vitamin metabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways involving vitamins. Vitamin is a general term for a number of unrelated organic substances that occur in many foods in small amounts and that are necessary in trace amounts for the normal metabolic functioning of the body. Vitamins may be water-soluble or fat-soluble and usually serve as components of coenzyme systems. [GOC:ai]

Vitamin metabolic processes encompass a series of intricate biochemical reactions that involve the uptake, conversion, utilization, and excretion of vitamins within living organisms. Vitamins, essential organic compounds that cannot be synthesized by the body, play crucial roles in various physiological functions, including growth, development, immunity, and energy metabolism. The metabolic process of each vitamin is unique and involves specific enzymes, cofactors, and pathways.

**Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K)** are absorbed from the diet along with dietary fats and are stored in the liver and adipose tissue.

* **Vitamin A** is a crucial component of rhodopsin, a light-sensitive pigment in the retina responsible for vision. It also supports cell growth and differentiation, particularly in epithelial tissues. Vitamin A is converted from retinol to retinal and retinoic acid, which act as signaling molecules.

* **Vitamin D** is synthesized in the skin upon exposure to sunlight and is also obtained from dietary sources. It regulates calcium and phosphorus homeostasis, promoting bone growth and mineral absorption. Vitamin D is converted to its active form, calcitriol, through a series of hydroxylation reactions in the liver and kidneys.

* **Vitamin E**, an antioxidant, protects cell membranes from damage caused by free radicals. It is also involved in immune function and blood clotting.

* **Vitamin K** is essential for blood clotting and bone metabolism. It acts as a cofactor for enzymes involved in the synthesis of clotting factors and bone proteins.

**Water-soluble vitamins (B vitamins and vitamin C)** are absorbed directly into the bloodstream and are generally not stored in the body.

* **B vitamins** include thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folate (B9), and cobalamin (B12). Each B vitamin plays a distinct role in metabolism, including energy production, DNA synthesis, and neurotransmitter function.

* **Vitamin C**, an antioxidant, plays a role in collagen synthesis, immune function, and wound healing. It also enhances iron absorption.

**Metabolic disorders** related to vitamin deficiencies or excesses can lead to a variety of health issues. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, while vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets in children.

The complex and intricate metabolic processes of vitamins are essential for maintaining overall health and well-being.'
"

Proteins (10)

Compounds (11)