The role of vitamins in the treatment of diseases. Use of vitamins in clinical practice

Ascorbic acid, vitamin C (in Latin scorbutus - scurvy) is the elixir of life, which is valued on all continents. Everyone has heard that vitamin C saves from... colds, therefore in winter time Everyone is pouring heavily into tangerines and oranges, and buying sweet ascorbic acid from pharmacies and supermarkets. Why is this substance so famous?

Scientists guessed about the existence of a vitamin that is ready to resist scurvy in the mid-nineteenth century. There was an unspoken rule among sailors and doctors: to dilute the usual diet with citruses and fruits. Thanks to a sufficient amount of the substance, the body protects itself from viral infections, the immune system independently fights viruses and infections.

Several decades later, researcher Zelva began studying the composition of vitamin C, and soon managed to extract ascorbic acid from freshly squeezed lemon juice. However, in the 20s, the material and technical base did not allow further advancement in research. After a while, Albert Georgi and Charles King managed to decipher the chemical formula of the substance and developed an artificial synthesis. Since then, hundreds of scientists have devoted their work to studying the characteristics of vitamin C. Nowadays, the substance is regularly used in medicine and the beauty industry.

After the discovery of ascorbine, European countries its consumption reached record levels. The government recommended that residents use the element three times a day, without understanding what the new element is useful for. Soon on medical institutions Complaints began pouring in about ascorbic acid hypervitaminosis, the symptoms of which are dangerous to human life. Germany and Norway introduced restrictions on the production, advertising and sale of vitamin C, which made it possible to level out the situation. People were wary of the substance, which had recently been considered a miracle cure for all diseases.

Restrictions on ascorbic acid still remain. In addition, in 2005, the European Court ordered manufacturers to replace the phrases “heals, prolongs” with “promotes, protects” in the instructions for the drug. Doctors undertake to regulate the dosage of the element to avoid unwanted complications.

Despite the presence of contraindications and recommendations, the biological role of vitamin C in the functionality of the body is enormous. You should carefully monitor your diet to ensure you consume enough of the substance through food and vitamin preparations.

The chemical formula of ascorbic acid is C6H8O6. The powder is no different from other vitamins: soluble in water, resistant to fat, has a sour taste, but has no odor. If stored improperly, it disintegrates and resembles a powder in its structure.

At what temperature is vitamin C destroyed? The destructive process begins at 60 degrees, and breaks down into particles at 100 degrees.

Chemists have proven that vitamin molecules are similar in composition to crystalline sugar, but there are still significant differences. IN Food Industry Artificially derived vitamin C appeared, which immediately became a popular food additive under the number E315. The supplement does not have the same beneficial properties, the same as the original, although much cheaper.

Functions in the body

The main role of ascorbic acid in the human body is the fight against radicals and antioxidant properties. The element is the strongest antioxidant, as it protects internal organs and tissues from possible damage, development of cancer.

What is vitamin C for? With its participation, redox processes take place in the body, synthesis occurs, and connective tissues are strengthened. Vitamin C accelerates the healing of wounds and scars and has a positive effect on epithelial regeneration.

It is important for athletes to regularly take vitamin and mineral complexes containing ascorbic acid, since the substance normalizes energy processes and increases endurance. Synthesis steroid hormones, exchange folic acid, natural metals cannot do without vitamin C. In bodybuilding, the substance is respected for its role in gaining muscle mass, since the level of protein absorption and processing depends on it.

The value of ascorbic acid for the body cannot be assessed. The vitamin strengthens blood vessels and increases the level of permeability of elements through their walls. The drug is prescribed for allergic reactions, since large volumes of blood stop accumulating in problem areas of the body. If vitamin C is present in the body in the right amount, inflammatory processes occur in a lighter form.

The main cause of the development of cardiovascular diseases is considered increased amount cholesterol in the body. Ascorbic acid normalizes the process of synthesis and metabolism, so oxidized cholesterol is not deposited on the walls of blood vessels. Prevention of these phenomena will help to avoid atherosclerosis, from which even young people suffer today.

Thanks to vitamin C, the absorption of calcium and iron is improved twofold, the blood is provided with an anti-anemic factor, the nervous system and joints absorb calcium better. The benefits of the substance are confirmed by research: improvements in calcium absorption occurred even in older people, when all processes slow down several times.

