The use of vitamins in medicine. The use of vitamins in clinical practice. Vitamins in the prevention of various diseases

Health is priceless gift, carefully presented to each person by Mother Nature. Even World Organization Healthcare recognizes that only 30% of health depends on medical factors, of which 15% falls to genetics and another 15% to the level of medical care. The remaining 70% is directly related to a person’s lifestyle: his behavior, inclinations, habits and, of course, nutrition. A balanced diet plays an important role in maintaining full functioning, growth, development and physical abilities. However, in addition to traditional nutrients, which include proteins, fats and carbohydrates, vitamins can also be considered vital substances.

These substances are organic low-molecular compounds that are components of about 150 enzymes. That is, without vitamins, not a single physiological process is possible. In addition, vitamin complexes increase the body’s resistance to external factors, including viral and bacterial infections, help to adapt to a dynamic environmental situation, cope with stress and fatigue. These substances control metabolism, hormone synthesis, energy exchange, maintenance of performance and full functionality. Therefore, an insufficient supply of vitamins sooner or later leads to a complete malfunction of the body and deterioration of health.

Unfortunately, not all vitamins can be synthesized in the body independently - most of them come from outside. Plus: some of them cannot accumulate in cells, so intake must be regular and complete. Adequate intake of vitamins depends primarily on a well-designed diet, including natural springs these substances: vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts and other plant products. Certainly, modern pharmacology produces a lot of synthetic additives and medications, which are analogues of natural extracted substances, however, replace the correct vitamins natural origin, which are absorbed naturally and without problems, they still cannot.

Classification of vitamins

The modern classification of vitamins includes two conditional groups: water-soluble and fat-soluble. This criterion is based on physical properties substances: some of them are better accepted by the body when taken in liquid or natural form, and some only in combination with vegetable oils. Therefore, before considering the question of what vitamins the body needs and how they can be obtained, it is worth deciding on the classification of these substances, because their optimal digestibility and maximum benefit depend on this.

What vitamins are fat soluble?

It's obvious that fat soluble vitamins– these are substances that actively dissolve in fats and are absorbed in this form in the body. It is noteworthy that these components can accumulate in adipose tissue, creating a fairly large reserve in case of subsequent nutritional deficiency. Having reached a certain level, they enter the liver and are gradually excreted in the urine. Therefore, a deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins in the body is much less common than an excess.

Nevertheless, it is impossible to completely exclude hypo- and hypervitaminosis of these substances. An overdose most often occurs with a single consumption of an extremely large dose, however, with a balanced diet, such a condition is almost impossible. The same applies to the disadvantage - a harmonious menu and a correct lifestyle minimize the possibility of encountering a similar condition.

Fat-soluble vitamins: names

Water-soluble vitamins: list of substances

Along with fat-soluble vitamins, there are also water-soluble vitamins, which, accordingly, dissolve in water. These substances are easily absorbed into cells intestinal tract and from there they enter the general bloodstream, spreading throughout the body. The main sources of such components are plant foods, which should be on the table every day. This approach to menu planning is primarily due to the fact that water-soluble vitamins cannot accumulate in the body - the maximum period for which they are retained is only a few days, after which the molecules are safely excreted in the urine. Due to such transit properties, hypovitaminosis of this group of substances is much more common than an excess of fat-soluble vitamins. But if necessary, it is possible to make up for their deficiency quite simply - water-soluble substances are absorbed very quickly.

The list of water-soluble vitamins is longer than that of fat-soluble substances. The most significant of them are presented in the table:

Vitamin-like substances

When talking about vitamins, it is impossible not to at least briefly mention vitamin-like substances. On the one hand, their molecules are completely different from most vitamins: they have a complex structure, which is why in most cases they are used only as extracted herbal ingredients. In addition, they are necessary for the body minimum quantity however, exclude them completely from daily diet unforgivable and risky.

Although vitamin-like substances themselves do not belong to the category of vital substances, their lack negatively affects metabolism in general and the activity of other vitamins in particular. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that sources of these components are also present in the daily menu.

As for the most popular vitamin-like substances, these include:

Natural sources of vitamins

In order to provide the body with all the necessary substances, it is not at all necessary to swallow tablets, dietary supplements and other pharmaceutical products - best vitamins nature has already prepared for us, making sure that people can get all the necessary components from plant food. This approach has no disadvantages: natural substances are easily absorbed and do not cause side effects and allergic reactions. How to create a diet to get everything you need from food and maintain your health? Focus on the list, including the names of vitamins and their sources!

