vitamin

any of a group of substances that are essential, in small quantities, for the normal functioning of metabolism in the body. They cannot usually be synthesized in the body but they occur naturally in certain foods: insufficient supply of any particular vitamin results in a deficiency disease

Collins Discovery Encyclopedia, 1st edition © HarperCollins Publishers 2005

Vitamin

An organic compound required in very small amounts for the normal functioning of the body and obtained mainly from foods. Vitamins are present in food in minute quantities compared to the other utilizable components of the diet, namely, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and minerals.

Synthetic and natural vitamins usually have the same biological value. Different vitamins, which are often not related to each other chemically or functionally, are conventionally divided into a fat-soluble group (vitamins A, D, E, and K) and a water-soluble group [vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and the various B vitamins: thiamine, vitamin B, riboflavin, vitamin B₂, vitamin B₆, niacin, folic acid, vitamin B₁₂, biotin, and pantothenic acid]. The vitamins, particularly the water-soluble ones, occur almost universally throughout the animal and plant kingdoms individual articles on each vitamin.

The B vitamins function as coenzymes that catalyze many of the anabolic and catabolic reactions of living organisms necessary for the production of energy; the synthesis of tissue components, hormones, and chemical regulators; and the detoxification and degradation of waste products and toxins. On the other hand, vitamin C and the fat-soluble vitamins do not function as coenzymes. Vitamins C and E and β-carotene (a precursor of vitamin A) act as antioxidants, helping to prevent tissue injury from free-radical reactions. In addition, vitamin C functions as a cofactor in hydroxylation reactions. Vitamin D has hormonelike activity in calcium metabolism; vitamin A plays a critical role in night vision, growth, and maintaining normal differentiation of epithelial tissue; and vitamin K has a unique posttranscriptional role in the formation of active blood-clotting factors. See Antioxidant, Carotenoid, Coenzyme

What does it mean when you dream about vitamins?

If we take vitamins on a daily basis, then a dream about vitamins could simply be a reflection of our daily activity. Or, it could represent a concern about health. Vitamins can symbolize that we need to feed our minds with ideas that are “good for us.”

vitamin

[′vīd·ə·mən]

(biochemistry)

An organic compound present in variable, minute quantities in natural foodstuffs and essential for the normal processes of growth and maintenance of the body; vitamins do not furnish energy, but are essential for energy transformation and regulation of metabolism.

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References in periodicals archive

Vitamin K also assists with the production of four of the 13 proteins needed for clotting.

The Benefits and Risks of Dietary Vitamin K: Vitamin K helps with blood clotting, bone density, and much more

Consequently, vitamin D deficiency has been correlated with increased risk of various health problems including, but not limited to, cancer, bone disease, cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension.

Quidel Receives CE Mark for Its Point-of-Care Sofia Quantitative Vitamin D Assay for Use with Sofia Instrument

Key words: Vitamin D, dosing regimen, hypovitaminosis D.

Knowledge Attitude and Practices about Management of Vitamin D Deficiency among Doctors in Pakistan

Vitamin D supplementation may be achieved through prescription supplements or via over-the-counter purchase.

OBSERVING TRENDS IN VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTATION: NATIONAL HEALTH AND NUTRITION EXAMINATION SURVEY 2009-2014

As you can see, vitamin K, like other vitamins, is crucial for bone health, heart health, and blood clotting.

The Krucial Vitamin

Instead, it is also proposed that increased formation of vitamin D metabolite 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D may have negative feedback on the hepatic synthesis of vitamin D.5 It is also found that in obesity there is increased metabolic clearance of vitamin D especially in women, may be because of increased uptake by adipose tissue.6 Prevalence of obesity was higher among women as compared to men (33.5% vs 24.1%).

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN DECREASE IN SERUM VITAMIN D LEVEL AND INCREASE IN BODY MASS INDEX

Caption: Kale, mustard greens, and spinach are packed with vitamin K.

Vitamin K update: this vitamin, found in leafy greens, is important for blood and bone health

As sunlight and the skin are the main sources of vitamin D, alterations in sunlight exposure of skin may modify vitamin D levels.

Vitamin D deficiency: Pragmatic suggestions for prevention and treatment

The fact that makes vitamin D all the more important is that our bodies doesn't make it, and we need to get it from our environment.

Deficiency of Vitamin D in Oman

The synthesis and metabolism of vitamin D is a complex process involving the skin, liver, intestines, and kidneys.

Vitamin D testing: what's right for your lab?

A sample of blood is analyzed to measure hydroxy vitamin D concentrations.

Cleveland clinic study supports vitamin d's role in heart health: researchers found that patients with low vitamin D levels face higher risks of cardiovascular problems, death after non-cardiac surgeries

1 1 The good news is that whilst sunlight is only strong enough from April to October for the skin to make vitamin D, it isn'the only provider.

Vitamin D:/ your child ready for the winter? Special feature BY THE VITAMIN VIT D MISSION