Define Water soluble Vitamins - B complex Vitamins and Vitamin C?

Vitamins are essential nutrients found in foods. The requirements are small but they perform specific and vital functions essential for maintaining health. In tile previous unit, we learnt about fat-soluble vitamins. Here in this unit, we shall focus our understanding on another class of vitamins water-soluble vitamins i.e. vitamin B- complex and vitamin C.

You would recall that the major group of water soluble vitamins is the B-complex group of vitamins. Examples include thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxin, folic acid, cyanocobalamin etc. Vitamin C or ascorbic acid though categorized under water soluble vitamins is different from the B-complex group due to its different nature and mode of action in the body.

So let us begin our discussion on the similar lines as we had done for fat-soluble vitamins.

Objectives

After studying this unit, you will be able to:

• describe the structure and functions of water soluble vitamins,
• identify the food sources, bioavailability, consequences of deficiency and toxicity,
• recognize the recommended amount needed during various physiological stages, and
• Appreciate their importance ill relation to other nutrients.