The right vitamins are natural! List of products that must be consumed

1. . This vitamin is responsible for cell division, restoration skin, regulation of hormones, breakdown of proteins and other vital important processes. Many people believe that a plant-based diet is not able to provide a person with vitamin A. In fact, this is not so: there are more than enough plant sources of this substance, you just need to properly formulate the diet. Eat more often legume products(dry, peas), green vegetables, carrots, pumpkin, spinach, apples, peaches, grapes, apricots, melon and you won’t know what hypovitaminosis A is.
2. . The antirachitic vitamin regulates the absorption of calcium in the intestines, which means that without it it is impossible to ensure the health of bone structures. In principle, the supply of this vitamin from the outside is not so necessary - it is synthesized in sufficient quantities by the body under the influence of sun rays, and then stored in the liver with a reserve sufficient for about six months. However, if the cloudy weather lasts for a long time, try to support your body. regular use algae or natural (not thermophilic!!!) yeast - they are irreplaceable sources of calciferol.
3. Vitamin E. It’s not for nothing that tocopherol is called the “reproduction vitamin” - first of all, it controls the production of sperm in men and the regulation of the cycle in women. In addition, vitamin E prevents the formation of tumors, acting natural antioxidant, improves the transport of oxygen by blood cells, prevents dryness and irritation of the skin. Largest quantity tocopherol is found in nuts and vegetable oils. For example, only 40 g sunflower oil contains daily dose vitamin E for an adult.
4. Vitamin K. This substance affects the processes of thrombosis and blood clotting, normalizes metabolism, restores function excretory system and maintains the normal condition of bone structures. And although most of vitamin K is synthesized by the intestinal microflora, it would be a mistake to diminish the importance of the part that comes from the outside. To maintain naphthoquinone levels, be sure to eat green leafy vegetables, cabbage, green tomatoes and salad - they contain this vitamin in sufficient quantities.
5. Vitamin B1.Thiamin supports the nervous system, promotes high resistance to stress, and also improves memory and stimulates digestion processes. Sources of vitamin B1 can be primarily cereal crops(rice, buckwheat, oats).
6. Vitamin B2. Riboflavin, or growth stimulant, is responsible not only for proportional development in infancy, but also for the proper condition of hair, nails and skin. In addition, this vitamin has positive influence on the nervous system. You can get it by using Rye bread, cereals and broccoli.
7. Vitamin B6. Pyridoxine has beneficial effect on the activity of the liver, nervous system and hematopoiesis. Plant foods rich in vitamin B6 include whole grains and beans.
8. Vitamin B9. Folic acid is required to normalize hematopoietic processes. This vitamin is especially necessary for expectant mothers both during pregnancy planning and in the first trimester - its deficiency negatively affects the formation of the neural tube of the embryo. You can ensure a normal supply of vitamin B9 with: green peas, spinach and savoy cabbage.
9. . Perhaps the most controversial vitamin B vegetarian diet. This is what they refer to when talking about insufficiency plant nutrition. However, this opinion does not stand up to even the slightest criticism: a sufficient part of B12 is synthesized by the intestinal microflora, so everything that is necessary for normal level This vitamin in the body helps maintain the health of the gastrointestinal tract. And if for some reason this is temporarily not enough, you can get the missing part of cyanocobalamin from special food for vegans, enriched with vitamin B12 ( vegetable oils, soy and corn products).
10. . Ascorbic acid known to everyone firsthand since childhood. This vitamin is especially important for proper education cells and tissues, normal condition of teeth and bones, adequate absorption of iron, and therefore for hematopoietic processes. You can get it from black currant, kiwi, rosehip, citrus, leafy vegetables and other natural sources.
11. Vitamin H. Biotin has a positive effect on appearance skin, nails, hair, and also normalizes blood sugar levels. Natural sources Tomatoes serve this substance soya beans and brown rice.

Taking vitamins daily is the key to health and longevity

With knowledge of what vitamins are needed to stay healthy and how you can get them, it will be easy for you to formulate correct menu to provide the body with everything necessary to maintain normal functioning. Do not neglect these recommendations, because without a normal supply of vitamins full life is basically impossible. Nature has already prepared for you everything that is most necessary and valuable; all you have to do is use this gift correctly. remember, that best treatment– this is prevention!

Almost all vitamins enter the body through food mainly plant origin. Only two vitamins are synthesized independently - vitamin D and vitamin K. Therefore, the role of vitamins in the treatment of diseases and the state of human health in general is difficult to overestimate.

