) Folic acid helps in the function of the enzymes in the body. This process makes it possible to synthesize many amino acids.
(3) Folic acid acts in the metabolism of purines and pyrimidines which helps in the formation Deoxyribonucleic (DNA).
(4) The function of this vitamin is to renew the nucleoprotein.
Absorption and Excretion
Folic acid is absorbed from the small intestine into the blood. Some amount of folic acid is made in the body.
Folic acid is excreted from the body with urine and faeces.
Effects of Deficiency
Deficiency of folic acid causes three types of blood deficiency in humans
Pernicious Anaemia
Macrocytic Anaemia
Megaloblastic Anaemia
Due to lack of iron in the body, the metabolism of folic acid is affected. The deficiency of folic acid is not caused by the deficiency of the vitamin itself but by the presence of an antagonist called aminopterin. These antagonists inhibit the action of folic acid in the reduced form by vitamin C.
Daily Requirement-On an average, a day’s requirement of folic acid of an adult person is 0.1-0.4 mg. The daily requirement of folic acid in different age group and stage is as follows:
0-625 microgram Adult 100 microgram
7-12 months 50-100 microgram Pregnancy 150-300 microgram
1-12 years 50-100 microgram Meantime 150- microgram
Sources of Occurrence
Folic acid is found in both animal and plant foods. Yeast, liver, egg, sesame, spinach are the best sources of this vitamin. Pulses, oils, seeds and cereals are moderate sources of this vitamin. It is found in very small amounts in vegetables, fruits and milk.
(7) Biotin C10H16N2O3S
In the year 1927, a scientist named Fritz Kogl told about a wound using the white part of the egg that this wound can be treated with liver, yeast and egg yolk due to which the element found in this food item is called anti-eggwhite-injury-factor.
In 1939, this element was named Biotin. The chemical composition of this vitamin was known in 1903.
Chemical Composition, Formula and Properties
Biotin is monocarboxylic acid. It is easily soluble in hot water. Biotin is unstable in strong acids and bases. It is soluble in a small amount in alcohol and insoluble in solution of other fats.
Functions
(1) It proves helpful in the fixation of CO2.
(2) It is an important component of DNA and RNA.
(3) Essential for the health of the skin.
(4) It plays an important role in keeping the muscles healthy.
Effects of Deficiency-The following symptoms appear in the body due to the deficiency of Biotin.
(1) The skin becomes rough, dry and dull. The skin starts itching.
(2) Skin disease (Dermatitis) occurs. The skin loses its natural color.
(3) Wrinkles begin to appear on the skin.
(4) Hunger reduces.
(5) There is pain in the muscles of the hands and feet.
(6) Dizziness begins.
(7) The patient becomes mentally disturbed and restless.
(8) Gets tired soon.
Biotin Daily Requirement and Achievement–50 micrograms for a normal healthy person and 10-15 micrograms of biotin for infants is sufficient. The biotin vitamin is easily obtained from food.
QUANTITIES OF BIOTIN IN DIFFERENT FOOD STUFF
(8) Vitamin B12
History-Vitamin B12 is a very important vitamin of the group. It was later discovered by American scientist Rickes in 1948. Cobalt mineral is found in this vitamin.
This vitamin was named Vitamin B12 or Cyanocobalamine.
Chemical Composition-The chemical formula of vitamin B12 is C63H88CON14O14P. Its chemical organization is very complex.
Characteristics
(1) Vitamin B12 is a red needle-shaped fibrous substance.
(2) It is less soluble in water.
(3) This vitamin B12 contains up to 4% cobalt.
(4) Its molecular weight is 1355.
(5) It is unstable towards strong acids and bases.
(6) Vitamin B is found mainly in the liver and tissues in two forms:
(i) Cyanocobalamin B12
(ii) Hydroxycobalamin B12
Functions of Vitamin B12
(1) Vitamin B12 plays an active role in the metabolism of folic acid.
(2) Vitamin B12 increases appetite. Therefore, by taking sufficient quantity of B12, the health of the patient starts improving quickly.
(3) Enzyme containing vitamin B12 is needed to carry out biological and chemical reactions taking place in tissues.
(4) Vitamin B12 prevents fat from being stored in the liver.
(5) It acts as a growth activator in some animals.
(6) Helps in the metabolism taking place in the vascular tissues.
(7) Plays an active role in the formation of methionine and choline.
Effects of Deficiency of Vitamin B12
Deficiency of Vitamin B12 causes Pernicious anemia. When the gastric juice is not present in sufficient amount, then the absorption of vitamin B12 is not done properly. The following symptoms of this disease are:
(1) There are blisters in the mouth. There is a burning sensation in the tongue.
