Water-soluble vitamins
Water-soluble vitamins
Water-soluble vitamins (/ˈwɔːtər ˈsɒljʊbəl ˈvaɪtəmɪnz/) are a type of vitamin that dissolves in water and are not stored in the body. They are eliminated in urine.
Etymology
The term "water-soluble vitamins" is derived from the Latin word "vitamin" which means "life" and "amine" from compounds discovered in the early 20th century. The "water-soluble" part of the term refers to the ability of these vitamins to dissolve in water.
Types of Water-soluble vitamins
Water-soluble vitamins include the vitamin B complex and vitamin C.
Vitamin B complex
The vitamin B complex is a group of eight vitamins that play a crucial role in cellular metabolism. These include:
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
- Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
- Vitamin B9 (Folate)
- Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Vitamin C
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) is necessary for the growth, development, and repair of all body tissues. It's involved in many body functions, including the formation of collagen, absorption of iron, the immune system, wound healing, and the maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth.
Importance of Water-soluble vitamins
Water-soluble vitamins are essential for various bodily functions such as energy production, immune function, blood clotting, and making DNA. A deficiency in any of these vitamins can lead to health problems.
See also
This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.