home Auditorium 7 Vitamins: types, indications for use, natural sources. Application in medicine. Diseases of the nervous system, in the treatment of which B vitamins are used

Vitamins: types, indications for use, natural sources. Application in medicine. Diseases of the nervous system, in the treatment of which B vitamins are used

Vitamins are a large group of organic compounds of different chemical natures. They are united by one important feature: without vitamins, the existence of humans and other living beings is impossible.

Even in ancient times, people assumed that to prevent certain diseases it was enough to make certain adjustments to the diet. For example, in ancient Egypt they treated “night blindness” (impaired twilight vision) by eating liver. Much later it was proven that this pathology caused by a lack of vitamin A, which is present in large quantities in the liver of animals. Several centuries ago, as a remedy for scurvy (a disease caused by hypovitaminosis C), it was proposed to introduce sour foods of plant origin. The method paid off 100%, since regular sauerkraut and citrus fruits contain a lot of ascorbic acid.

Why are vitamins needed?

Compounds of this group take an active part in all types of metabolic processes. Most vitamins perform the function of coenzymes, i.e. they work as enzyme catalysts. These substances are present in food products in fairly low amounts. large quantities, therefore they are all classified as micronutrients. Vitamins are necessary for the regulation of vital functions through the body's fluids.

The study of these vital organic compounds is carried out by the science of vitaminology, which is at the intersection of pharmacology, biochemistry and food hygiene.

Important:Vitamins have absolutely no calorie content, so they cannot serve as a source of energy. They are also not structural elements necessary for the formation of new tissues.

Heterotrophic organisms obtain these low molecular weight compounds mainly from food, but some of them are formed during the process of biosynthesis. In particular, vitamin D is formed in the skin under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, vitamin A is formed from provitamins-carotenoids, and PP is formed from the amino acid tryptophan ( a nicotinic acid or niacin).

note: symbiotic bacteria that live on the intestinal mucosa normally synthesize a sufficient amount of vitamins B3 and K.

A person’s daily need for each individual vitamin is quite small, but if the level of intake is significantly lower than normal, then various pathological conditions develop, many of which pose a very serious threat to health and life. A pathological condition caused by a deficiency of a certain compound of this group is called hypovitaminosis.

note : vitamin deficiency involves a complete cessation of vitamin intake into the body, which is quite rare.

Classification

All vitamins are divided into 2 large groups according to their ability to dissolve in water or fatty acids:

TO water soluble include all compounds of group B, ascorbic acid (C) and vitamin P. They do not tend to accumulate in significant quantities, since possible excesses are eliminated naturally with water within a matter of hours.
TO fat-soluble(lipovitamins) are classified as A, D, E, and K. This also includes the later discovered vitamin F. These are vitamins soluble in unsaturated fatty acids - arachidonic, linoleic and linolenic, etc.). Vitamins of this group tend to be deposited in the body - mainly in the liver and adipose tissue.

Due to this specificity, a lack of water-soluble vitamins is more often noted, but hypervitaminosis develops mainly in fat-soluble vitamins.

note: Vitamin K has a water-soluble analogue (vicasol), synthesized in the early 40s of the last century. To date, water-soluble preparations of other lipovitamins have also been obtained. In this regard, such division into groups is gradually becoming quite arbitrary.

Latin letters are used to designate individual compounds and groups. As we studied vitamins in depth, it became clear that some are not individual substances, but complexes. The names currently used were approved in 1956.

Brief characteristics of individual vitamins

Vitamin A (retinol)

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This fat-soluble compound helps prevent xerophthalmia and impaired twilight vision, as well as increase the body's resistance to infectious agents. The elasticity of the epithelium of the skin and internal mucous membranes, hair growth and the rate of tissue regeneration (restoration) depend on retinol. Vitamin A has pronounced antioxidant activity. This lipovitamin is necessary for the development of eggs and the normal course of spermatogenesis. It minimizes the negative effects of stress and exposure to polluted air.

The precursor to retinol is carotene.

Studies have shown that vitamin A prevents the development of cancer. Retinol ensures normal functional activity of the thyroid gland.

Important:Excessive intake of retinol from animal products causes hypervitaminosis. An excess of vitamin A can lead to cancer.

Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

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A person must receive thiamine every day in sufficient quantities, since this compound is not deposited in the body. B1 is needed for the normal functioning of the cardiovascular and endocrine systems, as well as the brain. Thiamine is directly involved in the metabolism of acetylcholine, a nerve signal mediator. B1 is able to normalize secretion gastric juice and stimulate digestion, improving the motility of the gastrointestinal tract. Protein and fat metabolism largely depend on thiamine, which is important for tissue growth and regeneration. It is also needed for splitting complex carbohydrates to the main source of energy – glucose.

Important:The thiamine content in products decreases noticeably during heat treatment. In particular, potatoes are recommended to be baked or steamed.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)

Riboflavin is necessary for the biosynthesis of a number of hormones and the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin B2 is needed for the formation of ATP (the “energy base” of the body), protecting the retina from negative impact ultraviolet radiation, normal fetal development, as well as tissue regeneration and renewal.

Vitamin B4 (choline)

Choline is involved in lipid metabolism and lecithin biosynthesis. Vitamin B4 is very important for the production of acetylcholine, protection of the liver from toxins, growth processes and hematopoiesis.

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)

Vitamin B5 has a positive effect on the nervous system, as it stimulates the biosynthesis of the excitation mediator - acetylcholine. Pantothenic acid improves intestinal motility, strengthens the body's defenses and accelerates the regeneration of damaged tissues. B5 is part of a number of enzymes necessary for the normal course of many metabolic processes.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

Pyridoxine is needed for normal functional activity of the central nervous system and strengthening the immune system. B6 is directly involved in the process of biosynthesis of nucleic acids and the construction of a large number of different enzymes. The vitamin promotes the complete absorption of vital unsaturated fatty acids.

Vitamin B8 (inositol)

Inositol is found in the eye lens, tear fluid, nerve fibers, and also in sperm.

B8 helps reduce cholesterol levels in the blood, increases the elasticity of vascular walls, normalizes gastrointestinal motility and has a sedative effect on the nervous system.

Vitamin B9 ()

A small amount of folic acid is produced by microorganisms that inhabit the intestines. B9 takes part in the process of cell division, biosynthesis of nucleic acids and neurotransmitters - norepinephrine and serotonin. The process of hematopoiesis largely depends on folic acid. It is also involved in the metabolism of lipids and cholesterol.

Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)

Cyanocobalamin is directly involved in the process of hematopoiesis and is needed for the normal course of protein and lipid metabolism. B12 stimulates tissue growth and regeneration, improves the condition of the nervous system and is used by the body in the creation of amino acids.

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Now everyone knows that ascorbic acid helps strengthen the immune system and prevent or alleviate a number of diseases (in particular, colds). This discovery was made relatively recently; Scientific evidence for the effectiveness of vitamin C in preventing colds appeared only in 1970. Ascorbic acid is deposited in the body in very small quantities, so a person needs to constantly replenish the reserves of this water-soluble compound.

The best sources are many fresh fruits and vegetables.

When there are few fresh plant products in the diet during the cold season, it is advisable to take “ascorbic acid” in tablets or dragees daily. It is especially important not to forget about this for weakened people and women during pregnancy. Regular intake of vitamin C is essential for children. It takes part in the biosynthesis of collagen and many metabolic processes, and also promotes detoxification of the body.

Vitamin D (ergocalciferol)

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Vitamin D not only enters the body from the outside, but is also synthesized in the skin under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. The connection is necessary for the formation and further growth of a full-fledged bone tissue. Ergocalciferol regulates the metabolism of phosphorus and calcium, promotes the excretion heavy metals, improves heart function and normalizes the blood clotting process.