Oncology is considered the plague of the 21st century; statistics show that the number of cancer patients is growing relentlessly. Oncologists say that when normal level Vitamin C in the body naturally fights cancer cells. However, if a surplus of ascorbine forms in the body, mutating cancer cells become more resistant, even radiation therapy does not kill them.

The development of a cancerous tumor can be slowed down by injecting the substance directly into malignancy. Scientists are still conducting clinical studies to confirm this theory. In any case, cancer patients are advised to maintain vitamin C at the proper level.

Ascorbic acid frees the liver from the influence of toxins, removes copper, radioactive substances, mercury, and lead. To prevent the development of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, ascorbine has become an indispensable tool. By controlling the level of the substance in the body, there is a chance to avoid cancer in the colon and bladder.

Acid normalizes the functionality of the nervous system, the body develops resistance to stress, and the strength to resist pathogens appears. In addition, the work of the adrenal glands is balanced and the required amount of hormones responsible for combating stress is produced. This is not all that ascorbic acid is responsible for.

It is impossible to give an objective assessment of the effect of vitamin C function. In the twenty-first century, science knows far from all the properties that a substance is rich in. Do not underestimate control over the level of ascorbic acid in the body, since its deficiency causes the development of chronic diseases.

The body, due to its characteristics, does not accumulate ascorbic acid, so you should carefully monitor its consumption. IN daily diet Products rich in vitamin C are not often present. The amount of the substance should be replenished in medicinal form. The natural vitamin is water-soluble and easily subject to heat treatment, which destroys its beneficial chemical properties. What products does it contain?

Main sources of the substance:

• rose hip;
• Bell pepper;
• melon;
• black currant;
• tomatoes;
• oranges;
• apples;
• peach;
• persimmon;
• Rowan;
• baked potato;
• cabbage;
• leafy herbs.

Previously, oranges and tangerines were considered the main fruits containing the most vitamins. Over time, scientists proved that this is not so, and nothing compares with rosehip, bell pepper and kiwi in terms of the capacity of the substance.

Among animal products, vitamin C is found only in the liver, adrenal glands and kidneys.

• mint;
• nettle;
• oats;
• parsley;
• plantain;
• raspberry leaves;
• sorrel.

These products are easily digestible, as evidenced by more than one calorie table. People who adhere to a diet do not have to worry about their vitamin levels, since their diet consists of healthy foods whose calorie content will not harm the diet.

1. Vegetables and fruits are peeled and cut immediately before consumption.
2. During cooking, vegetables are placed only in boiling water so that the organic vitamin does not dissolve in the water during heating.
3. Cooked vegetables should not be left in the broth, because everything is given up to the liquid, and the fruits become useless.
4. Salads from fresh vegetables salted and seasoned with sauces only before serving.

Vitamin C is consumed instantly after it enters the body; take care to consume the vitamin evenly throughout the day.

It is advisable to divide the daily dose into three equal portions, thus maintaining the concentration of the substance in the body constantly. Having found out what contains the most ascorbic acid, try to properly prepare and eat foods with an increased source of the substance.

If there is a lack of vitamin in the body, it is recommended to replenish the supply with medications. Release form:

• dragee;
• in tablets;
• in ampoules;
• in powder.

The form of use is determined by the attending physician depending on the nature of the disease. The instructions for use warn of possible side effects if the drug dosage is incorrect.

Ascorbic acid dragees are prescribed to children because they resemble candy and not medicine. Effervescent tablets are popular among professional athletes. One tablet, diluted in a glass, replenishes vitamin reserves and invigorates before a grueling workout. The powder is available in sachets.

An injection solution is prepared in ampoules. One ampoule contains 50, 100 mg, which allows you to administer the required dose of the drug at a time.

Overdose has a negative effect on the stomach and digestive tract. Pregnant women are at risk because the metabolism between the mother and fetus is disrupted. As a result, the child develops allergies, and the mother will develop problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Daily value for humans

Scientists have not reached a consensus regarding the daily requirement of vitamin C for the human body. A common option for the average adult is 60-80 milligrams of the substance per day.

