Types, importance, and deficiency diseases

1. Vitamins

1. Vitamins are organic compounds required in small amounts for essential metabolic processes.
2. They are classified into water-soluble (Vitamin B-complex and Vitamin C) and fat-soluble (Vitamins A, D, E, and K).

Water-Soluble Vitamins

1. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Helps in carbohydrate metabolism. Deficiency causes beriberi.
2. Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Essential for energy production. Deficiency leads to cheilitis and glossitis.
3. Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Aids in cellular respiration. Deficiency causes pellagra (diarrhea, dermatitis, dementia).
4. Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): Required for coenzyme A production. Deficiency causes fatigue.
5. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Helps in amino acid metabolism. Deficiency leads to anemia, depression.
6. Vitamin B7 (Biotin): Important for fatty acid synthesis. Deficiency causes hair loss, skin disorders.
7. Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid): Essential for DNA synthesis. Deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia and birth defects.
8. Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): Required for red blood cell formation. Deficiency leads to pernicious anemia.
9. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): Boosts immunity and collagen production. Deficiency leads to scurvy.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

1. Vitamin A: Important for vision and skin health. Deficiency leads to night blindness and xerophthalmia.
2. Vitamin D: Essential for calcium absorption. Deficiency causes rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.
3. Vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant. Deficiency leads to nerve and muscle damage.
4. Vitamin K: Helps in blood clotting. Deficiency causes excessive bleeding.

2. Hormones

1. Hormones are chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands.
2. They regulate growth, metabolism, and other body functions.
3. Hormones are classified based on their origin, function, and chemical structure.

Important Hormones and Their Functions

1. Insulin: Produced by the pancreas; regulates blood sugar levels. Deficiency causes diabetes mellitus.
2. Glucagon: Opposes insulin; increases blood sugar levels.
3. Thyroxine (T4) & Triiodothyronine (T3): Produced by the thyroid gland; regulate metabolism. Deficiency causes hypothyroidism, excess causes hyperthyroidism.
4. Adrenaline (Epinephrine): Produced by adrenal glands; triggers fight-or-flight response.
5. Cortisol: Stress hormone; regulates metabolism and immune response.
6. Growth Hormone (GH): Produced by the pituitary gland; regulates body growth. Deficiency causes dwarfism, excess causes gigantism.
7. Oxytocin: Stimulates childbirth contractions and milk ejection.
8. Prolactin: Helps in milk production in females.
9. Testosterone: Male sex hormone; responsible for secondary sexual characteristics.
10. Estrogen & Progesterone: Female sex hormones; regulate menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
11. Melatonin: Regulates sleep-wake cycles.

3. Importance of Vitamins and Hormones

1. Vitamins play a vital role in growth, immunity, and metabolic activities.
2. Hormones help maintain homeostasis and regulate body functions.
3. Deficiencies can lead to severe health disorders and metabolic imbalances.
4. A balanced diet and proper medical care are essential to maintain vitamin and hormone levels.