Vitamin E (tocopherol)

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Tocopherol is the most powerful antioxidant known. It minimizes the negative effects of free radicals at the cellular level, slowing down the natural aging process. Thanks to this, vitamin E can improve the functioning of a number of organs and systems and prevent the development of serious diseases. It improves muscle function and accelerates reparative processes.

Vitamin K (menadione)

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Vitamin K affects blood clotting, as well as the process of bone tissue formation. Menadione improves the functional activity of the kidneys. It also strengthens the walls of blood vessels and muscles and normalizes the functions of the digestive tract. Vitamin K is necessary for the synthesis of ATP and creatine phosphate - the most important sources of energy.

Vitamin L-Carnitine

L-Carnitine is involved in lipid metabolism, helping the body obtain energy. This vitamin increases endurance, promotes muscle growth, lowers cholesterol levels and improves the condition of the myocardium.

Vitamin P (B3, citrine)

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The most important function of vitamin P is to strengthen and increase the elasticity of the walls of small blood vessels, as well as reduce their permeability. Citrine is able to prevent hemorrhages and has pronounced antioxidant activity.

Vitamin PP (niacin, nicotinamide)

Many plant foods contain nicotinic acid, and in animal foods this vitamin is present in the form of nicotinamide.

Vitamin PP takes an active part in the metabolism of proteins and helps the body obtain energy from the utilization of carbohydrates and lipids. Niacin is part of a number of enzyme compounds responsible for cellular respiration processes. The vitamin improves the condition of the nervous system and strengthens the cardiovascular system. The condition of the mucous membranes and skin largely depends on nicotinamide. Thanks to RR, vision improves and blood pressure normalizes.

Vitamin U (S-methylmethionine)

Vitamin U reduces histamine levels due to its methylation, which can significantly reduce the acidity of gastric juice. S-methylmethionine also has an antisclerotic effect.

Do I need to take vitamin supplements regularly?

Of course, many vitamins should be supplied to the body regularly. The need for many biologically active compounds increases with increased stress on the body (during physical work, playing sports, during illness, etc.). The question of the need to start taking one or another complex vitamin preparation is decided strictly individually. Uncontrolled use of these pharmacological agents can cause hypervitaminosis, that is, an excess of one or another vitamin in the body, which will not lead to anything good. Thus, taking the complexes should only be started after prior consultation with your doctor.

note: The only natural multivitamin is breast milk. For babies, no synthetic drugs can replace it.

It is advisable to additionally take some vitamin preparations for pregnant women (due to increased needs), vegetarians (many compounds are obtained from animal foods), as well as people on a restrictive diet.

Multivitamins are necessary for children and adolescents. Their metabolism is accelerated, since it is needed not only to maintain the functions of organs and systems, but also for active growth and development. Of course, it is better if a sufficient amount of vitamins comes from natural products, but some of them contain the necessary compounds in sufficient quantities only in a certain season (this mainly applies to vegetables and fruits). In this regard, it is quite problematic to manage without pharmacological drugs.

The use of vitamins for preventive and therapeutic purposes can be systematized as follows.
For preventive purposes:
1. Prevention of primary hypovitaminosis caused by:
- insufficient intake of vitamins from food;
- increased consumption and increased need for vitamins (stress, physical and mental stress, exposure to harmful environmental and extreme factors, pregnancy, childbirth).
2. Increasing the body's defenses, reducing the risk of colds, cardiovascular, cancer and other diseases.
For medicinal purposes:
1. Treatment of primary vitamin deficiencies.
2. Prevention and (or) treatment of secondary disorders of the metabolism and function of vitamins caused by:
- pathological processes;
- surgical interventions;
- medicinal and physical therapy;
- dietary restrictions.
3. Correction of congenital disorders of vitamin metabolism and functions.
4. The use of high doses of vitamins in the treatment of various diseases.
Insufficient intake of vitamins weakens the body's defenses, reduces its resistance to various diseases and adverse environmental influences, contributes to the development of chronic diseases, and accelerates the aging of the body.
Insufficient provision of the body with vitamins is aggravated by gastrointestinal diseases. intestinal tract, liver and kidneys, in which the absorption and utilization of vitamins is impaired. Drug therapy (antibiotics, etc.), diets, surgical interventions, and stress aggravate vitamin deficiency. Vitamin deficiency, in turn, disrupts metabolism and prevents successful treatment any disease. Therefore, it is justified to include multivitamin preparations and therapeutic and preventive nutrition products enriched with vitamins in the complex therapy of various diseases.
The use of vitamins in doses exceeding physiological needs in the treatment of various diseases:
1. Vitamin A – prevention of infertility, enhancement of tissue regeneration, to stimulate the growth and development of children.
2. Vitamin D – treatment of rickets and skin diseases.
3. Vitamin K - for bleeding associated with decreased blood clotting.
4. Vitamin E – prevention of pregnancy and threats of miscarriage, liver disease, muscle atrophy, congenital disorders of red blood cell membranes in newborns.
5. Vitamin B1 - for diabetes mellitus (to improve the absorption of carbohydrates), for inflammation of peripheral nerves and damage to the nervous system, for dystrophies of the heart and skeletal muscles.
6. Vitamin B2 – for dermatitis, poorly healing wounds and ulcers, keratitis, conjunctivitis, liver damage.
7. Pantothenic acid – for diseases of the skin and hair, liver damage, dystrophy of the heart muscle.
8. Vitamin PP - for dermatitis, damage to peripheral nerves, dystrophy of the heart muscle.
9. Vitamin B6 – for polyneuritis, dermatitis, pregnancy toxicosis, liver dysfunction.

Nowadays, it is almost impossible to meet a person who does not know about the existence of vitamins, that they are absolutely necessary for the normal functioning of the body, that these substances are contained in various foods and that their deficiency can be compensated for by the use of synthetically prepared vitamins, available in pharmacies.

However, not everyone knows that vitamins are powerful pharmacotherapeutic agents used not only for the prevention and treatment of vitamin deficiency, but also for a wide variety of human diseases.

The purpose of these materials is to provide the population with information about vitamins that corresponds to the modern level of science, about their preventive use not only for hypovitaminosis, but also for the prevention of various diseases.

What are vitamins

Vitamins- essential nutritional factors that, along with proteins, fats, carbohydrates, mineral salts and water, ensure the normal functioning of the body. They

take an active part in the processes of synthesis and breakdown of various substances. Most of them are activated in tissues and play the role of catalysts for various reactions.

Currently, over 50 vitamins are known. However, for practical medicine, only about twelve are of greatest importance. This is due to the fact that the biological role of these substances in the body has been quite well studied, their chemical structure, chemical synthesis has been carried out, there are certain indications for use in medical practice. Other substances related to vitamins are still under study.

Vitamins have helped overcome many serious diseases. But it was not immediately that their healing properties became known. The discovery of vitamins occurred almost 100 years ago. The honor of their discovery belongs to the Russian scientist Lunin. In 1880, in his doctoral dissertation, he suggested that as yet unknown additional factors should exist in complete food products, which are absolutely necessary for the normal functioning of the body.

However, information about diseases associated with the deficiency of these previously unknown factors has reached us from ancient times. “Lords of the World” - the ancient Roman legionaries of Caesar, sweeping away the resistance of their northern neighbors on their way, moved uncontrollably forward. They crossed the Rhine and stayed in these places for a long time. After some time, a serious illness arose among the soldiers, the symptoms of which, judging by the description of the historian Pliny, resembled Clinical signs scurvy. Later, in the Middle Ages, during long-term siege of fortresses, both in the ranks of the besieged and in the ranks of the advancing troops, epidemics of a disease unusual for peacetime often occurred - scurvy. Those affected by the terrible disease quickly developed a feeling of fatigue, drowsiness during the day, general mental depression was observed, the face became pale, the lips and mucous membranes of the mouth turned blue. The skin took on a dirty gray tint, the gums bled and easily separated from the teeth. Even slight physical efforts caused shortness of breath and palpitations. The patients lost the ability to move and died in terrible agony. This disease was called “camp disease,” which, with the development of navigation, became a real scourge of sailors going on long voyages. During the existence of the sailing fleet, more sailors died from scurvy than in all naval battles of that time.

The cause of this disease was established much later. Scurvy develops in the absence of vitamin C in the body (ascorbic acid, so named by the famous Hungarian biochemist Szent-Györgyi for its ability to eliminate scurvy, which means “scurvy”). In 1933, the structural chemical formula of ascorbic acid was precisely established. In the same year the first synthetic vitamin C, which was no different biologically from the natural one.

For thousands of years, the peoples of Asian countries suffered and died from a terrible disease that affects the nerves. They called it “beriberi”, since the patients’ gait changed dramatically, which resembled the movements of a sheep (“beri-beri” translated into Russian means “sheep”). And only at the end of the 19th century. The disease was found to be caused by polished rice. If you eat brown rice instead, beriberi can be cured. Consequently, rice bran contains a substance that is different in nature from proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and salts, which is necessary for health and the absence of which causes polyneuritis. Subsequently, the nature of this substance was studied, which was called vitamin B1.

Who hasn't heard of the disease now? childhood- do you have rickets? Who doesn't know that rickets can be prevented or cured with vitamin D supplements? But relatively recently it was believed that this disease almost inevitably affects the child’s body (especially in urban conditions).

So, vitamins have biological properties that are extremely important for the development and functioning of the body, which can be used in practical medicine for the prevention and treatment of certain vitamin deficiencies, specific pathological processes of hypo- and vitamin deficiencies that arise due to insufficient intake of the corresponding vitamins into the body. But before we move on to describing the various forms of vitamin deficiency, let’s find out what vitamins contain.

Natural sources of vitamins

Sources of vitamins for the human body are a variety of products of plant and animal origin.

Vitamin A is found in animal fats, butter, milk, cheese, egg yolk, caviar. The main source of vitamin A is the liver fat of marine animals (whale, walrus, seal) and some fish (cod, sea bass). From these fats, medical fish oil is prepared, which contains vitamins A and D. In vegetable food products Vitamin A is not found as such. However, many plant foods (carrots, spinach, lettuce, parsley, green onions, sorrel, red peppers, blueberries, peaches, apricots, etc.) contain carotene, from which vitamin A is formed in the body.

Vitamin B 1 is found in yeast, germs and shells of cereals, as well as in bread made from wholemeal flour. In white bread without bran, the vitamin content is sharply reduced.

Vitamin B 2 is widely distributed in the plant and animal world. It enters the human body mainly through meat and dairy products. Contained in yeast, whey, egg white, meat, fish, poultry, liver, kidneys, peas, germs and shells of grain crops.

Vitamin PP (nicotinic acid) is found in many foods of both animal and plant origin. The liver and kidneys are especially rich in it; other meat products, milk, vegetables and fruits contain less of it. Cereals (barley, millet, rice, rye, etc.) and especially bran contain a significant amount of the vitamin. The product richest in nicotinic acid is yeast.

Vitamin B 6 (pyridoxine) is found in many food substances of both animal and plant origin.

Vitamin B 12 (cyanocobalamin) is found in animal products (which is why vegetarians are often deficient in this vitamin). The liver and kidneys of animals are especially rich in cyanocobalamin, 100 g of which contain tens of micrograms of the vitamin.

Vitamin B C (folic acid) is found in yeast, liver, mushrooms, spinach, cauliflower, green leaves.

Pantothenic acid (B 3) is found in all foods.

Biotin (H) is found in all foods that contain B vitamins. The liver and kidneys are richest in the vitamin.

Choline - found in the liver, brain, pancreas, white flour. Choline is also found in eggs, meat, grains and vegetables. With a normal diet, a person receives from 1.5 to 4 g of choline with food.

Lipoic acid is found in the greatest quantities in meat (beef), milk; moderate - in rice and least - in vegetables.

Vitamin C. Sources of ascorbic acid include rose hips, black currants, green walnuts, cabbage, tomatoes, citrus fruits, potatoes and other plant foods. Small amounts of vitamin C are found in animal products (liver, brains). It is interesting to note that 100 g of horseradish contains a daily dose of much-needed vitamin C.

Vitamin P is obtained from tea leaves, citrus fruits and chokeberry.

Vitamin D, along with vitamin A, is found in large quantities in the liver and adipose tissue of fish, mainly cod, as well as in the liver of seal and other marine animals. Small amounts of the vitamin are found in egg yolk, caviar, butter and milk.

Green plants are rich in vitamin E, especially lettuce and wheat germ. It is also found in meat, liver, egg yolk, butter and milk (especially summer milk).

Vitamin K is most often found in the green parts of plants. Blue alfalfa is the richest in it, and among products of animal origin - pork liver.

Vitamin deficiency

Vital important Vitamins are primarily due to the fact that they are specific agents used for the prevention and treatment of various pathological conditions. Such conditions are caused mainly by a discrepancy between the intake of vitamins into the human body and their consumption.

When considering the daily requirement of the human body for vitamins, the following three options for daily dosages are usually noted. Optimal doses vitamins - such an amount that is able to ensure all physiological processes at the highest level (even increased mental and physical stress does not cause vitamin deficiency).

Medium doses are able to ensure physiological processes under low physical and nervous stress, with a moderately pronounced effect on the body of temperature factors and other environmental conditions. If the load increases, a deficiency of vitamins occurs, since their consumption in the body exceeds their intake. An initial vitamin deficiency occurs: a violation of metabolic processes, accompanied by functional failure of individual organs and systems, and a decrease in the body's reactivity. There is also a decrease in the body's endurance to physical and nervous stress, rapid fatigue, decreased resistance to infectious diseases, etc.

Minimum doses provide the body's needs only in a state of physical rest or under very light loads. If the amount of incoming vitamins is below these standards or consumption exceeds intake, severe vitamin deficiency occurs - vitamin deficiency, leading to the development of various specific pathological conditions.

It is necessary to take into account that last years In many countries there is a tendency to increase the production of refined products. This causes certain harm to the vitamin content of food, since during processing the products are deprived of one or another amount of vitamins. Thus, a resident of England in the 14th century consumed on average 4-5 mg of vitamins per day, and currently only 1 mg (Schroeder, 1960) while simultaneously increasing carbohydrates in the diet.

In general, the more diverse and better the population eats, the less common vitamin deficiency is, especially its severe forms. An example of this is the sharp decrease in hypovitaminosis in our country. This is due to the steady growth in the well-being of the Soviet people, with the constant improvement in the nutrition of the population, both in terms of the variety of products and their usefulness. Consequently, the vitamin content of the diet also increases. From this it is clear that there are practically no pronounced forms of vitamin deficiency in our country at present. Moreover, in recent years, hypovitaminosis, i.e., the initial manifestations of vitamin deficiency in the body, occurring in cases where the need for vitamins is not fully satisfied, has also become rare. Hypovitaminosis is more common where a careless attitude to monitoring the vitamin content of nutrition is combined with increased consumption in the body due to special climatic conditions, heavy physical labor and nervous tension.

More and more data indicate the occurrence of vitamin deficiency in patients with various diseases. Thus, the well-known Addison-Birmer anemia is essentially B12-vitaminosis, usually caused by atrophic processes in the gastric mucosa. That is why clinicians of various specialties carefully study the vitamin content of patients and identify the initial manifestations of hypovitaminosis.

Currently, special attention of doctors is drawn to hidden, preclinical, vitamin deficiency of the body, which has not yet manifested clinically, i.e. does not have clear specific signs. However, in these cases, metabolic disorders are observed, which in one way or another negatively affect the general condition of the body: a person’s performance decreases, his resistance to diseases decreases, and the course of the existing disease worsens.

What specific conditions lead to the emergence and development of vitamin deficiency in the body?

Vitamins are actively involved in many metabolic processes by being included in enzyme systems or directly participating in various reactions body. More than a hundred enzyme systems are known that contain vitamins. It is necessary to emphasize once again the specificity of vitamins: they cannot be replaced by other substances. In the human body

They, as a rule, are not produced and come mainly from food. Thus, vitamins belong to the group of essential nutrients. The lack of a significant supply of vitamins in the body (with the exception of vitamins A and B 12) and their inevitable consumption in the process of metabolic reactions necessitate constant replenishment of vitamins. As many vitamins should be received as consumed. If the body receives fewer vitamins, this will affect the course of metabolic processes, the speed of biochemical reactions will sharply slow down or they will not take place at all; a metabolic disorder of one degree or another will occur, which ultimately leads to clinical manifestations of vitamin deficiency.

With a decrease in dosages of the above-mentioned minimum standards, these shifts deepen and against their background new qualitative reactions develop in the form of specific pathological processes (hypo- and avitaminosis) in a more or less pronounced form. At the same time, hypovitaminosis conditions are characterized by a significant diversity of manifestations in the absence of a delineated clinical picture. These conditions are caused mainly by metabolic disorders and functional failure of individual body systems.

The causes of vitamin metabolism disorders are quite diverse. It is customary to distinguish two main groups of factors leading to the development of vitamin deficiency:

Exogenous, external reasons, which cause the development of primary hypo- and avitaminosis.
Endogenous, internal reasons, leading to the development of secondary hypo- and avitaminosis.

There is a third group - these are mixed hypo- and vitamin deficiencies, the development of which involves factors of both external and internal order.

There are 3 forms of vitamin deficiency: nutritional, resorption and dissimilation.

The alimentary form in its origin is purely exogenous, primary hypo- and avitaminosis, caused by insufficient content (rarely complete absence) vitamins in food. Consequently, this form of hypovitaminosis is mainly caused by a violation of the dietary regime. At the same time, insufficient vitamin content in food can be a consequence of both irrational selection of products (lack of vegetables or improper storage, exclusion of black bread, etc.) and improper cooking.

However, in ensuring the vitamin content of the daily diet, not only the amount of vitamins introduced is important, but also the composition of the food, on which the body’s need for vitamins depends. It has been established that even with sufficient (according to norms) administration of vitamins, signs of vitamin deficiency may appear if the ratio of individual food components is disturbed in the diet. So, with a predominance of carbohydrates (above positive norms), the body requires an additional amount of vitamin B1. Consequently, if such a diet is maintained for a long time, the phenomena of B 1 deficiency may develop. At the same time, the consumption of vitamins B2 and C also clearly increases. The question of the protein content of the daily diet becomes especially important. It has been established that there is a close relationship and interdependence between food proteins and some vitamins, especially group B and vitamin C. With insufficient introduction of proteins (especially complete proteins), the body’s absorption of riboflavin, nicotinic acid, and ascorbic acid is significantly impaired. In the presence of protein starvation, these vitamins do not participate in metabolic processes and are quickly excreted in the urine, which leads to the development of a corresponding vitamin deficiency. If there is insufficient amount of protein in food, the conversion of carotene into vitamin A is delayed. Excessive amount of protein in the diet also leads to significant disturbances in the vitamin balance. It has been established that under such conditions the body’s need for B vitamins, primarily pyridoxine, increases.

Increasing the amount of protein in food increases the body's need for ascorbic acid. With a lack of vitamin C, the metabolic processes of amino acids such as tyrosine and phenylalanine are disrupted. In addition, it has recently been found that increasing protein in food reduces the body's need for pantothenic acid. With a small amount of protein, choline deficiency may occur. Consequently, both high and low protein content in food negatively affects the metabolism of vitamins.

The same situation occurs with different fat content in food. Its deficiency leads to impaired absorption fat-soluble vitamins, and an excess leads to a decrease in the synthesis of vitamin B2 by intestinal flora, thereby increasing the amount of riboflavin that must be administered with food.

However, the main practical significance acquire quantitative disturbances associated with a reduced content of individual vitamins in prepared foods. It is this path of vitamin imbalance that most often leads to the development of both nonspecific and specific pathological processes caused by vitamin deficiency.

The main reasons for reducing the amount of individual vitamins in prepared foods are:

improper storage of products, leading to the destruction of some vitamins (especially vitamin C);
monotonous diet that does not provide enough vegetables, which are the main carriers of vitamins C, P, etc.;
violation of the rules of culinary processing of products, which, together with unsatisfactory storage, can lead to a significant decrease in the amount of vitamins in prepared food;
improper storage of prepared dishes, violation of shelf life.

In practice, the mentioned reasons rarely exist in isolation from each other. More often they are combined and lead to a sharp reduction in vitamins daily ration. This is the main reason for the development of the nutritional form of vitamin deficiency. Consequently, in order to prevent nutritional (or, what is the same, exogenous) hypovitaminosis, it is necessary, first of all, to take care of preserving vitamins in food. This can be achieved if certain conditions are met.

During cooking of food (provided a decoction is used), 5 to 25% of vitamin B1 is lost. A significant role in this is played by the pH of the environment: when cooked in an alkaline environment, vitamin B1 is quickly destroyed, in a neutral environment it is sensitive to heat, and in an acidic environment, vitamin B1 is quickly destroyed. B 1 is heat resistant. Therefore, when cooking food, to better preserve this vitamin, it is useful to acidify it by adding tomato puree, sorrel and vinegar. Or this example: when consuming a sufficient amount of rye bread baked from whole flour, a person’s need for vitamin B 1 is completely satisfied and the occurrence of B 1 vitamin deficiency is practically eliminated.

Vitamin B 2 (riboflavin) is destroyed in an alkaline environment and in daylight. At the same time, it is resistant to heat (during cooking, baking and canning) and freezing. It is well preserved in an acidic environment, but heating in a slightly alkaline environment within an hour causes its destruction by 50%. In the sun, milk loses 60% of riboflavin within 3 hours.

The average loss of nicotinic acid during food storage and cooking is about 30%; When cooking meat, more is lost than when frying it.

The least stable vitamin is ascorbic acid. Therefore, special attention must be paid to its safety in food. The lack of fresh vegetables and fruits sharply impoverishes the daily diet, leading to a lack of vitamin C. However, it must be borne in mind that even in the presence of vegetables, their inept culinary processing can lead to the loss of 75-80% of vitamin C. In such cases, conditions are also created for the occurrence of hypovitaminosis conditions or significant deficiency of vitamin C in the body. Ascorbic acid is easily oxidized and thus loses its biological activity. Its oxidation occurs most easily in solutions (especially in alkalis) in the presence of oxygen. Even tiny amounts of iron and especially copper, which act as catalysts, destroy vitamin C. In the summer this is not so important: there is something to compensate for the losses. And in winter and, especially, early spring, vitamin reserves of almost all sources of ascorbic acid are significantly reduced. Perhaps only pine needles accumulate a significant additional portion of vitamin C in the cold: in pine and spruce needles in winter there is three times more “ascorbic acid” than in summer, in cedar - twice as much. But who would chew pine needles?

The vitamin C content is decisively influenced by the enzyme ascorbinase: it is found in fruits and vegetables and contributes to the process of its oxidation. There are two active forms of vitamin C - ascorbic acid (reduced form) and dehydroascorbic acid (oxidized form). They transform into each other relatively easily. This is due to the exceptional role of vitamin C in the redox processes occurring in our body. But the advanced oxidation process, stimulated by the enzyme, irreversibly destroys vitamin activity. Therefore, the more ascorbicase in a particular product, the worse the preservation of ascorbic acid in it. By the way, blanching fruits and vegetables, their processing hot water or steam is precisely intended to inactivate the work of this enzyme.

