Water Soluble Vitamins: Understanding Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, and Ascorbic Acid

Vitamins are essential nutrients required by the body in small quantities to perform various physiological functions. There are two types of vitamins: water-soluble and fat-soluble. In this article, we will discuss water-soluble vitamins, specifically folic acid, vitamin B12, and ascorbic acid. We will explore the biochemistry of each vitamin, its functions in the body, and sources of food where they can be found.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Water Soluble Vitamins

3. Folic Acid

    - Biochemistry of Folic Acid

    - Functions of Folic Acid in the Body

    - Food Sources of Folic Acid

4. Vitamin B12

    - Biochemistry of Vitamin B12

    - Functions of Vitamin B12 in the Body

    - Food Sources of Vitamin B12

5. Ascorbic Acid

    - Biochemistry of Ascorbic Acid

    - Functions of Ascorbic Acid in the Body

    - Food Sources of Ascorbic Acid

6. Conclusion

7. FAQs

Introduction

Vitamins are essential organic compounds that are required in small quantities to support various physiological functions in the body. They are not produced by the body, and therefore, need to be obtained from the diet or supplements. Vitamins can be categorized into two groups: water-soluble and fat-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins are those that dissolve in water and are not stored in the body for long periods. Instead, they are excreted through urine. In this article, we will discuss the biochemistry, functions, and food sources of three water-soluble vitamins: folic acid, vitamin B12, and ascorbic acid.

Water Soluble Vitamins

Water-soluble vitamins are essential nutrients that are required in small amounts to support various physiological functions in the body. They include eight B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folate) and vitamin C. Water-soluble vitamins cannot be stored in the body for long periods and need to be replenished regularly.

Folic Acid

Folic acid, also known as folate or vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for various physiological processes in the body. It plays a vital role in cell division and the synthesis of DNA and RNA. Folic acid also helps to produce red blood cells and is essential for fetal development during pregnancy.

Biochemistry of Folic Acid

Folic acid consists of three parts: a pteridine ring, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), and glutamic acid, making it a complex molecule. The pteridine ring and PABA are synthesized from guanosine triphosphate (GTP) and para-aminobenzoic acid, respectively. These two components are then combined with glutamic acid to form folic acid.

Functions of Folic Acid in the Body

Folic acid plays a vital role in various physiological processes in the body, including:

- Cell division and growth

- DNA and RNA synthesis

- Red blood cell production

- Fetal development during pregnancy

Food Sources of Folic Acid

Folic acid can be found in various food sources, including:

- Vegetables with leafy greens, like spinach, kale, and collard greens.".

- Legumes (beans, lentils, peas)

- Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruit)

- Fortified grains and cereals

- Liver

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for various physiological processes in the body. It plays a vital role in the formation of red blood cells, the proper functioning of the nervous system, and the synthesis of DNA.

Biochemistry of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is a complex molecule that is made up of a porphyrin ring and a cobalt ion. The porphyrin ring is synthesized from the amino acid glycine and the molecule porphobilinogen. The cobalt ion is then inserted into the porphyrin ring to form vitamin B12.

Functions of Vitamin B12 in the Body

Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in various physiological processes in the body, including:

- Formation of red blood cells

- Proper functioning of the nervous system

- Synthesis of DNA

Food Sources of Vitamin B12

Animal-based foods are the primary source of Vitamin B12, which include:

- Meat (beef, pork, lamb)

- Fish (salmon, trout, tuna)

- Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)

- Eggs

Ascorbic Acid

Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for various physiological processes in the body. It plays a vital role in collagen synthesis, the proper functioning of the immune system, and the absorption of iron.

Biochemistry of Ascorbic Acid

Ascorbic acid is a simple molecule that is synthesized from glucose. The synthesis of ascorbic acid requires four enzymes and occurs mainly in the liver.

Functions of Ascorbic Acid in the Body

Ascorbic acid plays a vital role in various physiological processes in the body, including:

- Collagen synthesis

- Proper functioning of the immune system

- Absorption of iron

Food Sources of Ascorbic Acid

Ascorbic acid can be found in various food sources, including:

- Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruit)

- Berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)

- Kiwi

- Pineapple

- Broccoli

- Bell peppers

Conclusion

Water-soluble vitamins, including folic acid, vitamin B12, and ascorbic acid, are essential nutrients required by the body to perform various physiological functions. They cannot be stored in the body for long periods and need to be replenished regularly through the diet or supplements. Understanding the biochemistry, functions, and food sources of these vitamins can help individuals make informed decisions about their diet and overall health.

FAQs

1. What happens if you consume too much folic acid?

- Consuming too much folic acid can mask the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency and cause nerve damage.

2. Can vegetarians and vegans get enough vitamin B12 from their diet?

- Vegetarians and vegans may struggle to get enough vitamin B12 from their diet and may need to supplement or consume fortified foods.

3. Can vitamin C prevent the common cold?

- While vitamin C can boost the immune system, it has not been shown to prevent the common cold.

4. Is it possible to consume too much vitamin C?

- Excessive intake of vitamin C can lead to diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps.

5. Can vitamin B12 supplements help with fatigue?

- Vitamin B12 supplements may help with fatigue in individuals who are deficient in the vitamin, but not in individuals with normal levels.

DMCA Disclaimer: This site complies with DMCA Digital Copyright Laws.

NOTE: Please bear in mind that we do not own copyrights to this book/software. We are not hosting any copyrighted contents on our servers, it’s a catalog of links that already found on the internet.

Medpediapro.blogspot.com doesn’t have any material hosted on the server of this page, only links to books that are taken from other sites on the web are published and these links are unrelated to the book server.

Moreover Medpediapro.blogspot.com server does not store any type of book, guide, software, or images. No illegal copies are made or any copyright © and/or copyright is damaged or infringed since all material is free on the internet. Check out our DMCA Policy. If you feel that we have violated your copyrights, then please contact us immediately. We’re sharing this with our audience ONLY for educational purpose and we highly encourage our visitors to purchase original licensed software/Books. If someone with copyrights wants us to remove this software/Book, please contact us immediately.

You may send an email to meduniverse16@gmail.com for all DMCA/Removal Request.