The Alphabet of Health: Vitamins A to K

The Hook: Did you know that British sailors were called "Limeys" because they ate limes to prevent Scurvy (Vitamin C deficiency)?

Vitamins are organic compounds required in small quantities (micronutrients), but their absence can cause massive havoc in the body.

[Image of diagram classifying vitamins into fat soluble and water soluble]

1. The First Division: Solubility

Before memorizing names, you must know how they are stored in the body. This is a favorite exam question.

A. Fat-Soluble Vitamins (A, D, E, K)

These dissolve in fat and are stored in the liver and fatty tissues. You don't need to eat them every single day because your body has a backup.

• Mnemonic: KEDA (Keeda - Insect).
• Risk: Overconsumption can lead to toxicity (Hypervitaminosis) because they are not flushed out easily.

B. Water-Soluble Vitamins (B, C)

These dissolve in water and are NOT stored in the body (except B12). They are excreted through urine.

• Fact: You need to consume these regularly.
• Cooking: They are easily destroyed by heat or by washing chopped vegetables (leaching).

2. The Master Table: Names & Diseases

This is the most important section. Memorize the Chemical Names.
(Scroll right on mobile to view full table)

Vitamin	Chemical Name	Deficiency Disease / Symptoms	Key Sources
Vit A	Retinol	Night Blindness (Nyctalopia), Xerophthalmia (Dry Eyes).	Carrots (Beta-carotene), Papaya, Golden Rice.
Vit C	Ascorbic Acid	Scurvy (Bleeding gums, loose teeth, slow wound healing).	Citrus fruits (Amla, Orange, Lemon).
Vit D	Calciferol	Rickets (Soft bones in kids), Osteomalacia (in adults).	Sunlight (Skin makes it), Fish liver oil.
Vit E	Tocopherol	Sterility (Reproductive issues), Weak muscles. Known as the "Beauty Vitamin".	Almonds, Vegetable oils.
Vit K	Phylloquinone	Non-clotting of Blood (Hemorrhage). Delayed wound healing.	Green leafy vegetables, Cabbage.

3. The B-Complex Family (The Confusing Ones)

The "B" Vitamin is actually a group of 8 distinct vitamins. Here are the exam favorites.

Vitamin	Chemical Name	Deficiency Disease
B1	Thiamine	Beri-Beri (Weak muscles, heart failure).
B2	Riboflavin	Cheilosis (Cracking of corners of mouth), Red tongue.
B3	Niacin	Pellagra (The 4 D's: Dermatitis, Dementia, Diarrhea, Death).
B12	Cyanocobalamin	Pernicious Anemia. Note: It is the only vitamin containing a metal ion (Cobalt).

[Image of comparison of rickets vs healthy bone]

4. "Why This Matters" - Real Life Context

• Golden Rice: Why was it genetically modified? To add Vitamin A and prevent blindness in developing nations.
• Sunlight: Why do we need it? UV rays convert cholesterol in our skin into Vitamin D. It acts more like a hormone than a vitamin.
• Polished Rice: People who eat only polished white rice often get Beri-Beri because the Vitamin B1 is in the husk (which is removed).

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Revision Flashcards

Cobalt

Found in which Vitamin?

Vitamin B12

Cyanocobalamin. Essential for RBC formation.

Scurvy

Caused by lack of?

Vitamin C

Ascorbic Acid. Sources: Amla, Lemon.

Beauty Vitamin

Which one?

Vitamin E

Tocopherol. It is an antioxidant good for skin and hair.

Fat Soluble

Which vitamins?

A, D, E, K

They are stored in the liver and fat tissues.

Exam-Style MCQs

Q1. Which vitamin helps in the clotting of blood?

A) Vitamin C

B) Vitamin K

Correct! Phylloquinone is essential for synthesizing clotting factors.

C) Vitamin E

Q2. Which vitamin is destroyed by heat during cooking?

A) Vitamin D

B) Vitamin C

Correct! Water-soluble vitamins, especially C, are heat-sensitive.

C) Vitamin A

Q3. "Xerophthalmia" is related to the deficiency of:

A) Vitamin A

Correct! It causes dryness of the cornea, leading to blindness.

B) Vitamin B1

C) Vitamin D

Part of the Biology Deep-Dive Series.