(2) Those cells of the stomach from which gastric juice and enzymes come out, they weaken and begin to perish.
(3) Changes occur in the external appearance of the bone marrow. Mature RBCs are unable to exit the bone marrow. This reduces the number of RBC calls.
(4) The number of RBCs in the blood becomes very less from 1.5 to 2.5 million per mm.
(5) The amount of hemoglobin in the blood is very less, 8.9 gm / 100 ml of blood.
(6) The skin turns yellow. The hands and feet of the patient become numb.
(7) Deficiency of vitamin B12 in the body causes disorders in the nerves. Nervous diseases are caused due to nervousness, irritability, loss of appetite, dizziness, headache, mental tension.
Sources of Occurrence- Vitamin B12 is found only in animals. The liver has the highest amount of vitamin B12. It is also abundant in meat, fish, egg, kidney etc. Food items like fresh milk powder, cheese etc. are common sources of its receipt.
Daily requirement- Indian Medical Research Society (ICMR) in 1989 has given daily requirement of Vitamin B12 for Indians as follows:
Vitamin B absorption, storage and excretion—The absorption process of B12 is highly complex. It is not easily absorbed in the small intestine. It takes three hours for its absorption. Vitamin B containing more protein than required is stored in the liver. The liver can store B12 within a certain limit.
(9) Choline
Chemical Composition—The chemical formula of choline is C5H14NO
Characteristics
(1) It is a colorless fibrous substance.
(2) It has the property of absorbing water.
(3) Its taste is astringent.
(4) It is a powerful alkali.
(5) More soluble in water and alcohol.
(6) It is stable towards acid but unstable towards base.
Functions of Choline
(1) It prevents the deposition of fat in the liver.
(2) It is important in the physical growth of animals.
(3) Choline acetate plays an important role in the formation of choline. Acetyl choline exchanges pulse sensations.
(4) Choline is essential for proper utilization of cholesterol in the body, as phospholipids transport cholesterol and fatty acids.
(5) Choline prevents the accumulation of fat in the liver.
Effects of Deficiency of Choline
So far, symptoms resulting from deficiency of this vitamin have not been observed in humans, as it is replenished by normal diet. It is also synthesized in the body. Its deficiency causes many diseases in animals and birds.
Effect of Excess of Choline
Choline is highly soluble in water. Therefore, its excess does not affect the body. Its excess is not toxic to the body.
Source of receipt-Choline is found in all types of food items (animals and plants). But the yellow part of the egg, liver of goat, pig, whole lentils and wheat are the best source. It is also available in rice bran, pork and sheep meat and dried fruits. It is also found in milk, fruits, vegetables, ground grains and milled rice.
Daily demand-Till now choline should be 250 to 600 mg in the daily diet.
Absorption, storage and excretion of choline—The absorption of choline in the body is rapidly done in the small intestine. Choline absorbed by normal blood circulation is carried by the blood to all cells and tissues of the body.
Some of the absorbed choline is converted into phospholipids, which are used to build each cell. Most of the choline is metabolized in the liver to form trimethylamine, which is excreted in the urine.
(10) Vitamin C
In 1734 it was discovered that there is such an element in fresh vegetables and fruits, the deficiency of which causes a disease called scurvy. In 1907 Holst reported that scurvy can develop only in guinea pigs and not in any other animals. In 1928, Albert Györgyi isolated an acid from cabbage, adrenal glands and oranges. He proved that hexuronic acid, which was isolated from oranges and said vitamin C are two names for the same element. Due to the anti-carcinogenic property of this vitamin C, it got its name ascorbic acid.
Chemical Composition
The detailed information about the chemical structure of vitamin C was given by an English scientist and his colleagues in 1933. He told that this vitamin is mainly found in two forms
(1) L. Ascorbic Acid
(2) Dehydro-ascorbic Acid
Scientists have told that D-ascorbic acid does not have immunity whereas L.D. Ascorbic acid and L-dehydroascorbic acid have immunity against scurvy and their other properties also remain almost the same.
The chemical formula of ascorbic acid is C6H8O6 Its composition is found or is made up of glucose. But it contains dianol group.
Functions of Vitamin-C
- In the manufacture of substances such as collagen-Vitamin C is necessary for the formation of collagen and for the formation of substances such as cement that binds between cells.
- Helpful in the absorption of iron-Vitamin C plays an important role in making the absorption of iron, quick and easy. It converts ferric of iron element to ferrous. Ferrous iron is rapidly absorbed in the intestines.
