Previously, i was talking about the functions and deficiency diseases of fat- soluble functions. This time i am going to introduce the water- soluble vitamins and their primary functions in our body.
Vitamin C and Vitamin B are the only two vitamins belong to water- soluble vitamin. They are soluble in water and can be absorbed directly into blood stream from the small intestine (except B12 absorbed in ileum and stored in liver). Since their storage in body tissues is minimal- excess is secreted through the kidneys in the urine, they are hardly reach toxic level.
Vitamin C
It's an essential vitamin for the synthesis of collagen, neurotransmitter and hormones. It can enhance body's immune system, assist iron absorption and reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. If Vitamin C is deficiency in body, it will trigger scurvy (lack VC prevent the synthesis of collagen) and cause blooding gum.
Vitamin B contains thiamin(B1), riboflavin(B2), niacin(B3), B6, folate (B9), B12, biotin and pantothenic acid.
The function of thiamin is the synthesis of DNA and RNA, usually present in fish, beans, nuts and wheat.
Riboflavin helps synthesis of B6, folate and niacin from tryptophan. Food resources are usually dairy, green leafy veggies, eggs and liver.
The half amount of niacin needs in our body is come from tryptophan conversion. Niacin is a coenzyme which used in over 200 reactions in our body. It usually present in meat, fish, poultry and enriched flour and cereal. Lack of niacin will cause pellagra.
Folate (B6) is significant in DNA synthesis (maintenances of new cells or rapid growth cells). Pregnant women are recommended intake certain amount of folate acid in supplement form. Liver, legumes, leafy greens (especially spinach) contain folate.
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