What are vitamins?
Vitamins are a type of trace organic substances that humans and animals must obtain from food to maintain normal physiological functions. They play an important role in human growth, metabolism, and development. Vitamins do not participate in the formation of human cells in the body, nor do they provide energy to the human body.
Vitamins are divided into fat-soluble vitamins (including vitamins A, D, E and K) and water-soluble vitamins (including vitamin B and vitamin C).
What are the conditions for vitamin deficiency?
Theoretically speaking, if the daily diet is "comprehensive, balanced, and moderate" (for example, 5-6 taels of staple food in a combination of thickness, 1 cup of milk, 1 egg, 3 taels of meat, 1-2 taels of soy products, 1 catty of Fruits and vegetables, 25 grams of vegetable oil, etc.), then the daily vitamin intake is enough, and there is no need to supplement.
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However, the actual situation is not so ideal. So, under what circumstances will vitamin deficiency occur?
1. Seriously insufficient food supply and insufficient intake.
Such as: single food, improper storage, cooking damage, etc. For example, folic acid is lost by heat.
2. Reduced absorption and utilization.
For example: digestive system diseases or too little fat intake, which affects the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
3. Vitamin requirements are relatively increased.
Such as: pregnant and lactating women, children, special types of work, and people in special environments.
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4. Irrational use of antibiotics.
Improper use of antibiotics can lead to increased vitamin requirements.
What happens if you are deficient in vitamins?
Vitamin A deficiency can lead to night blindness, corneal sicca, dry skin, and scaling.
Vitamin B1 deficiency can lead to neuritis, beriberi, loss of appetite, indigestion, and growth retardation.
Vitamin B2 deficiency can lead to oral ulcers, dermatitis, angular stomatitis, glossitis, cleft lip, keratitis, etc.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anemia.
Vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy and reduced immunity.
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults.
Vitamin E deficiency can lead to infertility, miscarriage, muscle atrophy, etc.
So how do we supplement vitamins? Follow and don’t miss my popular science knowledge!