Infants are allowed to consume up to 40 mg of ascorbic acid, for children aged five - 45 mg, at fourteen years of age the daily norm increases to 50 mg.

The World Health Organization recommends using a different calculation method: 2.5 mg of the substance falls per kilogram of body weight. A 200-pound man should receive 225 mg of vitamin C per day. To replenish ascorbic acid levels for medicinal purposes, doctors increase the recommended dose three times.

1. Pregnant women – 75 mg. If you have a question, can pregnant women take vitamin C? Consult a antenatal clinic so as not to worry about the baby’s health. When planning a pregnancy, the level of ascorbine in the body is important for men and women. The daily norm does not exceed 100 mg.
2. Nursing mothers – 90 mg.
3. Smokers - 120 mg.
4. Alcoholics – 120 mg. Alcohol and nicotine accelerate the breakdown of vitamin C, which provokes the formation of a deficiency of the substance in the body.
5. Persons in constant stressful situations.
6. People living in areas with unfavorable ecology: factory emissions, exhaust gases, untreated drinking water, etc. As soon as harmful substances enter the body, ascorbic acid is used for their disposal. The need for vitamin increases.
7. Residents of the Far North and Southern regions. Non-standard weather are considered stress for the body, so residents are advised to take 40% more vitamins than other categories.
8. Women taking oral contraceptives.

Even if you belong to the group of people suffering from vitamin C deficiency, do not consume it at once loading doses substances. Divide the dose into 3 servings and take them throughout the day.

At what age is the use of ascorbic acid allowed? Vitamins without the presence of pathologies in the baby are introduced into the diet after the end of the breastfeeding period. When breastfeeding, the baby gets everything necessary elements with mother's milk.

The lethal dose for humans is 60-90 tablets in a short period of time. The body does not have time to remove the substance through urinary canal, an overdose of vitamin occurs.

Let us remember that since ancient times, citrus fruits were considered the only salvation from scurvy. 10 mg of ascorbic acid, which is equal to two fresh grapes or a bunch of grapes, will help prevent the development of the disease. However, this is not enough to maintain the productive functioning of the body in a world filled with negative factors: factories, exhaust fumes, dirty water, chronic stress.

Hypovitaminosis is manifested by a decrease in the functioning of the immune system, the body's vulnerability to respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases. Studies have proven that with ascorbine deficiency in schoolchildren, the body’s ability to resist has halved. pathogenic microbes. Acid deficiency causes the development of serious diseases. Signs of vitamin C deficiency:

• gum sensitivity;
• loss of teeth;
• decreased visual acuity;
• varicose veins;
• the appearance of bruises;
• prolonged wound healing;
• fatigue;
• hair loss;
• obesity;
• the appearance of senile wrinkles;
• irritability;
• inattention;
• joint pain;
• insomnia;
• depression;
• apathy.

With insufficient intake of ascorbic acid for two to three months, vitamin deficiency develops.

Before taking vitamins, find out their amount in the body in order to avoid undesirable consequences from an overdose. To determine the level of vitamin C in the body, it is not necessary to undergo tests; the test can easily be carried out at home. Pull your hand tightly with a rubber band until small spots appear on the surface of the skin. The number of spots indicates the level of vitamin deficiency: the number of spots indicates the complexity of the situation. An excess of vitamin C is indicated by its presence in the urine.

You need to replenish vitamin C reserves in the body with the right foods, which were already mentioned above. Try to process fruits and vegetables as little as possible elevated temperature and water, since beneficial substances dissolve extremely quickly without entering the body.

Ascorbic acid is extremely beneficial for humans, but in large quantities it can cause irreparable harm. The body functions normally only when it receives required amount vitamins and minerals no higher permissible norm. Excess and deficiency become impetus for undesirable processes that affect the overall health.

