Explore our guide deciphering scientific names of vitamins and their natural sources. Understand the essentials for a balanced diet and optimal health.
Demystifying scientific names of vitamins and their natural sources
A healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients are extremely crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. Vitamins and minerals play pivotal roles in various bodily functions, such as immune system function, and metabolism. Vitamin deficiencies can indeed lead to minor and severe health problems, such as skin issues, vision problems, weakened bones, inflammation, anaemia, blood clotting, and more.
Though there are supplements available, it is good to ensure nutrients come from daily diet. Along with a healthy diet, ensure to secure your health with a comprehensive health insurance plan.
What are vitamins?
Vitamins are an organic compound that the human body needs for normal functioning, growth, metabolism, and overall well-being. Vitamins that play a crucial role are required in small quantities and need to be consumed adequately in the correct proportion.
Types of vitamins
Vitamins that the human body needs are mainly classified into two types based on their solubility:
Water-soluble vitamins
Water soluble vitamins are the vitamins that get dissolved in water easily and do not get stored in the body for long. Hence, the body needs regular intake of these vitamins.
Fat-soluble vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins are easily dissolved in fat and are stored in the liver and body’s fatty tissues. To avoid excessive accumulation (to toxic levels), regular intake needs to be in moderation.
Vitamin name list
The following is the vitamin name list including the types of vitamins, scientific names, natural sources, and their vital role.
Vitamin name | Scientific name | Essential for | Natural source |
Water-soluble vitamins | |||
Vitamin B1 | Thiamine | Energy and nerve function | Pork, Fish, Green peas, Beans, Lentils, Fortified cereals, Rice, Sunflower seeds, Yogurt, etc. |
Vitamin B2 | Riboflavin | Skin health, vision, and energy production | Cheese, Milk, Yogurt, Chicken breast, Salmon, Organ meats, etc. |
Vitamin B3 | Niacin | DNA repair and metabolism | Fish, Red meat, Nuts, Seeds, Bananas, Legumes, Brown rice, etc. |
Vitamin B5 | Pantothenic acid | Cholesterol and hormone synthesis | Mushrooms, Potatoes, Avacados, Broccoli, Seafood, Whole grains, Eggs, Milk, Organ meats |
Vitamin B6 | Pyridoxine | Immune function, brain development, and metabolism | Fish, Organ meat, Potatoes and Fruits (other than citrus), starchy vegetables, etc. |
Vitamin B7 | Biotin | Metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats | Eggs, Liver, Salmon, Pork, Avocado, Sweet potatoes, Nuts, Seeds, certain vegetables, etc. |
Vitamin B9 | Folic acid | Fetal development, Cell division, and DNA synthesis | Dark green vegetables, Beans, Sunflower seeds, Peanuts, Fresh fruits, Whole grains, Aquatic foods, etc. |
Vitamin B12 | Cobalamin | RBC formation, DNA synthesis, neurological function | Fish, Meat, Eggs, Dairy, Mushrooms, Potatoes, etc. |
Vitamin C | Ascorbic acid | Immune function, collagen production | Citrus fruits, Strawberries, Potatoes, Broccoli, Bell pepper, etc. |
Fat-soluble vitamins | |||
Vitamin A | Retinol | Skin health, vision, and immune system | Leafy greens (spinach, broccoli), orange-yellow vegetables(carrots, pumpkin), fish oils, eggs, milk, tomatoes, bell pepper, etc. |
Vitamin D | Calciferol | Bone health, immune function, and calcium absorption | Cod liver oil, Salmon, Tuna, Swordfish, Fortified juice, Fortified milk, etc. |
Vitamin E | Tocopherol | Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory | Sunflower/Soybean oil, Sunflower seeds, Peanuts, Almonds, Pumpkin, Red bell pepper, etc. |
Vitamin K | Phylloquinone | Building bones | Green leafy vegetables, Soybean oil, Cabbage, Eggs, etc. |
Conclusion
To sum up, adequate intake of vitamins through a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins is essential for overall health. Understanding the types of vitamins your body needs, and the natural sources of these vitamins can help you follow a well-balanced diet to meet an adequate intake of essential nutrients.
Get Quick Quote