Another important vitamin is Biotin, it is a water-soluble vitamin, It can only be synthesized by bacteria, yeast, molds, algae and some plants species, however it is needed by all organisms. In its active form it is attached to the active sites of four important enzymes, know as carboxylase. Figure 2 illustrates the chemical composition of a Biotin:
Figure 2- Chemical Structure of the vitamin Biotin
Biotin is synthesized by intestinal bacteria and as such deficiencies are rare. Deficiencies are generally seen only after long antibiotic therapies which deplete the intestinal fauna or following excessive consumption of raw eggs. “Symptoms of overt biotin deficiency include hair loss and a scaly red rash around the eyes, nose, mouth, and genital area. Neurologic symptoms in adults have included depression, lethargy, hallucination, and numbness and tingling of the extremities.” Biotin is found in different types of food: bread, cooked eggs, camembert and cheddar cheese, cooked pork, salmon chicken and artichoke, raspberries, avocado and raw cauliflower.
Another Vitamin that is well known is called Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin. Unlike most mammals, humans cannot make their own vitamin C; therefore we must obtain them through their diet. Vitamins C play an important role in the following reactions in the body: is required for the synthesis of collagen, the synthesis of the neurotransmitter, the synthesis of carnitine which are essential in the transport of mitochondria, and is also a highly effective antioxidant. Severe vitamin C deficiency has been known as being the cause for a fatal disease called scurvy, who’s symptoms are bleeding and bruising easily, hair and tooth loss, joint pain and swelling. Sources of vitamin C are: orange and grapefruit juice, strawberries, tomatoes, and potato.
Another important vitamin is the Vitamin E, which is a mixture of several related compounds known as tocopherols.. “Vitamin E accumulates in cellular membranes, fat deposits and other circulating lipoproteins.” The major function of vitamin E is to act as a natural antioxidant by scavenging free radicals and molecular oxygen. In particular vitamin E prevent peroxidation of polyunsaturated membrane fatty acids. No major disease states have been found to be associated with vitamin E deficiency. The major symptom of vitamin E deficiency in humans is an increase in red blood cell fragility, producing anemia and weakness. Vitamins E is found in the following foods: olive, soy, corn, safflower, sunflower and canola oils, almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, spinach, carrots and avocado.
The last vitamin that will be discussed here is Vitamine K, it is a fat-soluble vitamin and the K stands for the German word “koagulation”. It is called that way because vitamins K have play an important role in the proteins that involved the process of blood clotting. “The ability to bind calcium ions (Ca2+) is required for the activation of the seven "vitamin K-dependent" clotting factors in the coagulation cascade. The term, "coagulation cascade," refers to a series of events, each dependent on the other that stops bleeding through clot formation.” There are two types of vitamins K, one is made of phylloquinone (K1) synthesized by plants, and menaquinone-n (K2) synthesized by animals and humans. The deficiency of vitamin K can produce hemorrhaging which are bleeding problems. Vitamins K are found in: green leafy vegetables, cabbage, cauliflower, liver, made by bacteria in intestines.
The five minerals that will be explained in this paper are: calcium, chromium, copper, magnesium, and potassium. Calcium is the most common mineral in the human body, 99% of it found in bones, and the 1% left is found in the blood and soft tissues. Its function are to strengthen bones and teeth, the muscle contraction and relaxation, blood clotting, nerve function, blood pressure. The deficiency result in stunt growth in children and loss of bones in adults. Calcium can be found in: milk products, dark green leafy vegetables, broccoli, shrimp, salmon, clams, fortified orange juice, legumes, tofu.
“Although trivalent chromium is recognized as a nutritionally essential mineral, scientists are not yet certain exactly how it functions in the body. The two most common forms of chromium are trivalent chromium (III) and hexavalent chromium (VI).” Chromium III is associated with insulin, which is needed in the release of energy from glucose. Its deficiency result in inability to properly use glucose. Chromium is found in meat, vegetable oil, and whole grain cereal.
Copper is an essential trace element for humans and animals. In the body, copper shifts between the cuprous (Cu1+) and the cupric (Cu2+) forms, though the majority of the body's copper is in the Cu2+ form. Its function are that it is “needed for production of hemoglobin, helps make red blood cells, and helps with several other enzyme functions.” Its deficiency results in an anemia that is unresponsive to iron therapy but corrected by copper supplementation, low amount of white blood cells, osteoporosis, loss of pigmentation, neurological symptoms, and impaired growth. Sources for copper are: organ meats, shellfish, legumes, and nuts.
Magnesium plays important roles in the structure and the function of the human body. Over 60% of all the magnesium in the body is found in the skeleton, about 27% is found in muscle, while 6 to 7% is found in other cells, and less than 1% is found outside of cells. It is involved in more then 300 metabolic reactions and its function are the development of bones and teeth, transmit nerve impulses, muscle contraction, and activates enzymes needed for energy. It is found in the following foods: whole grains, nuts, legumes, dark green leafy vegetables.
Potassium is an essential dietary mineral that is also known as an electrolyte. “The term electrolyte refers to a substance that dissociates into ions (charged particles) in solution making it capable of conducting electricity.”It functions in fluid balance, transmission of nerve impulses, and helps in the making of protein. Deficiency of potassium may lead to muscle weakness, fatigue, and confusion. Potassium is found in legumes, meat, vegetables, bananas, milk, and fruits.
In conclusion, as one may understand minerals and vitamins are essential to a person’s health. All are involve in the smallest processes and reactions but make a big difference in the end such as vitamin C. They can produce disorders or deseases if the right amount is not provided in a daily meal. This is very important and it should help one understand the importance of eating healthy. To most parents, knowing about the roles of different minerals and vitamins is crucial for the well being of their children and themselves. Not many people know why are vitamins and minerals so important, but in doing this research paper someone might better understand its importance.
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Reference Guide to Vitamins
West Virginia Dietetic Association
West Virginia Dietetic Association