The most important functions of vitamins in the human body are the regulation of metabolism and participation in the formation of enzyme systems. Vitamin preparations are used in the treatment of many diseases. Let's consider the biological role of vitamins in the treatment of diseases.

The role of vitamins in treating disease and maintaining health

Vitamins are low-molecular compounds of organic origin found in food and necessary for human life. Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is necessary for the treatment of B1-beriberi polyneuritis, alcoholic polyneuritis, radiculitis, muscular dystrophies and paresis.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) acts as a medicine in the treatment of heliosis (damage to the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, skin in the corners of the mouth and around the ears), B2-beriberi stomatitis, glossitis (inflammation of the tongue) and keratitis (inflammation of the cornea of ​​the eye).

The role of vitamins in the treatment of diseases. Vitamin B 6 (pyridoxine) is prescribed for Toxicoses of pregnancy, neuroses, parkinsonism, skin diseases, hypochromic anemia.

Vitamin B 12 (cyanocobalamin) should be taken to normalize the cellular composition of the blood, with pernicious (malignant) anemia and hyperplasia (excessive growth) bone marrow. This vitamin is involved in the synthesis of nucleic acids in the human body.

Folic acid (vitamin B c) plays an important role in the treatment of macrocytic (due to vitamin B 12 deficiency) anemia, sprue disease (intestinal disease) and megaloblastic anemia (one of the types of decreased hemoglobin).

Vitamin PP (nicotinic acid) is necessary for the treatment of lupus erythematosus, pellagra, separate forms psychoses and neurodermatitis.

Vitamin P (rutin) is intended for the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with its deficiency, hemorrhages in the retina, hemorrhagic diathesis, rheumatism and septic endocarditis(damage to heart valves), infectious diseases, etc.

Vitamin C plays an important role in the treatment of diseases and preventative health. IN for preventive purposes it is prescribed during pregnancy and postpartum period, and in medicinal purposes- at infectious diseases, intoxications, dystrophies, for the treatment of scurvy, slowly healing wounds and bone fractures, hemorrhagic diathesis and nephropathies of pregnant women.

Biological role vitamins in the human body

Vitamin H (biotype) is used in the treatment of seborrhea, furunculosis and other skin diseases.

Vitamin A (retinol) preparations are used for hypovitaminosis A, eye diseases (xerophthalmia, keratomalacia, retinitis pigmentosa), skin lesions and diseases (burns and frostbite, wounds, eczema, ichthyosis, inflammatory processes skin). Vitamin A plays an important role in a comprehensive disease management program upper section respiratory system, rickets, gastritis, cirrhosis of the liver, as well as for the prevention of stone formation in the urinary system and gallbladder and bile ducts. This vitamin is found in fish oil.

Keratin group preparations, such as beta-carotene, are necessary for general stimulation immune mechanisms, prevention of acute respiratory diseases, for gastritis and gastric ulcer, as well as for pathology of cardio-vascular system.

Vitamin D has 2 significant chemical modifications (D 2 and D 3); the D 2 form is more physiologically active. Vitamin D plays an antirachitic role in the body and is involved in the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus.

Vitamin E (tocopherol) plays an important role in the treatment of the following diseases: muscular dystrophies, prevention of spontaneous abortions, treatment of diseases of the reproductive (reproductive) system.

Vitamin K is involved in the synthesis of prothrombin (blood plasma protein for clotting), prescribed for bleeding associated with hypothrombinemia (decreased blood clotting), liver diseases, and is widely used in obstetrics and gynecology. surgical practice.

What vitamins are there?

There are 20 different vitamins in total.

According to chemical classification Vitamins are divided into water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins include vitamins of group B (B!, B 2, B 6, B 12, BC), PP, C, P and H, and fat-soluble - A 1, D 2, D 3, E and K.

In 1911, the scientist K. Funk proposed to introduce the term “vitamin”, meaning additional factors food, and isolated the group of B vitamins. In subsequent years, the study of vitamins and their importance for the body has progressed steadily.

There are some conditions and diseases in which treatment with vitamins is contraindicated or treatment should be carried out, but with great caution.

An example is the possibility of prescribing retinol to pregnant women (only after the 3rd month of pregnancy), as well as to patients with nephritis and cardiovascular failure.

Thiamine is contraindicated in people suffering from drug intolerance or people prone to developing allergic reaction.

