2.7 Micronutrients in detail
2.7.1 Vitamins
Vitamins are groups of related substances present in small amounts in foodstuffs and are necessary for the body to function normally. Vitamins are also called protective foods. They are grouped together because, as their name implies, they are a vital factor in the diet.
Classifications of vitamins
Vitamins are classified into two groups:
Fat soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E and K) are soluble in fats and fat solvents. They are insoluble in water. So these are utilised only if there is enough fat in the body.
Water soluble vitamins (vitamins B and C, and folic acid) are soluble in water and so they cannot be stored in the body.
The best sources of micronutrients in our diets are fruits and vegetables. These two food groups contain essential vitamins and minerals. Animal sources of foods are also both good sources of micronutrients. However, an adequate micronutrient intake can only be achieved through sufficient intake of a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. Table 2.1 overleaf sets out the functions of some of the important vitamins and examples of sources of food for each of these.
Vitamins | Function | Food sources |
---|---|---|
Vitamin A | Night vision Healing epithelial cells Normal development of teeth and bones | Breastmilk, tomatoes, cabbage, lettuce, pumpkins Mangoes, papaya, carrots Liver, kidney, egg yolk, milk, butter, cheese cream |
Vitamin D | Needed for absorption of calcium from small intestines Calcification of the skeleton | Ultra violet light from the sun Eggs, butter, fish Fortified oils, fats and cereals |
Vitamin K | For blood clotting | Green leafy vegetables Fruits, cereals, meat, dairy products |
B complex | Metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats | Milk, egg yolk, liver, kidney and heart Whole grain cereals, meat, whole bread, fish, bananas |
Vitamin C | Prevention of scurvy Aiding wound healing Assisting absorption of iron | Fresh fruits (oranges, banana, mango, grapefruits, lemons, potatoes) and vegetables (cabbage, carrots, pepper, tomatoes) Breastmilk |
Epithelial cells form the thin layer of tissue lining the gut, respiratory and genitourinary systems.
Calcification refers to the hardening of bones by calcium deposits.
Scurvy is a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency which leads to sore skin, bleeding gums and internal bleeding.
2.6 Including fibre in the diet