VITAMINS

Vitamins are essential nutrients that help your body grow, function well, and stay healthy. Here are the key benefits of vitamins, explained simply

 General Benefits of Vitamins

Support overall health and well-being

Boost the immune system

Help convert food into energy

Support growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues

Reduce the risk of certain deficiency-related diseases

 Benefits of Specific Vitamins

Vitamin A

Improves vision, especially at night

Supports healthy skin and immune function

Vitamin B Complex (B1–B12)

Helps produce energy

Supports brain function and nerve health

Aids in red blood cell formation

Vitamin C

Strengthens the immune system

Promotes wound healing

Acts as an antioxidant that protects cells

Vitamin D

Strengthens bones and teeth

Helps the body absorb calcium

Supports immune and muscle function

Vitamin E

Protects cells from damage (antioxidant)

Supports skin and eye health

Vitamin k

Essential for blood clotting

Helps maintain strong bones

Vitamin deficiency diseases occur when the body does not get enough of certain vitamins. Below are the common vitamin deficiency diseases, their causes, and key symptoms:

 Vitamin Deficiency Diseases & Symptoms

Vitamin A deficiency

Disease: Night blindness, xerophthalmia

Symptoms: Poor vision in dim light, dry eyes, frequent infections

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) deficiency

Disease: Beriberi

Symptoms: Muscle weakness, nerve damage, heart problems

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) deficiency

Disease: Ariboflavinosis

Symptoms: Cracked lips, sore throat, and inflamed tongue

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) deficiency

Disease: Pellagra

Symptoms: Dermatitis, diarrhoea, dementia (the “3 Ds”)

Vitamin B6 deficiency

Disease: Anaemia, nerve disorders

Symptoms: Fatigue, irritability, numbness

Vitamin B9 (Folate) deficiency

Disease: Megaloblastic anaemia

Symptoms: Weakness, mouth sores, poor growth

Vitamin B12 deficiency

Disease: Pernicious anaemia

Symptoms: Fatigue, memory problems, tingling hands/feet

Vitamin C deficiency

Disease: Scurvy

Symptoms: Bleeding gums, joint pain, poor wound healing

Vitamin D deficiency

Disease: Rickets (children), Osteomalacia (adults)

Symptoms: Soft/weak bones, bone pain, delayed growth

Vitamin E deficiency

Disease: Neuromuscular disorders (rare)

Symptoms: Muscle weakness, vision problems

Vitamin K deficiency

Disease: Bleeding disorders

Symptoms: Easy bruising, excessive bleeding

 Prevention Tips

Eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins

Get sunlight exposure for vitamin D