Vitamin B 6 is used with caution in the treatment of peptic ulcers, coronary disease heart, severe forms of liver disease, and vitamin B 12 is contraindicated in acute thromboembolic diseases, erythrocytosis (increased content of red blood cells in blood). Ascorbic acid, when used for a long time, can inhibit the function of the insular apparatus of the pancreas; therefore, control over its condition is important during vitamin therapy. The use of vitamin C is contraindicated in diabetes mellitus and patients with a tendency to thrombosis, increased coagulability blood, thrombophlebitis.

Nicotinic acid preparations should not be prescribed to patients with liver failure, for gout, peptic ulcers, diabetes.

Tocopherol is used with caution for the treatment of persons with a history of myocardial infarction and severe cardiosclerosis.

Vitamin K preparations, such as Vikasol, are not used for thromboembolism and increased blood clotting.

Vitamin D is contraindicated in liver and kidney diseases, active form pulmonary tuberculosis, peptic ulcer, organic heart pathology, hypercalcemia ( increased content calcium).

The use and role of vitamins in medicine

When there is insufficient intake or synthesis of any vitamin in the body, a condition called hypovitaminosis occurs, or its more severe form - vitamin deficiency.

The reasons for the development of hypovitaminosis can be:

Increased need of the body for vitamins;

Lack of vitamins in food;

failure to digestive tract to the absorption of vitamins;

Accelerated removal of vitamins from the body; disruption of the synthesis of vitamins (D and K) in the body.

In this case, the use of certain groups vitamins to compensate for hypovitaminosis. Vitamins are delivered to the body through a specially selected (balanced) diet, which includes foods rich in vitamins, as well as as part of single preparations and vitamin complexes.

The introduction of vitamins into the body along with food is possible if it is satisfactory. functional state, difficult to dose. It is impossible to deliver vitamins with food without passing through the gastrointestinal tract, i.e. parenterally. The simplest and most convenient way of introducing a vitamin preparation into the body is considered enteral (oral).

An exception is made for hypovitaminosis, manifested by disruption of the functioning of the digestive tract in the form of diarrhea syndrome.

When prescribing a specific vitamin preparation, the dosage is calculated based on daily requirement body in vitamin. This optimal amount increases by 4-5 times.

IN last years on pharmaceutical market A large number of vitamin-containing preparations are supplied. They are actively used both in complex therapy of various pathological conditions, and in the process of rehabilitation measures as prophylactic drugs. According to official data from government agencies for quality, safety and production control medicines in Ukraine, vitamin preparations are currently the most in demand in all branches of medicine, especially in the clinic of infectious diseases, pediatrics, neurology, gerontology, etc. Vitamin preparations have become so firmly established in everyday life medical practice that the doctor sometimes does not think about the fact that vitamins, like others medications, have their own mechanisms of action and points of application, knowledge of which is absolutely necessary.

When there is insufficient intake or synthesis of any vitamin in the body, a condition called hypovitaminosis occurs, or its more severe form - vitamin deficiency. The reasons for the development of hypovitaminosis can be:

• * increased need the body in vitamins;
• * lack of vitamins in food;
• * inability of the digestive tract to absorb vitamins;
• * accelerated removal of vitamins from the body; disruption of the synthesis of vitamins (D and K) in the body.

In this case, the use of certain groups of vitamins to compensate for hypovitaminosis is indicated. Vitamins are delivered to the body through a specially selected (balanced) diet, which includes foods rich in vitamins, as well as as part of single preparations and vitamin complexes. The introduction of vitamins into the body with food is possible if the body is in a satisfactory functional state, but it is difficult to dose. It is impossible to deliver vitamins with food, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract, i.e., parenterally. The simplest and most convenient way of introducing a vitamin preparation into the body is considered enteral (oral). An exception is made for hypovitaminosis, manifested by disruption of the functioning of the digestive tract in the form of diarrhea syndrome. When prescribing a specific vitamin preparation, the dosage is calculated based on the body's daily need for the vitamin. This optimal amount increases by 4-5 times.

Now there are potentized preparations containing, in addition to vitamins and ME, all kinds of adaptogen herbs (ginseng, Rhodiola, Echinacea, etc.), bee royal jelly and even mental stimulants (dimethylaminoethanol bitartrate). The use of IUDs containing deanol (dimethylaminoethanol bitartrate) is prohibited for epilepsy and seizures, arterial hypertension. These complexes are not prescribed in the second half of the day, because they can disrupt the process of falling asleep and lead to overexcitation. Manufacturers warn about this in the drug inserts. Such IUDs help manage patients with asthenia, but when prescribing them, monitoring the patient’s condition is necessary. Thus, in both therapeutic and preventive vitamin and mineral therapy, the problem of choosing a specific drug and its dosage is very acute. Treatment is the prerogative of the doctor.