Consequences of excess ascorbic acid:

1. Diarrhea.
2. Destruction of blood cells.
3. Simultaneous consumption of vitamin C and aspirin leads to irritation of the gastric mucosa and ulcers. Aspirin causes increased consumption of ascorbic acid, which is excreted in the urine through the kidneys. Such a loss becomes the first sign of a serious vitamin deficiency.
4. A high dose of vitamin C interferes with the absorption of vitamin B12, which is used as a dietary supplement. B12 deficiency has an extremely negative effect on the body, so its level should be regularly monitored by a doctor.
5. Candies and chewing gums with high levels of vitamin C damage tooth enamel, so after eating them, be sure to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth.
6. Excessive doses of ascorbic acid slow down the functioning of the pancreas, which is dangerous for patients with diabetes and people with anemia, thrombophlebitis, and thrombosis. Vitamin C influences the formation of a separate group of hormones that put pressure on the functioning of the kidneys and arteries.

Ascorbic acid is freely available in stores and pharmacies, so you can purchase it without a doctor’s prescription.

Excess vitamin C has negative consequences that are as serious as deficiency.

The beneficial properties of ascorbic acid have become the reason for its popularity in medicine. Preparations based on vitamin C are prescribed for wide range diseases:

• scurvy;
• avitaminosis;
• hepatitis;
• cirrhosis;
• helminthiasis;
• ulcer;
• fracture;
• bleeding;
• diathesis;
• infectious diseases;
• dystrophy.

Doctors, having studied the patient’s medical history, increase the dosage to 1.5 g per day. Intramuscular medications are administered in case of acute vitamin deficiency; in other cases, the diet is regulated and pills are prescribed.

The famous doctor Linus Pauling became an ardent supporter of the use of vitamin C for medicinal purposes. The scientist advocated the use of the substance in the treatment of serious diseases and minor ailments, but this theory was not confirmed by research by physiologists. Some patients, after increasing the daily norm, developed serious problems caused by hypervitaminosis.

During pregnancy they are carried out additional examinations and tests, since women and children may be affected. It is not for nothing that there are restrictions on the use of vitamin C for pregnant women, since in the early stages its excess provokes miscarriage.

Ascorbic acid is prescribed for delayed menstruation and irregular cycles. Vitamin C is involved in the production of estrogen, the main component in the structure of the inner layer of the uterus. With sufficient quantity female hormone The uterus contracts, causing menstruation. Thus, the substance causes menstruation and improves women's health.

Application in cosmetology

Ascorbic acid, like, is included in anti-aging cosmetics for women. Products based on vitamin C prevent the effects of free radicals on the skin of the face, which is why it is used in the manufacture of anti-aging creams.

The presence of a vitamin in the list of cosmetic ingredients does not guarantee quality, since the amount of the element used is not always enough to produce an effect. The optimal dose in cosmetology ranges from 0.3% to 10%. Professional preparations on the labels contain information about the amount of active substance and the percentage of components.

Due to the sensitivity of the vitamin to light and air, cosmetics based on it are produced in sealed, tinted packaging with a dispenser.

Vitamin C-based facial cosmetics perform the following functions:

• protect the skin from exposure to infrared rays;
• synthesize collagen;
• restore collagen fibers;
• slow down the aging process;
• increase skin tone;
• prevent the appearance of age spots;
• relieve inflammation;
• refresh and improve complexion;
• strengthen vascular walls.

In winter, cosmetics are not enough to replenish vitamin C reserves; it is necessary to take vitamin and mineral complexes for the skin.

Ascorbic acid is useful for hair; it makes hair shiny and silky. Liquid vitamin from the ampoule is added to ordinary shampoo or balm for washing hair. Nutrition along the entire length is provided during each wash.

Myths about vitamin C

Ever since the properties of ascorbic acid became known to mankind, the vitamin has been accompanied by myths and rumors. ABOUT miraculous properties substances constitute legends that are far from the real state of affairs. We invite you to familiarize yourself with popular and common myths regarding vitamin C.

