The Role and Significance of Vitamins in Human Physiology
Downloads
Vitamins are indispensable organic compounds required in small quantities to sustain normal biochemical and physiological functions in humans. Although they do not yield energy themselves, they serve as cofactors, antioxidants, regulators of gene expression, and mediators in diverse metabolic pathways. Deficiencies, excesses (hypervitaminosis), or imbalances in vitamins can provoke a spectrum of pathological states, from subclinical impairment to overt disease. This essay critically examines the classification, biochemical roles, mechanisms of action, deficiency and toxicity consequences, and current challenges in ensuring optimal vitamin status in human populations.
1. Combs, G. F. (2012). The Vitamins: Fundamental Aspects in Nutrition and Health (4th ed.). Academic Press.Fundamental reference on biochemical roles and clinical implications of all vitamins.
2. Ross, A. C., Caballero, B., Cousins, R. J., Tucker, K. L., & Ziegler, T. R. (Eds.). (2020). Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease (12th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Comprehensive text on micronutrients, metabolism, deficiency syndromes, and therapy.
3. World Health Organization (WHO). (2006). Guidelines on food fortification with micronutrients. WHO/FAO.
Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9241594012
Guidelines for public health strategies to address micronutrient deficiencies.
4. National Institutes of Health. (2023). Office of Dietary Supplements: Fact Sheets on Vitamins and Minerals.
Retrieved from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/list-VitaminsMinerals/
Reliable summaries of vitamin functions, intake levels, sources, and clinical effects.
5. Ball, G. F. M. (2006). Vitamins in Foods: Analysis, Bioavailability, and Stability. CRC Press.
Focused on bioavailability, degradation, and food matrix interactions of vitamins.
6. Elmadfa, I., & Meyer, A. L. (2019). Vitamins for the prevention of chronic disease: Current status and future perspectives. Nutrition, 30(11–12), 124–129.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2019.01.001
Review article on the preventive role of vitamins against chronic diseases.
7. Allen, L. H. (2008). Causes of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency. Food and Nutrition Bulletin, 29(2_suppl1), S20–S34.
https://doi.org/10.1177/15648265080292S105
Analyzes global causes and effects of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency.