Improving the quality of life, health culture, dietary education, knowledge of general issues regarding the effects of vitamins and minerals is part of everyone's civic responsibility for their health and the health of their children. However, competent correction of vitamins and minerals for preventive purposes largely falls on the shoulders of pharmacists, pharmacists and front desk workers. Pharmacists and pharmacists will first have to delve into this (seemingly simple) problem and pass on their knowledge to people. It is from their preparedness, active position, the constant desire to really help the patient largely depends on the health of Russians and the future of the country.

Vitamins are a large group organic compounds of different chemical nature. They are united by one important feature: without vitamins, the existence of humans and other living beings is impossible.

Even in ancient times, people assumed that to prevent certain diseases it was enough to make certain adjustments to the diet. So, for example, in Ancient Egypt treated “night blindness” (impaired twilight vision) by eating liver. Much later it was proven that this pathology caused by a lack of vitamin A, which large quantities present in the liver of animals. Several centuries ago, as a remedy for scurvy (a disease caused by hypovitaminosis C), it was proposed to introduce sour foods of plant origin. The method paid off 100%, since regular sauerkraut and citrus fruits contain a lot of ascorbic acid.

Why are vitamins needed?

Compounds of this group take an active part in all types of metabolic processes. Most vitamins perform the function of coenzymes, i.e. they work as enzyme catalysts. These substances are present in food products in fairly small quantities, so they are all classified as micronutrients. Vitamins are necessary for the regulation of vital functions through the body's fluids.

The study of these vital organic compounds is carried out by the science of vitaminology, which is at the intersection of pharmacology, biochemistry and food hygiene.

Important:Vitamins have absolutely no calorie content, so they cannot serve as a source of energy. They are also not structural elements necessary for the formation of new tissues.

Heterotrophic organisms obtain these low molecular weight compounds mainly from food, but some of them are formed during the process of biosynthesis. In particular, in the skin under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, vitamin D is formed, from provitamins-carotenoids - A, and from the amino acid tryptophan - PP (nicotinic acid or niacin).

note: symbiotic bacteria that live on the intestinal mucosa normally synthesize a sufficient amount of vitamins B3 and K.

A person’s daily need for each individual vitamin is quite small, but if the level of intake is significantly lower than normal, then various pathological conditions develop, many of which pose a very serious threat to health and life. A pathological condition caused by a deficiency of a certain compound of this group is called hypovitaminosis.

note : vitamin deficiency involves a complete cessation of vitamin intake into the body, which is quite rare.

Classification

All vitamins are divided into 2 large groups according to their ability to dissolve in water or fatty acids:

1. TO water soluble include all compounds of group B, ascorbic acid (C) and vitamin P. They do not tend to accumulate in significant quantities, since possible excesses are eliminated naturally with water within a matter of hours.
2. TO fat-soluble(lipovitamins) are classified as A, D, E, and K. This also includes the later discovered vitamin F. These are vitamins soluble in unsaturated fatty acids - arachidonic, linoleic and linolenic, etc.). Vitamins of this group tend to be deposited in the body - mainly in the liver and adipose tissue.

Due to this specificity, a lack of water-soluble vitamins is more often noted, but hypervitaminosis develops mainly in fat-soluble vitamins.

note: Vitamin K has a water-soluble analogue (vicasol), synthesized in the early 40s of the last century. To date, water-soluble preparations of other lipovitamins have also been obtained. In this regard, such division into groups is gradually becoming quite arbitrary.

Latin letters are used to designate individual compounds and groups. As we studied vitamins in depth, it became clear that some are not individual substances, but complexes. The names currently used were approved in 1956.

Brief characteristics of individual vitamins

Vitamin A (retinol)

This fat-soluble compound helps prevent xerophthalmia and impaired twilight vision, as well as increase the body's resistance to infectious agents. The elasticity of the epithelium of the skin and internal mucous membranes, hair growth and the rate of tissue regeneration (restoration) depend on retinol. Vitamin A has pronounced antioxidant activity. This lipovitamin is necessary for the development of eggs and the normal course of spermatogenesis. It minimizes Negative consequences stress and exposure to air pollution.

The precursor to retinol is carotene.

Research has shown that vitamin A prevents the development oncological diseases. Retinol ensures normal functional activity of the thyroid gland.

Important:Excessive intake of retinol from animal products causes hypervitaminosis. An excess of vitamin A can lead to cancer.

Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

A person must receive thiamine every day in sufficient quantities, since this compound is not deposited in the body. B1 is needed for the normal functioning of the cardiovascular and endocrine systems, as well as the brain. Thiamine is directly involved in the metabolism of acetylcholine, a nerve signal mediator. B1 is able to normalize secretion gastric juice and stimulate digestion, improving the motility of the gastrointestinal tract. Protein and fat metabolism largely depend on thiamine, which is important for tissue growth and regeneration. It is also needed for splitting complex carbohydrates to the main source of energy – glucose.

Important:The thiamine content in foods drops noticeably during heat treatment. In particular, potatoes are recommended to be baked or steamed.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)

Riboflavin is necessary for the biosynthesis of a number of hormones and the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin B2 is needed for the formation of ATP (the “energy base” of the body), protecting the retina from negative impact ultraviolet, normal development fetus, as well as tissue regeneration and renewal.

Vitamin B4 (choline)

Choline is involved in lipid metabolism and lecithin biosynthesis. Vitamin B4 is very important for the production of acetylcholine, protection of the liver from toxins, growth processes and hematopoiesis.

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)

Vitamin B5 has a positive effect on the nervous system, as it stimulates the biosynthesis of the excitation mediator - acetylcholine. Pantothenic acid improves intestinal peristalsis, strengthens protective forces body and accelerates the regeneration of damaged tissues. B5 is part of a number of enzymes necessary for the normal course of many metabolic processes.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

Pyridoxine is needed for normal functional activity of the central nervous system and strengthening the immune system. B6 is directly involved in the process of nucleic acid biosynthesis and construction large number various enzymes. The vitamin promotes the complete absorption of vital unsaturated fatty acids.

Vitamin B8 (inositol)

Inositol is found in the eye lens, tear fluid, nerve fibers, as well as in sperm.

B8 helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and improves elasticity vascular walls, normalizes gastrointestinal motility and has a sedative effect on the nervous system.

Vitamin B9 ()

A small amount of folic acid form microorganisms that inhabit the intestines. B9 takes part in the process of cell division, biosynthesis of nucleic acids and neurotransmitters - norepinephrine and serotonin. The process of hematopoiesis largely depends on folic acid. It is also involved in the metabolism of lipids and cholesterol.

Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)

Cyanocobalamin is directly involved in the process of hematopoiesis and is needed for the normal course of protein and lipid metabolism. B12 stimulates tissue growth and regeneration, improves the condition of the nervous system and is used by the body in the creation of amino acids.

Now everyone knows that ascorbic acid helps strengthen the immune system and prevent or alleviate a number of diseases (in particular, colds). This discovery was made relatively recently; scientific justification The effectiveness of vitamin C in preventing colds did not emerge until the 1970s. Ascorbic acid is deposited in the body in very small quantities, so a person needs to constantly replenish the reserves of this water-soluble compound.

The best sources are many fresh fruits and vegetables.

When there are few fresh plant products in the diet during the cold season, it is advisable to take “ascorbic acid” in tablets or dragees daily. It is especially important not to forget about this for weakened people and women during pregnancy. Regular intake of vitamin C is essential for children. It takes part in the biosynthesis of collagen and many metabolic processes, and also promotes detoxification of the body.

Vitamin D (ergocalciferol)

Vitamin D not only enters the body from the outside, but is also synthesized in the skin under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. The connection is necessary for the formation and further growth of a full-fledged bone tissue. Ergocalciferol regulates the metabolism of phosphorus and calcium, promotes the excretion heavy metals, improves heart function and normalizes the blood clotting process.

Vitamin E (tocopherol)

Tocopherol is the most powerful antioxidant known. It minimizes the negative effects of free radicals on cellular level, slowing down the natural aging process. Thanks to this, vitamin E can improve the functioning of a number of organs and systems and prevent the development of serious illnesses. It improves muscle function and accelerates reparative processes.

Vitamin K (menadione)

Vitamin K affects blood clotting, as well as the process of bone tissue formation. Menadione improves the functional activity of the kidneys. It also strengthens the walls blood vessels and muscles and normalizes the functions of the digestive tract. Vitamin K is necessary for the synthesis of ATP and creatine phosphate - the most important sources of energy.

Vitamin L-Carnitine

L-Carnitine is involved in lipid metabolism, helping the body obtain energy. This vitamin increases endurance, promotes muscle growth, lowers cholesterol levels and improves the condition of the myocardium.

Vitamin P (B3, citrine)

The most important function of vitamin P is to strengthen and increase the elasticity of the walls of small blood vessels, as well as reduce their permeability. Citrine is able to prevent hemorrhages and has pronounced antioxidant activity.

Vitamin PP (niacin, nicotinamide)

Many plant foods contain niacin, and animal foods contain this vitamin present in the form of nicotinamide.

Vitamin PP takes an active part in the metabolism of proteins and helps the body obtain energy from the utilization of carbohydrates and lipids. Niacin is part of a number of enzyme compounds responsible for the processes cellular respiration. The vitamin improves the condition of the nervous system and strengthens the cardiovascular system. The condition of the mucous membranes and skin largely depends on nicotinamide. Thanks to RR, vision improves and blood pressure normalizes.

Vitamin U (S-methylmethionine)

Vitamin U reduces histamine levels due to its methylation, which can significantly reduce the acidity of gastric juice. S-methylmethionine also has an antisclerotic effect.

Do I need to take vitamin supplements regularly?

Of course, many vitamins should be supplied to the body regularly. The need for many biologically active compounds increases with increased load on the body (with physical work, playing sports, during illness, etc.). The question of the need to start taking one or another complex vitamin preparation is decided strictly individually. Uncontrolled intake of these pharmacological agents can cause hypervitaminosis, i.e. an excess of one or another vitamin in the body, which will not lead to anything good. Thus, taking the complexes should only be started after prior consultation with your doctor.

note: The only natural multivitamin is breast milk. For babies, no synthetic drugs can replace it.

It is advisable to additionally take some vitamin preparations for pregnant women (due to increased needs), vegetarians (many compounds are obtained from animal foods), as well as people on a restrictive diet.

Multivitamins are necessary for children and adolescents. Their metabolism is accelerated, since it is needed not only to maintain the functions of organs and systems, but also for active growth and development. Of course, it is better if a sufficient amount of vitamins comes from natural products, but some of them contain the necessary compounds in sufficient quantities only in a certain season (this mainly applies to vegetables and fruits). In this regard, it is quite problematic to manage without pharmacological drugs.

Good day, dear visitors of the project “Good IS!” ", section " "!

In today's article we'll talk O vitamins.

The project previously contained information about some vitamins; this article is devoted to a general understanding of these, so to speak, compounds, without which human life would have many difficulties.

Vitamins(from Latin vita - “life”) - a group of low-molecular organic compounds of relatively simple structure and diverse chemical nature, necessary for the normal functioning of organisms.

The science that studies the structure and mechanisms of action of vitamins, as well as their use for therapeutic and preventive purposes, is called - Vitaminology.

Classification of vitamins

Based on solubility, vitamins are divided into:

Fat-soluble vitamins

Fat-soluble vitamins accumulate in the body, and their depots are adipose tissue and liver.

Water-soluble vitamins

Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in significant quantities and, if in excess, are excreted with water. This explains the high prevalence of hypovitaminosis of water-soluble vitamins and hypervitaminosis of fat-soluble vitamins.

Vitamin-like compounds

Along with vitamins, there is a known group of vitamin-like compounds (substances) that possess certain properties of vitamins, however, they do not have all the main characteristics of vitamins.

Vitamin-like compounds include:

Fat soluble:

• Coenzyme Q (ubiquinone, coenzyme Q).

Water soluble:

The main function of vitamins in human life is to regulate metabolism and thereby ensure the normal course of almost all biochemical and physiological processes in the body.

Vitamins are involved in hematopoiesis, ensure normal functioning of the nervous, cardiovascular, immune and digestive systems, participate in the formation of enzymes, hormones, increase the body’s resistance to the effects of toxins, radionuclides and other harmful factors.

Despite the exceptional importance of vitamins in metabolism, they are neither a source of energy for the body (they have no calorie content) nor structural components of tissues.

Functions of vitamins

Hypovitaminosis (vitamin deficiency)

Hypovitaminosis- a disease that occurs when the body's needs for vitamins are not fully met.

Hypervitaminosis (vitamin overdose)

Hypervitaminosis ( lat. Hypervitaminosis)– an acute disorder of the body as a result of poisoning (intoxication) with an ultra-high dose of one or more vitamins contained in food or vitamin-containing medications. The dose and specific symptoms of overdose are different for each vitamin.

Antivitamins

This may be news to some people, but still, vitamins have enemies - antivitamins.

Antivitamins(Greek ἀντί - against, lat. vita - life) - a group of organic compounds that suppress biological activity vitamins

These are compounds that are close to vitamins in chemical structure, but have the opposite biological effect. When they enter the body, antivitamins are included instead of vitamins in metabolic reactions and inhibit or disrupt their normal course. This leads to vitamin deficiency (vitaminosis) even in cases where the corresponding vitamin is supplied with food in sufficient quantities or is formed in the body itself.

