“Eat your vitamins!” the parents and doctors say. But why? We are often told, “Oh, because they’re good for you.” Wednesday Scientists, we understand your concerns about following such vague instructions, so we hope this blog will clear it all up for you. :)
In short, vitamins are specific organic molecules that our body needs to take in small amounts to keep itself going. Each vitamin is needed for a different set of functions, ranging from growth to fighting pathogens. We can divide vitamins into two major classes: water-soluble and lipid-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water easily, so they are easily transported via the blood and excess exits through urine, which are both largely water. Since these vitamins leave our system easily, it is important that we eat them regularly. On the other hand, there are lipid-soluble vitamins, which require special treatment! They dissolve easier in fats, so they need special proteins to be transported through the blood, and are stored in the body for longer in our liver and fat cells. Since they are stored long-term, we shouldn’t eat too much of them.
So now that we know how the vitamins travel through and are stored in our bodies, what does each one do and how can we attain them? From the time I was young, my mother would always tell me to eat carrots for vitamin A so that I wouldn’t get glasses. This is because vitamin A is a lipid-soluble vitamin that is good for vision and organ function! Unfortunately, the glasses genes ran too strong for me to avoid them, but I’d say my organs are in pretty good shape! Other lipid-soluble vitamins include vitamins D, E, and K. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is important for passing electrical signals in the brain and is necessary for proper function of skin. Vitamin B is actually a class of 8 different vitamins, most of which are involved in metabolism (the breakdown and buildup of important substances).
Some of you might be wondering, what could happen if I don’t take my vitamins? Well, you might just want to ask the sailors from a couple centuries ago, as they often didn’t have access to fresh food and proper nutrition. Scurvy, a severe vitamin C deficiency, was not an uncommon plight of sailors. Since vitamin C is important for the brain and skin, some of the many symptoms include headache and bleeding sores. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is a way to avoid this, as these are sources of vitamin C. Another disorder is rickets, a severe vitamin D deficiency in children characterized by softer bones that can hinder development. This symptom occurs because vitamin D is important for building bones.
In conclusion, though the term “vitamin” might seem “vague” and “generic,” these molecules are very important for your well-being. So the next time your parents or a doctor tell you to eat your vitamins, you know why!
Photo Credits: Media from Wix
Post By: Roshni P. M.
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