Definitions for Vitamins
vi·ta·mins

WikipediaRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. vitamins

   A vitamin is an organic molecule (or a set of molecules closely related chemically, i.e. vitamers) that is an essential micronutrient that an organism needs in small quantities for the proper functioning of its metabolism. Essential nutrients cannot be synthesized in the organism, either at all or not in sufficient quantities, and therefore must be obtained through the diet. Vitamin C can be synthesized by some species but not by others; it is not a vitamin in the first instance but is in the second. The term vitamin does not include the three other groups of essential nutrients: minerals, essential fatty acids, and essential amino acids. Most vitamins are not single molecules, but groups of related molecules called vitamers. For example, there are eight vitamers of vitamin E: four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. Some sources list fourteen vitamins, by including choline, but major health organizations list thirteen: vitamin A (as all-trans-retinol, all-trans-retinyl-esters, as well as all-trans-beta-carotene and other provitamin A carotenoids), vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B7 (biotin), vitamin B9 (folic acid or folate), vitamin B12 (cobalamins), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin D (calciferols), vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols), and vitamin K (phylloquinone and menaquinones).Vitamins have diverse biochemical functions. Vitamin A acts as a regulator of cell and tissue growth and differentiation. Vitamin D provides a hormone-like function, regulating mineral metabolism for bones and other organs. The B complex vitamins function as enzyme cofactors (coenzymes) or the precursors for them. Vitamins C and E function as antioxidants. Both deficient and excess intake of a vitamin can potentially cause clinically significant illness, although excess intake of water-soluble vitamins is less likely to do so. All vitamins were discovered (identified) between 1913 and 1948. Historically, when intake of vitamins from diet was lacking, the results were vitamin deficiency diseases. Then, starting in 1935, commercially produced tablets of yeast-extract vitamin B complex and semi-synthetic vitamin C became available. This was followed in the 1950s by the mass production and marketing of vitamin supplements, including multivitamins, to prevent vitamin deficiencies in the general population. Governments have mandated the addition of some vitamins to staple foods such as flour or milk, referred to as food fortification, to prevent deficiencies. Recommendations for folic acid supplementation during pregnancy reduced risk of infant neural tube defects.

U.S. National Library of MedicineRate this definition:4.0 / 1 vote

1. Vitamins

   Organic substances that are required in small amounts for maintenance and growth, but which cannot be manufactured by the human body.

Editors ContributionRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. vitamins

   Plural form of vitamin.

   Most vegetables contain a variety of vitamins, some also contain iron.

   
   

   Submitted by MaryC on January 19, 2016  

Anagrams for Vitamins »

1. nativism

How to pronounce Vitamins?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

   British

   Fred

   US English

   Tessa

   South African

How to say Vitamins in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of Vitamins in Chaldean Numerology is: 7

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of Vitamins in Pythagorean Numerology is: 8

Examples of Vitamins in a Sentence

1. Hillary Clinton:

   I know something about lead poisoning because of the work I've done in the past (with Children's Defense Fund) and as a senator from New York, we had a lot of old housing with lead paint in it. A lot of kids suffered from lead poisoning, and part of the challenge is you've got to intervene early. We need comprehensive health screenings, then we need to figure out how do we get the right nutrition and vitamins. You've got to begin to work to counteract the lead.

2. Kathy Mohnke:

   Marriage is like vitamins we supplement each other's minimum daily requirements.

3. Craig Hopp:

   A diet high in fruits in vegetables includes [ lots of ] vitamins and minerals... and is epidemiologically associated with reduced instance of a whole host of chronic diseases.

4. Meghan McCain:

   I have had to bump back scans and appointments because they were scheduled at a big hospital in the city and I didn't feel comfortable going there right now, i don't know when I will be able to shop for anything baby-related, let alone get a nursery ready. I was really worried about the pharmacy running out of prenatal vitamins. Things like that make it very difficult.

5. Cara Christ:

   This may include taking vitamins including folic acid, making changes to your diet, and not using tobacco, alcohol, or drugs.

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References

1. ^ Wikipedia
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamins