What are vitamins? Vitamins are essential substances that the body needs to function correctly. With the exception of vitamin D, the body cannot manufacture most vitamins and we need to obtain them from natural foods or supplements.

Different vitamins: There are 13 vitamins that the body uses. These are divided into 2 groups:

1. Fat soluable: 4 fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K)

2. Water soluable: nine water-soluble vitamins (eight B vitamins and vitamin C).

Common vitamin deficiencies:

Scurvyvitamin C: It will take about 3 months without Vitamin C for scurvy to develop

o black-and-blue spots or marks on the skin, especially on the legs

o spongy gums or other gum disease

o bleeding from mucous membranes

o poor healing of wounds and bruises

o hair thinning or baldness

o anaemia

o pallor

o partial immobility

o joint pain

o depression

Beriberivitamin B1: An ailment of the nervous system. Symptoms include, weight loss, disturbed emotions, impaired sensations, weakness and pain in the limbs, irregular heart beat, and swelling. Heart failure and death can occur in advanced cases.

Ricketsvitamin D: This mainly affects the bones symptoms include:

o Bone pain,

o Skeletal deformity,

o Growth disturbance,

o Hypocalcaemia (low level of calcium in the blood),

o Tetany (uncontrolled muscle spasms all over the body),

o Bowed legs,

o Leg fractures, and

o Impaired growth.

Night blindnessvitamin A: People who have this problem either can see very little or not at all in the dark. They also have difficulty adjusting from bright to dim light.

Other vitamin deficiencies:

Keratomalacia: An eye problem that leads to drying of the cornea. One of its main causes is lack of vitamin A.

Ariboflavinosis: A deficiency of vitamin B2 (riboflavin). Symptoms includeredness with swelling of the mouth and throat, sore throat, cracking of the corners of the mouth and lips. It can also include inflammation, atrophy of the tongue, moist scaly skin, and deceased red blood cell count (anemia).

Pellagravitamin B3 (niacin): Symptoms are

o Sensitivity to sunlight

o Aggressive behavior

o Dermatitis and red skin lesions

o Insomnia

o Weakness

o Mental confusion

o Diarrhea

o Dementia (this will be over a prolonged length of time)

People who are often affected by this deficiency disease are those who rely on corn as their staple diet. The people at risk are those living in rural South America and Africa, where corn is a main part of their diet. It also affects people in northern Italy, Spain, and southeastern Europe. If left untreated it can cause death in 4-5 years.

ParesthesiaB5 (Pantothenic acid): The nerves are not functioning correctly giving rise to sensations of tingling, pricking, and numbness.

Pernicious anemiaB12 (Cyanocobalamin): The main symptom is inflammation of the tongue.

There are many diseases and ailments that result from vitamin deficiencies. It is very important to eat a proper well balanced diet, preferably high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to avert many of these deficiencies.