1. Ascorbic acid protects against ODS. Everyone has heard that at the first signs of illness, you need to immediately take vitamin C. Doctors prescribed “ascorbic acid” to adults and children, assuring them that they would soon forget about a runny nose and cough. It is not true. The vitamin will help with colds only if it is taken as a prophylactic before the onset of the disease. Otherwise, people who take vitamin C get sick one day less than the average person.
2. Does not protect the body from toxins. The results of clinical studies amazed experienced scientists. Smokers cause irreparable harm to the health of their family members, turning them into passive smokers. If they regularly take ascorbic acid, then the consequences of smoking are much less.
3. Vitamin C does not affect cancer tumors. Scientists' opinions regarding the effect of ascorbic acid in the fight against cancerous tumors differ from each other. A couple of years ago, Marky Levine, an employee of the National Institutes of Health, proved that ascorbate helps in the fight against cancer - it destroys cancer cells. When vitamin C was injected into the tumor body, the survival rate of cancer cells decreased by half. The positive effect of the drug on cancer must be proven by the results of clinical products, because each organism has exceptional characteristics.
4. You can lose weight with ascorbic acid. Indeed, vitamin C improves the functioning of the body; it is possible to lose a few kilograms, but no more. To lose weight, you don't just need to take any pills, it's important to create a calorie deficit. Correct balanced diet, physical activity, sleep is the key to a healthy body. To understand how many calories are consumed and expended daily, you should keep a diary and write down each meal (weight, calorie content) in it.

Excessive consumption, like a deficiency of an element, leads to negative consequences. You should not prescribe your own dosage without first being examined by a specialized doctor.

Almost all vitamins enter the body through food products, mainly of 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 B 2 (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 ears), B 2 -vitamin deficiency stomatitis, glossitis (inflammation of the tongue) and keratitis (inflammation of the cornea).

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 the heart valves), infectious diseases, etc.

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

Biological role of 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.

Preparations of the keratin group, for example beta-carotene, are necessary for the general stimulation of immune mechanisms, the prevention of acute respiratory diseases, gastritis and gastric ulcers, 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 obstetric-gynecological and surgical practice.

What vitamins are there?

Total known 20 various vitamins.

According to the chemical classification of vitamins, there are 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”, denoting additional food factors, and identified the group of B vitamins. In subsequent years, the study of vitamins and their importance for the body has steadily progressed.

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 would be 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 for people suffering from drug intolerance or people prone to developing an allergic reaction.

Vitamin B 6 is used with caution in the treatment of peptic ulcers, coronary disease heart disease, severe forms of liver disease, and vitamin B 12 is contraindicated in acute thromboembolic diseases, erythrocytosis (increased content of red blood cells in the 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 administration of vitamin C is contraindicated for diabetes mellitus and for patients with a tendency to thrombus formation, increased blood clotting, and thrombophlebitis.

No drugs can be prescribed nicotinic acid patients with liver failure, gout, peptic ulcer, 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 diseases of the liver and kidneys, active form of pulmonary tuberculosis, peptic ulcer disease, 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;

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 along with food is possible if it is satisfactory. functional state, difficult to dose. It is impossible to deliver vitamins with food, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract, i.e., parenterally. The simplest and most convenient route of administration vitamin preparation into the body is considered enteral (ingestion).

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.

Forms of release of vitamin preparations

Some vitamins are a collective concept. One name means whole group connections. You need to know this, since instead of a vitamin, the formulation of a multivitamin preparation may indicate one of the compounds that represents this vitamin. It often happens that under a new name a long-known and cheap drug is advertised and sold for a lot of money, which can be easily bought at a nearby pharmacy.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a collective concept. These are several compounds collectively called “Retinoids”.

1. Retinol (vitamin A – alcohol). It is most often produced under the name vitamin A and is included in various multivitamin preparations. Retinol comes in the form of retinol acetate or retinol palmitate.

2. Retinoic acid (vitamin A – acid). It is part of multivitamin preparations, but is more often used topically, as part of various aerosols, creams, etc. Most often, retinoic acid is produced in the form of the drug “Rodkutan” (isotretinoin). A derivative of retinoic acid, Etretinate (tigazon), is also produced. Another derivative of retinoic acid is Airol (tretinoin).

3. Retinal (vitamin A – aldehyde).

Provitamin A

Provitamins A are so named because in the body they can be converted into vitamin A. They are separated into an independent group because they play an independent role in the body, different from the role of vitamin A.

1. Carotenes.

There are currently 3 types of them (alpha, beta and gamma). Beta-carotene has the greatest activity. It is most often produced both as a stand-alone drug and as part of multivitamin complexes. A type of beta-carotene is the drug “Vetoron”.

2. Carotenoids.

Almost hundreds of carotenoids are known. They are not produced independently, but can be included in multicomponent multivitamin herbal preparations.

