Water-soluble vitamins: a general characteristic.

Vitamins are a group of low-molecular bio-compounds of different chemical nature that are necessary for the existence of a living organism in very small concentrations in comparison with basic food products. The source of vitamins in most cases are plants. Water-soluble vitamins in the human body and animals come with food.

The complete absence of vitamins in the human diet or disruption of their assimilation leads to the development of avitaminosis, an insufficient amount of vitamins in food provokes the development of hypovitaminosis, excessive amounts of hypervitaminosis. This negatively affects the majority of metabolic reactions, leads to inhibition of growth and development processes, immunological resistance decreases.

Fat and water-soluble vitamins are metabolic regulators. Of the many vitamins in the body, enzymes are synthesized - biocatalysts, through which metabolic reactions are carried out. Hypo-and avitaminosis can be caused by the presence in the food of antivitamins - structural analogues of vitamins: they displace vitamins from certain metabolic reactions and are unable to perform their functions. In addition, antivitamins can be compounds that inactivate vitamins, splitting them into simple substances, or form chemically inactive complexes with vitamins.

There are several classifications of vitamins. The main ones are physical and chemical. According to the physical classification, vitamins, soluble in fats, are called fat-soluble those that dissolve in water - water-soluble. This classification is generally accepted. The chemical classification of vitamins is based on the nature of the structure of the molecules: vitamins of the heterocyclic series, alicyclic series, aliphatic series, aromatic series.

Water-soluble vitamins dissolve well in water, while they practically do not dissolve in fats and organic solvents. They are thermolabile (they break down at high temperatures), they can not be deposited in the body.

Vitamins are water-soluble. Thiamine (vitamin B1) is constructed from pyrimidine and thiazole derivatives. The most rich are yeast, cabbage, spinach, carrots, peas, beans, kidneys, eggs, whey. This vitamin can also be synthesized and intestinal microflora. Takes part in the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism. With its deficiency, the function of the heart and the nervous system is disrupted, and muscle cramps are possible.

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) plays a key role in metabolic processes in the body as it is a coenzyme of a number of enzymes that participate in the processes of tissue respiration.

Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) - a derivative of pyridine, is a part of enzymes amitransferase and decarboxylase. Aminotransferases transfer amino groups from one acid to another. Decarboxylases catalyze the hydrolysis of the carboxyl group. Lack of vitamin stimulates the development of dermatological diseases.

Nicotinamide (vitamin B5) is a nicotinic acid amide , an integral part of the codohydrazins that cleave the Hydrogen from organic substances. With a deficiency of the vitamin, dermatitis develops.

Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) has a turn of a complex chemical structure. The central atom is cobalt. Takes part in the hematopoiesis. With a deficiency of cyanocobalamin in the body, alimentary anemia develops.

Water-soluble vitamins - ascorbic acid. This vitamin is widely used for the treatment of scurvy. A significant amount of vitamin is contained in citrus, dog rose, black currant, horseradish, apples, pork, tomatoes, etc.

Vitamins of group D refer to fat-soluble. To date, water-soluble vitamin D. has been synthesized. It is known that cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) can be synthesized in our body as a result of sunlight. Our body is especially sensitive to D-hypovitaminosis especially in the autumn-winter period. This is especially pronounced in infants. What are the advantages of a water soluble fraction of vitamin D3? An aqueous solution of vitamin D3 is better absorbed in the digestive tract compared to oil solutions. An aqueous solution of cholecalciferol is especially popular in pediatrics.