Types of Vitamins

Vitamin

Scientific Name

Property

Disease Caused by Deficiency

Vitamin A

Retinol

Essential for vision, immune function, and cell growth. Also important for skin health and reproduction.

Night blindness, dry eyes, increased susceptibility to infections.

Vitamin B1

Thiamine

Plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and nerve function.

Beriberi (nerve damage, muscle weakness), Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (alcohol-related brain disorder).

Vitamin B2

Riboflavin

Essential for energy production, growth, and red blood cell production.

Ariboflavinosis (inflammation of the mouth and tongue, skin disorders).

Vitamin B3

Niacin

Important for energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cell signaling.

Pellagra (skin rash, diarrhea, dementia).

Vitamin B5

Pantothenic acid

Essential for synthesizing coenzyme A, which is involved in numerous metabolic processes.

Paresthesia (numbness, tingling), fatigue.

Vitamin B6

Pyridoxine

Required for amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and hemoglobin formation.

Anemia, neurological symptoms (numbness, tingling), depression.

Vitamin B7

Biotin

Vital for fatty acid synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails.

Dermatitis, hair loss, neurological symptoms.

Vitamin B9

Folate

Essential for DNA synthesis, cell division, and fetal development during pregnancy.

Neural tube defects in newborns, megaloblastic anemia.

Vitamin B12

Cobalamin

Necessary for red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, and nerve function.

Pernicious anemia, neurological symptoms (numbness, tingling, memory loss).

Vitamin C

Ascorbic acid

Acts as an antioxidant, supports immune function, collagen synthesis, and iron absorption.

Scurvy (bleeding gums, fatigue, joint pain), increased susceptibility to infections.

Vitamin D

Cholecalciferol

Essential for calcium absorption, bone health, immune function, and cell growth regulation.

Rickets (soft, weak bones) in children, osteomalacia (bone pain, muscle weakness) in adults.

Vitamin E

Tocopherol

Acts as an antioxidant, protects cell membranes from oxidative damage, and supports immune function.

Hemolytic anemia (breakdown of red blood cells), neurological symptoms.

Vitamin K

Phylloquinone

Essential for blood clotting and bone metabolism.

Bleeding disorders, impaired bone mineralization.