Currants are one of the champions in terms of vitamin C content, because they contain almost no ascorbinase. The vitamin is well preserved in currant berries and their processed products. In addition, currants contain quite a lot of vitamin P, which enhances useful action vitamin C. Let's note in passing: even currant leaves, which housewives willingly put in pickles for flavor, contain 100-200 mg of vitamin C. There is almost no ascorbinase in sweet peppers, rutabaga, tomatoes, and citrus fruits. Therefore, in lemons and oranges, six months after collection, 80-90% of the original amount of ascorbic acid is retained, and in the first two to three months of storage its amount even increases. It is also useful to know that the peels of citrus fruits contain two to three times more vitamin C than the pulp.

It is interesting to note that the concentration of vitamin C also depends on the type of apple: for example, Antonovka and Titovka have almost three times more ascorbic acid than other apples. The size of the fruit also plays a role (large ones are poorer in vitamins than medium ones), and the geography of growth - northern fruits are usually richer in ascorbic acid than southern ones.

Vitamin C and sun rays destroy it. So, diffused light for 5-6 minutes. destroys 64% of this vitamin in milk, and direct rays destroy more than 90%.

Vitamin C is almost completely destroyed when fruits are dried in the sun. Consequently, dried fruits often contain only traces of this vitamin. The freeze-drying method is promising in this regard, in which an average of 79% of vitamin C is retained in strawberries and raspberries. Ascorbic acid is quite stable at low temperatures, but it is quickly destroyed when thawed. Thus, cooking is always accompanied by the loss of a significant amount of vitamins. At the same time, more careful processing of products increases losses. So, in fried potatoes 35% of ascorbic acid is retained, and in potato casserole- only about 5%.

Proper organization of vegetable storage is of great importance for preserving vitamin C in products. Thus, their long-term storage always leads to some loss of ascorbic acid. Raw vegetables in spring usually contain half as much vitamin C as in autumn.

However, the degree of destruction of ascorbic acid depends not only on the duration of storage, but also on average temperature air and its access to storage. Thus, on average, over 9 months of storage of tomato products, the loss of vitamin C is at 2°-10, at 16-18° - about 20%, and at 37° - about 64%. (A.T. March, 1958). It should be noted that cabbage retains vitamin C better than other vegetables. Sour sauerkraut, stored under weight and covered with brine, almost completely retains vitamin C for 6-7 months. Freezing cabbage leads to a reduction in its content by 20-40%.

Increases the loss of vitamin C and the necessary washing of vegetables, especially cabbage. In sauerkraut, after washing in cold water, only 40% of vitamin C remains, in hot water - only 20%.

Particularly important for preserving vitamin C in food should be given to proper heat treatment of products and reducing the shelf life of prepared foods.

On average, during food storage and cooking, the total loss of vitamin C reaches 60%. However, if the basic rules of heat treatment are not followed, the destruction of vitamin C can reach significantly greater proportions.

To preserve vitamin C, it is of some importance whether vegetables (including frozen ones) are immersed in cold water or boiling water when cooking. When placing vegetables in cold water or broth, the loss of vitamin is greater than when placing them in boiling water. Contact of food with oxygen in the air is reduced if cooking is carried out in a covered container. When steaming spinach and sorrel intended for green cabbage soup in a sealed container, the loss of vitamin C does not exceed 10%, while carotene is completely preserved. Loss of vitamin C is reduced if foods are covered with fat. Thus, when frying potatoes with a small amount of fat, 70-80% of vitamin C is retained. Sautéing vegetables with heated fat also protects the vitamin from destruction.

The duration of heat treatment is also important: the longer it is, the greater the loss of ascorbic acid. Wherein great importance It also has the character of culinary processing. For clarity, we can provide data on the loss of vitamin C during various types of cooking.

Finally, it must be emphasized that storing prepared vegetable dishes sharply reduces their vitamin value. The loss of vitamin C in freshly prepared borscht ranges from 29 to 46%, and when storing borscht for 4 hours. - 70%. Reheating almost completely destroys the remaining ascorbic acid.

All these data indicate that ascorbic acid is retained in products and prepared foods only under certain conditions. Failure to comply with these conditions usually leads to the destruction of a significant part of the vitamin and, consequently, to a depletion of food in it.

In order to prevent hypovitaminosis, it is first of all necessary to take care of preserving ascorbic acid in food. This can be achieved if the following conditions are met.

In addition, in order to better preserve vitamins in food, substances that protect vitamins from destruction (stabilizers) are currently used. Highest value Stabilizers are available for such a low-stable vitamin as ascorbic acid.

It has been established that the stability of vitamin C is increased by such food substances that, with their consistency and viscosity, reduce the diffusion of air oxygen and weaken the effect of copper ions on ascorbic acid: starch, sugar in an acidic reaction and a layer of fat on the surface of this medium.

A stabilizing effect on vitamin C of starch and starch-containing products, in particular such as potato starch, wheat and rye flour, pearl barley and oatmeal, was noted. Thus, seasoning cabbage soup, borscht and vegetable soup with wheat flour (2-4%) increases the preservation of ascorbic acid in these dishes by 14-24%. To fortify food, the vitamin industry produces special tablets, containing 0.5 g of ascorbic acid each.

In order to ensure the vitamin value of food in hospitals (for children and adults), in nurseries, children's homes, children's sanatoriums and maternity hospitals, prepared foods are enriched with synthetic ascorbic acid. In accordance with the instructions of the USSR Ministry of Health, from 30 to 70 mg of ascorbic acid is added to ready-made meals for each child, and 100 mg of ascorbic acid is added to adult meals daily for a year. This measure is of particular importance, since its implementation significantly prevents the occurrence or worsening of deficiency of this vitamin in patients.

Vitamin deficiency develops not only with poor nutrition. Some physiological factors - periods of rapid growth in children, periods of pregnancy and lactation, heavy physical and nervous stress, temperature factors, sudden changes in climatic conditions - require their increased intake into the body. This is the so-called dissimilation form of vitamin deficiency. So, if under normal conditions an adult man should receive 1.7 mg of thiamine per day, then during heavy physical work - 2.2 mg. In high mountain conditions daily norm for vitamin C, instead of the usual 70 mg, it reaches 150 mg, and for B 1 - 10 mg.

Vitamin deficiency often occurs as a consequence of various infectious processes. It has been established that the more severe the infectious-toxic process, the more vitamins are consumed by the body. For example, in severe inflammatory diseases The body's need for ascorbic acid increases compared to the usual norm 5-7 times. The greatest deficiency of vitamins (especially ascorbic acid) develops with a long course of infectious-toxic processes. There was even a certain parallelism between the degree of C-vitamin saturation of the body and the outcome of the disease. The use of massive doses of vitamins is not only a means of treating patients, but also a preventive measure against possible hypovitaminosis.

It is known that in medical practice wide application found sulfa drugs and antibiotics. Meanwhile, it has been established that long-term use of these medicinal substances leads to the occurrence of certain types of hypovitaminosis. It has been proven that streptocide, sulfadimezin, norsulfazole have antivitamin properties against nicotinic and para-aminobenzoic acids. Special attention the interaction between vitamins and antibiotics is worthy in this regard. Thus, chlortetracycline, tetracycline, streptomycin and other antibiotics, suppressing the intestinal flora, inhibit the endogenous synthesis of certain vitamins, negatively affect their metabolism in the body, and the conversion of vitamins into active coenzyme forms. As a result, a deficiency of certain vitamins develops.

In some cases, endogenous hypovitaminosis develops (a resorption form of vitamin deficiency), which occurs when the absorption and accumulation of vitamins deteriorates, as well as when the conversion of vitamins into active coenzyme forms is impaired. Especially often, such hypovitaminosis develops when the function of the gastrointestinal tract is impaired, for example, with persistent vomiting, long-term dyspepsia due to severe infectious diseases or food poisoning.

Diseases or injuries of the liver lead to disruption of the metabolism of vitamins, their deposition and absorption.

