| V |
itamins are substances that play an essential part in animal metabolic processes,
but which the animals cannot synthesise. In their absence the animal develops
certain deficiency diseases or other abnormal conditions. |
Vitamins are chemicals other than proteins, carbohydrates, fats and mineral
salts that are essential constituents of the food of animals. Although certain
animals can synthesise certain vitamins and all animals needing vitamin
D can manufacture it from ergosterol in the presence of u.v. light, the
precise mechanism of action of many vitamins is still poorly understood.
Small amounts of vitamins are essential for the regulation of all bodily
processes. With the exception of vitamin D, the human body cannot make its
own vitamins, and some cannot be stored. Vitamins must therefore be obtained
from a food on a daily basis. A person's diet must provide all the necessary
vitamins. |
Vitamin A
Vitamin B's
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin K |