- Vitamin C in bone formation plays an important role in the healthy growth, development and formation of bones.
- As an antioxidant-this vitamin acts as a very important anti-oxidant. It helps in maintaining the activity of blood cells and protects the body from diseases.
- In the health of blood vessels—This vitamin is necessary to keep the blood vessels healthy. It strengthens the walls of blood vessels.
- Wound Healing-Vitamin C helps in quick healing of wounds. Due to its deficiency, collagen does not form. Strong connective tissue and collagen formation are essential for quick wound healing. In the absence of vitamin C, there is a possibility of re-opening of old wounds.
- To keep teeth healthy-Vitamin C is absolutely necessary for the development and formation of healthy teeth. Its deficiency causes defects in the teeth. Dentine and enamel are not formed properly due to their not being constructed properly. The color of the gums becomes red or purple. They swell leading to infection and sores. Dentine also becomes thinner. Teeth fall out early.
- Metabolism of cholesterol-It has been known from researches that vitamin C helps in converting cholesterol into acid in the body due to which the chances of diseases arising due to excess of cholesterol in the body are greatly reduced.
- In increasing immunity-Vitamin C increases the body’s immunity. It prevents the breakdown of body cells and fibers even in the state of infection (such as in T.B., cold, pneumonia, malaria etc.),
Effect of Deficiency of Vitamin C
Deficiency of Vitamin C causes scurvy. There are mainly two types of scurvy disease.
(1) Scurvy in adults
(2) Scurvy in children
- Scurvy in adults—People who drink alcohol and who do not consume fresh fruits and vegetables, they get scurvy disease.
The following symptoms of scurvy disease are found in adults:
(i) Weakness, irritability and headache,
(ii) Lethargy and fatigue,
(iii) No desire to work hard,
(iv) Anemia,
(v) The skin becomes pale in colour,
(vi) The skin becomes rough, dry and dull. Red-blue rash on the skin,
(vii) Pimples on the skin,
(viii) Inky black spots under the eyes,
(ix) There is severe pain and swelling in the joints of the body.
(x) The pore becomes swollen,
(xi) The gums dry up. The color of the gums turns blue. By pressing, blood starts flowing,
(xii) Teeth become weak and fall out,
(xiii) Wounds heal late. Pus is filled in the wounds,
(xiv) The muscles become inactive.
- Scurvy in children-Due to the deficiency of vitamin C, scurvy disease occurs in children too. It is more dangerous than adults:
(i) Loss of appetite,
(ii) Children become irritable, lazy and lethargic,
(iii) Swelling of legs,
(iv) The walls of blood vessels burst leading to internal bleeding,
(v) Wounds do not heal quickly,
(vi) Boils, pustules and sores appear on the skin,
(vii) The bones become swollen due to the accumulation of blood,
(viii) The bones become soft,
(ix) The skin of the body turns yellow,
(x) The gums swell, foul smell comes from the mouth,
(xi) Difficulty in breathing,
(xii) There are severe convulsions in the body.
Consequences of excess
Excess of vitamin C does not show any ill effects on the body, because this vitamin is soluble in water, this vitamin is excreted through urine.
Source of receipt-Amla and guava are good means of obtaining vitamin c. Lemon, orange, pineapple, mango, papaya, tomato, amaranth, cabbage, coriander, leaves, drumstick leaves, spinach, radish leaves etc. have abundance of Vitamin C. Its quantity increases in sprouted grains and pulses. It is also found in small quantities in apples, bananas, grapes, jackfruit etc. Vitamin C is negligible in animal foods.
Daily Recommended Requirement–Vitamin C is necessary to be taken through diet, as this vitamin is not synthesized in our intestines. Council Medical Research (ICMR 1989) FAO/WHO in 1974 and NCR VSA have proposed the daily requirement of Vitamin C in the following way:
Absorption, storage and excretion of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is quickly and easily absorbed through the small intestine. But when is a lack of acid in the stomach, then the absorption of vitamin C is not done properly. The accumulation of vitamin C in the body depends on the function of the kidneys.
Usually 100 ml/g. Vitamin C is used in the body. This vitamin C is not stored in various organs and tissues of the body. Therefore, this vitamin gets stored in different fibers up to the point of satiety. The pituitary glands have the highest concentration of this vitamin.
Apart from this, it is also stored in small quantities in liver, phloem gland and tissues. If there is 0.4 -0.1 mg/100 ml of vitamin C in the blood plasma, it is considered a satisfactory level. Excess vitamin C is excreted through urine. But in case of diarrhoea, vitamin C is also excreted through faeces.