Vitamin D

Under this name there are two substances that are similar in structure.

1. Ergocalciferol - vitamin D 2.

2. Cholecalciferol - vitamin D 3.

Vitamin D 3 is produced both independently and in the form of oxycholecalciferol, which is called “oxydevit”. Another form of vitamin D 3 is “Videhol”. This is a molecular compound of vitamin D 3 with cholesterol. A slightly modified cholecalciferol molecule is marketed under the name psorcutan and is used mainly for topical treatment.

Vitamin K

Underneath this common name Several compounds are known.

1. Vitamin K 1 (phylloquinone). Available in the form of the drug "Phytomenadione".

2. Vitamin K 2 (naphthoquinone). It is not available as a stand-alone preparation, but is contained in some complex bacterial preparations, as it can be synthesized by certain types of bacteria.

3. Vitamin B 3 (vicasol). This vitamin is able to dissolve in water. It is produced in the form of an independent drug "Vikasol" and is included in some multivitamin complexes.

Vitamin B 1

There are 3 compounds known under this name.

1. Thiamine. Available in the form of thiamine bromide and thiamine chloride.

2. Phosphotiamine. Phosphorus ester of thiamine.

3. Benfotiamine. A synthetic compound not found in nature. All three types of vitamin B1 are produced independently, as well as in multivitamin complexes.

Vitamin B 2

1. Riboflavin.

2. Riboflavin is a mononucleotide. Available independently and as part of multivitamins.

Vitamin PP

The vitamin is represented by two compounds.

1. Nicotinic acid.

2. Nicotinamide. Both compounds are available both independently and as part of multivitamin preparations.

Vitamin B 12

Known in 2 forms.

1. Cyanocobalamin.

2. Oxycobalamin. Both compounds are produced independently and in combination with other vitamins.

Folic acid

The folic acid group includes two compounds.

1. Folic acid.

2. Calcium folinate. Available in the form of calcium folinate and in the form of the drug "Leucovoril".

Pantothenic acid

The pantothenate group includes 3 main forms.

1. Homo pantothenic acid. Available independently and in multivitamin complexes.

2. Calcium pantothenate. It is produced independently and also as part of multivitamins.

3. Panthenol. It is used mainly for medicinal use in the form of an aerosol.

Lipoic acid

Available in 2 forms.

1. Lipoic acid.

2. Lipamide is an amide derivative of lipoic acid.

Available as stand-alone medicines. They are also included in a wide variety of multivitamin complexes.

Ascorbic acid

Available in three forms.

1. Ascorbic acid.

2. Sodium ascorbate (sodium ascorbate).

3. Calcium ascorbate (calcium ascorbate).

All three forms of the vitamin are available both separately and in combination with other vitamins.

Vitamin P

Vitamin P is a highly collective concept.

There is no other vitamin that combines such a huge number of compounds under one name as does vitamin P. These are bioflavonoids - substances that are found in the form of glycosides in a huge number of plants. About 150 bioflavonoids are known. All of them have P-vitamin activity, although varying degrees. I will give here only the most common drugs with the most powerful effects.

2. Quercetin.

Both compounds are independently produced and are included in multivitamins.

3. Legal. Available as a stand-alone drug. Better known as "Karsil".

Includes 2 main flavonoids: silymarin, silibinin and milk thistle fruit extract.

4. Silibor.

Independent drug. Includes the amount of flavonoids from milk thistle.

5. Catherine.

An independent drug obtained synthetically.

Vitamin F

This name combines polyunsaturated fatty acids of plant origin.

1. Linetol.

Contains mixtures of ethyl esters of unsaturated fatty acids. Mainly linolenic acid(57%), oleic acid (15%), lipoic acid(15 %). Linetol is available as an independent drug, and is also part of several aerosols used topically: “Vinizol”, “Levovinisol”, “Lifuzol”.

2. Lipostabil.

A complex preparation containing unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and a vasodilator.

3. Essentiale.

A complex preparation containing unsaturated fatty acids and some water-soluble vitamins.

We looked at all the main vitamins, which, in addition to being used independently, are included in various multivitamin preparations. Knowing all the names, you can already evaluate multivitamin preparations.