Medical and Health Congress

Posts Tagged ‘Vitamin A’

Vitamins are essential nutrients obtained in the diet. Vitamins were once thought to consist of only amine groups, which are chemical compounds consisting of nitrogen and hydrogen. Because of this, scientists gave these nutrients the name “vitamin,” which comes from the terms “vital” and “amine.” Each vitamin plays a role in human development and health.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A’s main function is to provide the body with the chemical compounds used for vision. Retinol is used in the eyes to help facilitate the conversion of light to impulses sent to the brain. Retinol is degraded, and it is not recycled. Therefore, the body requires replenishment of vitamin A. Vitamin A is also used for immunity, red blood cell production, gene transcription and growth and development. Vitamin A is found in brightly colored plants such as carrots, eggs, cod liver oil, milk, spinach and broccoli.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid. Vitamin C plays a role in several functions in the human body. Vitamin C is used to make cellular tissue such as collagen, tendons, ligaments and bone. Vitamin C also helps the body convert aged cholesterol to bile acids, which are then released from the body in the gastrointestinal tract. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, which means it attaches to free radicals, neutralizing the potential damage from pollutants and toxins. Vitamin C is found in foods such as oranges, tomatoes, potatoes, strawberries and grapefruit. Read the rest of this entry »