Antivitamins are known for almost all vitamins. For example, the antivitamin of vitamin B1 (thiamine) is pyrithiamine, which causes the phenomenon.

More information about antivitamins will be written in the following articles.

History of vitamins

The importance of certain types of food in preventing certain diseases has been known since ancient times. So, the ancient Egyptians knew that the liver helps against night blindness. It is now known that night blindness may be caused by a deficiency. In 1330 in Beijing, Hu Sihui published a three-volume work, “Important Principles of Food and Drinks,” which systematized knowledge about the therapeutic role of nutrition and asserted the need for health to combine a variety of foods.

In 1747, Scottish physician James Lind, while on a long voyage, conducted a kind of experiment on sick sailors. By introducing various acidic foods into their diet, he discovered the property of citrus fruits to prevent scurvy. In 1753, Lind published his Treatise on Scurvy, in which he proposed using limes to prevent scurvy. However, these views were not immediately recognized. However, James Cook proved in practice the role of plant foods in preventing scurvy by introducing sauerkraut, malt wort and a kind of citrus syrup into the ship's diet. As a result, he did not lose a single sailor to scurvy - an unheard of achievement for that time. In 1795, lemons and other citrus fruits became a standard addition to the diet of British sailors. This gave rise to an extremely offensive nickname for sailors - lemongrass. The so-called lemon riots are known: sailors threw barrels of lemon juice overboard.

In 1880, Russian biologist Nikolai Lunin from the University of Tartu fed experimental mice separately all the known elements that make up cow's milk: sugar, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, salts. The mice died. At the same time, mice fed with milk developed normally. In his dissertation (thesis) work, Lunin concluded that there is some kind of unknown substance, necessary for life in small quantities. Lunin's conclusion was met with hostility by the scientific community. Other scientists were unable to reproduce his results. One reason was that Lunin used cane sugar, while other researchers used milk sugar, which was poorly refined and contained some vitamin B.
In subsequent years, evidence of the existence of vitamins accumulated. Thus, in 1889, the Dutch doctor Christian Eijkman discovered that chickens, when fed with boiled white rice, became ill with beriberi, and when added to food rice bran- are cured. The role of brown rice in preventing beriberi in humans was discovered in 1905 by William Fletcher. In 1906, Frederick Hopkins suggested that in addition to proteins, fats, carbohydrates, etc., food contains some other substances necessary for the human body, which he called “accessory food factors.” Last step was made in 1911 by the Polish scientist Casimir Funk, who worked in London. He isolated a crystalline preparation, a small amount of which cured beriberi. The drug was named “Vitamine”, from the Latin vita - “life” and the English amine - “amine”, a nitrogen-containing compound. Funk suggested that other diseases - scurvy, rickets - could also be caused by a lack of certain substances.

In 1920, Jack Cecil Drummond proposed removing the "e" from the word "vitamine" because the newly discovered one did not contain the amine component. So “vitamines” became “vitamins”.

In 1923, Dr. Glen King established the chemical structure of vitamin C, and in 1928, doctor and biochemist Albert Szent-Györgyi first isolated vitamin C, calling it hexuronic acid. Already in 1933, Swiss researchers synthesized the well-known ascorbic acid, identical to vitamin C.

In 1929, Hopkins and Aickman received the Nobel Prize for the discovery of vitamins, but Lunin and Funk did not. Lunin became a pediatrician, and his role in the discovery of vitamins was forgotten for a long time. In 1934, the First All-Union Conference on Vitamins took place in Leningrad, to which Lunin (a Leningrader) was not invited.

Other vitamins were discovered in the 1910s, 1920s, and 1930s. In the 1940s, the chemical structure of vitamins was deciphered.

In 1970, Linus Pauling, two-time laureate Nobel Prize, shocked the medical world with his first book, Vitamin C. common cold and ", in which he provided documentary evidence of the effectiveness of vitamin C. Since then, "ascorbic acid" remains the most famous, popular and essential vitamin for our Everyday life. Over 300 biological functions of this vitamin have been studied and described. The main thing is that, unlike animals, humans cannot produce vitamin C themselves and therefore its supply must be replenished daily.

Conclusion

I would like to draw your attention, dear readers, to the fact that you should treat vitamins very carefully. Poor nutrition, deficiency, overdose, or incorrect doses of vitamins can seriously harm your health, therefore, for definitive answers on the topic of vitamins, it is better to consult a doctor - vitaminologist, immunologist.