With the aging of the body, hypo- and vitamin deficiencies are also observed, which may depend, on the one hand, on the lack of vitamins in food, and on the other hand, on disruption of the processes of their absorption and use in the body. Currently, many authors have proven the increased need for vitamins in the body of elderly and old people.

Vitamins in the prevention of hypo- and avitaminosis

How are the issues of preventing vitamin deficiency solved in our country? Mainly by providing the population complete products nutrition. Recommended standards for physiological needs for nutrients are established and approved by the USSR Ministry of Health. These standards take into account age, gender, degree of labor intensity, and level of wealth of the population utilities, climatic zone of residence. Separately, the need is established for pregnant women, nursing mothers, as well as for athletes during training and competition.

As already mentioned, the needs for a number of vitamins are largely determined by the calorie content and the ratio of nutrients in diets.

However, under certain conditions, which have already been mentioned above (spring-winter period, increased stress, elderly and senile age, some diseases), the need for additional use of vitamins has been proven in order to prevent hypovitaminosis conditions in the body.

Currently, in medical practice, monovitamin, multivitamin and complex multivitamin preparations with amino acids and microelements, and coenzyme forms of vitamins are used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes.

Monovitamin preparations. Preparations containing vitamin A of natural origin are used, as well as synthetic preparations of this vitamin - retinol acetate and retinol palmitate. Vitamin A is of great importance for human nutrition and health: it contributes to normal metabolism, growth and development of a growing organism; ensures normal functioning of the organ of vision; has a beneficial effect on the function of the lacrimal, sebaceous and sweat glands; increases resistance to diseases of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and intestines, as well as to any infection. Due to these biological properties, vitamin A is called an antixerophthalmic, anti-infective, and epithelial-protecting vitamin.

Insufficient intake of vitamin A into the body leads to the development of hypovitaminosis A, the characteristic signs of which are dry and pale skin, peeling, keratinization of hair follicles, acne formation, dry and dull hair, brittle and striated nails. There is also a decrease in appetite, increased fatigue. Often, especially in children, diseases of the digestive tract and respiratory tract occur. The organ of vision is affected.

Preventive doses of the vitamin are established based on the daily need of the human body for vitamins, and are usually used orally in the form of pills, granules, or oil solution. For the prevention and treatment of hypo- and avitaminosis A, rickets, fish oil and fortified fish oil are used.

Vitamin B 1 is used as a specific preventive and remedy for the prevention and treatment of hypo- and vitamin B1 deficiency. Vitamin deficiency is characterized by a general loss of strength, low temperature, headaches, insomnia, pain in the limbs, shortness of breath, gastrointestinal disorders.

Vitamin B 1 is produced in tablets or dragees (thiamine chloride and thiamine bromide). Vitamin B1, along with vitamin B2, is found in purified brewer's yeast, which is used for hypovitaminosis B1, metabolic disorders, and decreased appetite; vitamin B 1 is also contained in the preparation “Gefefitin” - tablets consisting of dry yeast and phytin.

If there is insufficient intake of pyridoxine into the body, the phenomena of B6 hypovitaminosis may develop. In children early age this manifests itself in growth retardation, gastrointestinal disorders, increased excitability, convulsions, anemia; in adults - loss of appetite, nausea, anxiety, conjunctivitis, dry seborrheic dermatitis; in pregnant women - irritability, depression, insomnia, psychotic reactions, nausea and vomiting. To prevent pyridoxine deficiency in newborns, vitamin B6 is prescribed to women in the last months of pregnancy. Prevention of B6-vitaminosis also consists of prescribing pyridoxine during treatment of patients with sulfonamides and antibiotics. For this purpose, our industry produces tablets that contain antibiotics together with an appropriate dose of vitamin B 6.

Prevention of ovitamin deficiency consists in systematically providing a person with the necessary amount of ascorbic acid. Crystalline ascorbic acid and preparations containing it are used for preventive and therapeutic purposes in all cases when the body requires additional administration of this vitamin: for the prevention and treatment of scurvy, hemorrhagic diathesis, for nasal, pulmonary and other bleeding, for infectious diseases and intoxications. The drug is also prescribed for intense physical work, mental stress, during pregnancy and lactation. Release forms: powder, dragees, vitamin C tablets with glucose (for children).

To prevent vitamin C deficiency, it is necessary to widely use wild greens and prepare infusions of pine needles and rose hips. IN pharmacy chain The following preparations from rose hips are available: rose hip syrup with vitamins C and P (given for preventive purposes to children); fortified rosehip syrup; tablets of vitamins P and C from rose hips; vitamin tea: tea No. 1 - rose hips and black currants; tea No. 2 - rose hips and rowan berries.

For the prevention and treatment of hypo- and avitaminosis P and for diseases accompanied by impaired vascular permeability, vitamin P preparations are used. At the same time, it is recommended to use ascorbic acid. As P-vitamin products the following preparations are used: rutin, ascorutin (tablets containing rutin and ascorbic acid), quercetin, vitamin P from the leaves of the tea plant, vitamin P from citrus fruits, vitamin P from the fruits of chokeberry (aronia), vitamin P from the aronia multivelia (buplerin) .

Not everyone knows that ordinary tea - green, black long leaf and other varieties - is a preventive measure for vitamin deficiency. It is known that tea relieves fatigue, activates thinking, and restores vigor and efficiency. This is what L.N. Tolstoy said: “I had to drink a lot of tea, because I couldn’t work without it. Tea freed those possibilities that lay dormant in the depths of my soul, giving me the opportunity to create.” However, tea is primarily a vitamin bouquet, an elixir of substances vital for the human body. Vitamins B 1, B 2, B 3, PP, K, E were found in tea. All this gives tea as a nutritious product great value, but basically it should be considered a natural preparation of such a rare combination as vitamins C and P. By quantity The vitamin C content of tea leaves is second only to rose hips. Sufficient amounts of vitamin C are also found in finished product tea: green tea leaves contain 3-4 times more vitamin C than lemon and orange.

Prevention of D-vitaminosis (rickets) or D-hypovitaminosis (hidden rickets), accompanied by metabolic changes, irritability, motor restlessness, etc., should begin even before birth. Vitamin D regulates the exchange of phosphorus and calcium in the body, promotes the absorption of these substances by the intestines, and their timely deposition into growing bones.

Vitamin D is prescribed to a pregnant woman throughout the entire period of pregnancy (especially in the last 2-3 months), as well as in the first 7 months of breastfeeding. Human milk with normal nutrition it does not contain vitamin D. Only with ample administration of it with food or when a nursing woman is irradiated with ultraviolet rays can it be found in milk in noticeable quantities. If a child receives a balanced diet and spends a lot of time outdoors in the summer and receives ultraviolet radiation in the winter, then such a child does not need to be given vitamin D. Before irradiation and during the first 10 days of irradiation, it is recommended to take calcium chloride. The administration of vitamin D should be supplemented by introducing juices containing other vitamins into the child’s diet. Prevention of rickets should continue during the first 2-3 years of the child’s life. If a child has suffered from rickets, then in order to prevent its recurrence in winter, vitamin D or fish oil should be given, which is even better, since it also contains vitamin A, which is also necessary for the child.

Multivitamin preparations. In nature, vitamins are found in different combinations. Plant products often contain a number of B vitamins, vitamin C, etc. Fish fat simultaneously contains vitamins A and D. Combinations of vitamins are also found in other products of animal origin. In some cases, vitamins mutually enhance the physiological effects they provide: for example, the effect of vitamin P on vascular permeability is enhanced by the action of ascorbic acid; The effect of folic acid and cyanocobalamin on hematopoiesis is mutually enhanced. In some cases, the toxicity of vitamins is reduced when used in combination; Thus, the toxicity of vitamin D is reduced by the influence of vitamin A.

