Vitamins: The Micro-Commanders

The Scurvy Tale: In the 1700s, British sailors were dying mysteriously with bleeding gums and loose teeth. It wasn't a virus; it was a lack of lemons. They discovered that food contains invisible "vital amines" (Vitamins) necessary for life.

Vitamins are micronutrients. You don't need them in kilos (like carbs), but if you miss even a milligram, your body's machinery breaks down.

1. The Great Divide: Fat vs. Water

This is the first question in any exam. Vitamins are classified by how they dissolve.

FAT SOLUBLE

A, D, E, K

• Stored in Liver & Fat tissues.
• Do NOT need daily consumption.
• Risk: Can cause toxicity if taken in excess (Hypervitaminosis).

WATER SOLUBLE

B-Complex, C

• Dissolve in water.
• Excreted via Urine (Not stored).
• Risk: Must be consumed DAILY. You cannot "overdose" easily as they are flushed out.

2. The "Chemical Name" Cheat Sheet

In SSC CGL, they won't ask "What is Vitamin A?". They will ask "Deficiency of Retinol causes what?" Use this grid to memorize the chemical names.

VITAMIN A 👁️

Chemical: Retinol

Vital for vision and immune system.

Night Blindness

Xerophthalmia (Dry Eye)

VITAMIN B1 🌾

Chemical: Thiamine

Found in the outer layer of rice. Polishing rice removes it.

Beri-Beri

VITAMIN C 🍋

Chemical: Ascorbic Acid

Heat destroys it (don't overcook veggies). Helps immunity.

Scurvy (Bleeding Gums)

VITAMIN D ☀️

Chemical: Calciferol

The "Sunshine Vitamin". Made by skin when exposed to UV rays.

Rickets (in Children)

Osteomalacia (in Adults)

VITAMIN E 🥑

Chemical: Tocopherol

Antioxidant. Often called the "Beauty Vitamin".

Sterility / Infertility

VITAMIN K 🩸

Chemical: Phylloquinone

Essential for blood coagulation.

Hemophilia (Non-clotting)

3. High-Yield Facts for UPSC

• Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin): It contains the metal Cobalt. It is found mostly in animal products, which is why strict vegans are at risk of Pernicious Anemia.
• Golden Rice: A genetically modified variety of rice rich in Vitamin A (Beta-carotene) developed to fight night blindness in developing nations.
• Gut Bacteria: Our own body can synthesize Vitamin B12 and Vitamin K in the colon using bacteria!

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Revision Flashcards

Vitamin C

What is the Chemical Name?

Ascorbic Acid

Found in citrus fruits. Deficiency causes Scurvy.

Beri-Beri

Caused by lack of which vitamin?

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Common in populations that eat polished white rice.

Blood Clotting

Which vitamin helps stop bleeding?

Vitamin K

(Phylloquinone). Without it, even a small cut can be dangerous.

Cobalt

Which vitamin contains this metal?

Vitamin B12

(Cyanocobalamin). Essential for RBC formation and nerve health.

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