Actively participating in various biochemical processes, vitamins can, when used in combination, have a stronger and more versatile biological effect. These and other features of the action of vitamins serve as the basis for their combined use for both preventive and therapeutic purposes. The use of multivitamin preparations is also dictated by the fact that in practice polyhypovitaminosis is more common than individual hypovitaminosis, although the manifestation of deficiency of one of the vitamins is the leading one.

Combining vitamins can be done either by individual selection of appropriate combinations or by combining ready-made multivitamin preparations. The following ready-made multivitamin preparations are available.

Asnitin (tablets containing ascorbic and nicotinic acids, thiamine and glucose). Used for the prevention of hypovitaminosis conditions and during significant physical and neuropsychic stress.

Tetravit (dragés containing vitamins B 1, B 2, PP and C). Prescribed for the prevention of hypovitaminosis in persons working in hot shops, at high external temperatures, heavy physical activity, accompanied by a large consumption of vitamins.

Hexavit (dragés containing 6 vitamins: A 1, B 1, B 2, PP, B 6, C). They are used for the prevention of hypovitaminosis, during long-term treatment with antibiotics, and are also recommended for people whose work requires increased visual acuity.

Multivitamins A, B 1, B 2, B 6, PP, P, C (coated tablets). This multivitamin preparation has advantages over similar drugs A, B 1, B 2, C and Hexavit in that it contains vitamins B 6, PP, P. It is used as a prophylactic for conditions accompanied by an increased need for vitamins: increased physical and neuropsychic stress, general malnutrition, as well as to increase the body’s resistance to infectious and colds during long-term use antibiotics.

Undevit (dragés containing 11 vitamins). It is used to improve metabolic processes and the general condition of middle-aged and elderly people, as well as in cases of premature aging.

Decamevit (coated tablets containing 10 vitamins and the amino acid methionine). Used for hypo- and avitaminosis, to improve metabolism and general condition in old and senile age, for mental and physical exhaustion, sleep and appetite disorders, during treatment with antibiotics, during the recovery period after serious illnesses.

Undevit and Decamevit belong to the group of geriatric medicines.

Gendevit is a multivitamin preparation containing vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, C, D2, B12, E, nicotinamide, calcium pantothenate and folic acid. It is used during pregnancy and lactation. During pregnancy, childbirth, and also during lactation, the woman’s body’s need for vitamins increases. This is due to increased metabolism due to neuroendocrine changes, the need to satisfy the fetus’s needs for vitamins, as well as the birth act itself. The fetus is very sensitive to the exchange of vitamins already at early stages of its development.

During the formation of the fetus, some vitamins (B 1, B 2, B 6, B 12, C, PP) pass through the placenta from the mother’s blood. Therefore, during pregnancy, these vitamins must be supplied to the mother’s body in sufficient quantities. In later stages of pregnancy, vitamins A, D and K, which the developing fetus needs, should be introduced into the mother's body. During the feeding period, vitamins are released from the woman’s body along with milk. Therefore, the need of breastfeeding women for vitamins is increased; and during this period, just as during pregnancy, manifestations of vitamin deficiency are often observed. Vitamin deficiency in pregnant women negatively affects not only the condition of the mother, but also the development and viability of the fetus. As a result of the preventive use of vitamins by pregnant women, the number of cases of toxicosis decreases, the danger premature birth, labor is improved, the possibility of bleeding during childbirth is reduced, and the morbidity of newborns is reduced.

The pharmacological properties of the drug "Gendevit" are determined by the vitamins included in its composition. Thus, vitamin A is necessary for the normal process of fertilization, for the structure and vascularization of the placenta, for the proper development of the fetus, especially in the first days of pregnancy. Vitamin B1 has a beneficial effect on the muscles of the uterus and has a positive effect on subsequent labor. Vitamin B 6 is effective in the treatment of early toxicosis of pregnancy. To successfully prevent late toxicosis of pregnancy, a combination of pyridoxine, folic acid and vitamin C is successful. The administration of vitamin C during the last months of pregnancy prevents postpartum hemorrhage. Vitamin PP is effective against early toxicosis of pregnancy and inhibition of the motor function of the pregnant uterus. Prescribing vitamin D to pregnant women significantly reduces the possibility of rickets in children in the first months of life. Vitamin B 12 and folic acid are important for preventing anemia in pregnant women. Vitamin E promotes fertilization, normal fetal development and lactation. Pantothenic acid is effective for toxicosis of pregnancy; in addition, the need for it increases in nursing women. Thus, B complex vitamins in combination with ascorbic and folic acids help prevent complications of pregnancy and childbirth, have a positive effect on moderate anemia in pregnant women, and enhance lactation. The use of the drug "Gendevit" for prophylactic purposes leads to a decrease in the percentage of toxicosis of pregnancy and premature birth, to an improvement in the quality of obstetric care (reducing the duration of labor, reducing the weakness of labor, reducing the possibility of bleeding during childbirth, reducing the percentage of stillbirths). When using the drug by nursing women, lactation increases and appetite increases. Children whose mothers received vitamins for preventive purposes developed better. There was a decrease in the percentage of births of hypotrophic children, the percentage of morbidity and infant mortality during the first six months of life. The use of the drug "Gendevit" with therapeutic purpose alone and in combination with other drugs leads to an improvement in general condition, increased appetite, normalization of weight and blood pressure, normalization of diuresis and reduction of other symptoms of toxicosis, prevention of antenatal fetal death, reduction of anemia during pregnancy and postpartum.

In medical practice, natural multivitamin preparations are used: sea buckthorn oil - a mixture of carotene and carotenoids, tocopherols and unsaturated fatty acids; rose hips, carotolins and others.

Modern sport, characterized by a continuous increase in results, a great intensification of the training process, as well as the holding of many competitions in difficult climatic conditions (medium mountains, hot climates), places extremely high demands on the athlete’s body. Increasing performance and accelerating the recovery period after physical activity is achieved through vitamin therapy and vitamin prophylaxis. Undevit, Decamevit, used by athletes during training and competitions, correct vitamin deficiency, often observed in these conditions.

Vitamins in the prevention of various diseases

The vital importance of vitamins for the human body is by no means limited to the prevention or treatment of the corresponding vitamin deficiency. Actively participating in various enzymatic processes, vitamins have a pronounced regulatory effect on the entire metabolic process and on the functional state of individual human organs and systems. A complete vitamin balance contributes to a greater extent to the process of assimilation (assimilation) and regulation of the functional state, both in normal and pathological conditions. The positive effect of vitamins on the functional state of individual organs and systems of the body, as well as on its overall reactivity, creates the possibility of their use as nonspecific (pharmacodynamic) agents.

B. A. Lavrov, the founder of Soviet vitaminology, wrote that in the future it would be advisable to use vitamins as highly reactogenic substances capable of increasing the tone of physiological processes in the body both under normal and pathological conditions.

Currently, their nonspecific pharmacodynamic effects are widely used in medical practice (for a wide variety of diseases). It has been established that some vitamins, interacting with each other, have a similar clinical and physiological effect.

Vitamin prevention and vitamin therapy are an important factor in the treatment of infectious diseases. It has been established that in the development and course of the infectious process, both the causative agent of the disease and the state of the body, its immunobiological resistance, are of great importance. The degree of saturation of the body with individual vitamins has a pronounced impact not only on the nature of the initial period, but also on the further course of the disease and its outcome. An infectious disease that occurs against the background of vitamin deficiency occurs in conditions of reduced reactivity of the body. In the future, the lack of additional fortification leads to a worsening of general hypovitaminosis also because during an infectious disease the body's need for vitamins sharply increases due to increased metabolism. The intake of vitamins from food, as a rule, decreases (a sharp decrease in the patient’s appetite, disruption of the absorption of vitamins in the intestines, disruption of their metabolism in the liver and other organs).

Vitamin C plays a particularly important role in the treatment of various infectious diseases. It has been shown that vitamin C, when exposed directly, causes a slowdown in the growth of some pathogenic bacteria and even their death. In the very initial period of upper respiratory tract disease, when there is a feeling of irritation of the mucous membrane of the nose and throat, a single dose of 1 g of ascorbic acid (two days in a row) often stops the development of the disease. If it is taken a day later, this effect is not achieved, although the disease progresses in more mild form. Large doses of vitamin C (1 g each), used for 2 days, can be an effective prophylactic during an influenza epidemic.

While attaching crucial importance to vitamins C and A in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, one should not lose sight of the importance of other vitamins, in particular B-complex vitamins. It is known that thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine and nicotinic acid have positive influence on the functional activity of the central nervous system. If we consider that immune reactions and body resistance are closely related and depend on the state of higher nervous activity and metabolism, it becomes clear positive value, which is given to these vitamins in the treatment and prevention of various infectious processes. Therefore, in the complex treatment of infectious diseases, it is recommended to use combinations of vitamins C, B1, B2, B6, PP and A. The need to include vitamins in the complex treatment of infectious diseases is also due to the fact that large doses of sulfonamide drugs and antibiotics are widely used in the treatment of these diseases , which, as we said, disrupt the metabolism of vitamins, reduce their level in the body and, conversely, high concentrations vitamins enhance the antibacterial effect of the mentioned drugs.

Currently, the attention of practitioners is attracted to research aimed at combating various side effects medicinal substances. Typically, these pathological conditions arise due to the fact that in the body, saturated with drugs, the intensity of various enzyme systems that convert toxic substances into inactive products is reduced.

Considering the fact that vitamins can have a significant effect on biochemical processes, an attempt was made to use them as regulators of detoxification reactions in various poisonings. Fatigue, headache, confusion and other symptoms that people experience after long-term use sleeping pills (barbiturates) may be associated with impaired metabolism of ascorbic acid, and, as a consequence, with impaired inactivation (destruction) of drugs.

Experimental studies have shown that ascorbic acid promotes the conversion of sleeping pills into inactive breakdown products. This was confirmed and clinical observations. Vitamin B 15 reduces toxic effects in acute and chronic poisoning alcohol and certain drugs, long-term use of sleeping pills, antibiotics, carbon tetrachloride and dichloroethane poisoning. The positive effect of pangamic acid is due to an increase in the activity of the oxidation process, more full use oxygen in cellular metabolism. There is evidence that lipoic acid also has detoxifying properties. Lipoic acid is a coenzyme that takes part in the regulation of fat and carbohydrate metabolism, affects cholesterol metabolism and is a neutralizer for poisoning with heavy metal salts. Lipoic acid and lipoic acid amide (lipamide) are used for preventive and therapeutic purposes in diseases of the heart and liver.

Currently, doctors have three coenzymes in their arsenal, which in their medicinal properties are more active than their founders - vitamins. For example, cocarboxylase is a coenzyme of enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism processes. Thiamine (vitamin B 1), introduced into the body to participate in biochemical processes, must first be phosphorylated and converted into cocarboxylase. The latter, therefore, is a ready-made form of coenzyme formed from thiamine during its transformation in the body. The therapeutic effect of cocarboxylase is associated with a beneficial effect on metabolic processes. The administration of the drug often helps to reduce pain during angina pectoris, slow down and normalize the rhythm during arrhythmias, relieve precomatose and comatose states for liver diseases, diabetes mellitus, etc. Riboflavin mononucleotide, like cocarboxylase, has a biological effect similar to that of vitamins and enzymes. Being a product of phosphorylation of riboflavin (vitamin B2), it is ready-made form a coenzyme produced in the body from riboflavin. In some eye diseases, the process of phosphorylation of vitamin B2 is disrupted and treatment with the vitamin becomes ineffective. The use of a ready-made coenzyme form gives good healing effect. In addition, riboflavin mononucleotide is used as a general tonic for eating disorders, neurasthenia, and skin diseases.

We have already talked about the third coenzyme - lipoic acid.

Vitamins are widely used for the prevention and treatment of skin diseases. The occurrence of many skin diseases is associated with disruption of the activities of various organs and systems of the body, including changes in biochemical metabolic processes in the skin. That is why in such diseases not only general but also local action vitamins contained in solutions, ointments and creams. Normal metabolism in the skin can only take place in the presence of a number of vitamins: pyridoxine, nicotinic acid, riboflavin, thiamine, pantothenic acid, etc.

Pantothenic acid normalizes the activity of the sebaceous glands and promotes hair growth. Vitamins A, C, B 2, B 12 improve the treatment of seborrhea (dandruff). The content of ascorbic acid in the skin varies depending on age. Children have much more vitamin C in their skin than older people. A decrease in its content during aging leads to disruption of the ability of skin cells to reproduce and self-renew. Vitamin C affects sulfur metabolism in the skin. Sulfur is part of keratin and takes part in the biochemical processes that determine hair growth (B vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins A and E, vitamin F, etc. also affect sulfur metabolism in the body).

Vitamins are also necessary therapeutic agents in the treatment of eczema, furunculosis, psoriasis, and diathesis in children.

It is known that in the development of atherosclerosis, the processes of disruption are of primary importance fat metabolism. And vitamins as metabolic regulators find their use in the prevention and treatment of this disease. Both monovitamin and multivitamin preparations are used: “Aevit” (vitamins A+E), “Aerovit” (contains 11 vitamins). There is evidence of the anti-sclerotic effect of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps to “cleanse” the walls of blood vessels from cholesterol, therefore it is recommended to take 0.5 g of vitamin C daily for preventive purposes, and for patients with atherosclerosis and those prone to it - 1 g.

Aerovit is used for preventive purposes by pilots and people in other specialties who are exposed to extreme factors (vibration, motion sickness, overload, etc.).

Pangexavit and Pentovit are used as general tonic drugs. These are multivitamins used for infectious and inflammatory processes, diseases of the skin and eyes, as well as in complex therapy for diseases of the peripheral and central nervous systems.

Thus, vitamins can rightfully be included in the arsenal of numerous medications used for the prevention and treatment of various diseases.

But are vitamins really that perfect? We have already said that often the role of biocatalysts is played not by vitamins, but by their active coenzyme forms. Meanwhile, for diseases of the liver, gastrointestinal tract and infectious diseases vitamins are either poorly absorbed or are not converted into coenzymes. In such cases, no matter how many vitamins we use, the phenomenon of hypovitaminosis cannot be eliminated.

Some diseases require an increased content of one or another vitamin in the tissues, and the penetration of such a vitamin into these organs can be limited. There are certain enzymes in the human body that break down vitamins, turning them into inactive forms.

How do we combat these vitamin deficiencies?

Scientists have carried out chemical transformations of some vitamins, as a result of which new derivatives have been obtained that have the ability to be quickly absorbed into the blood and better penetrate the cells of various organs. These compounds turned out to be more resistant to the destructive effects of enzymes. In the cells of the body they are converted into ordinary vitamins, which ultimately go towards building the corresponding enzymes. Thus, phosphothiamine-phosphorus ester of thiamine (vitamin B 1) is more easily converted into cocarboxylase, is more deposited in body tissues, and is destroyed to a lesser extent by the enzyme thiaminase than thiamine. It is used for the prevention and treatment of B1-vitamin deficiency and as a pharmacodynamic agent for diseases of the nervous, cardiovascular systems, and digestive organs. Benfotiamine, a benzoyl derivative of thiamine, has B1-vitamin activity and has a number of advantages over thiamine: low toxicity, better absorption, better permeability through biological membranes, and is less likely to cause allergic complications.

Currently, rapidly absorbed derivatives of nicotinic acid, vitamins C and A have been obtained.

Modification (change) of the folic acid molecule led to the creation of an antivitamin - amethopterin (methotrexate), which is used in oncological practice.

The concept of hypervitaminosis

Unfortunately, there is an opinion that vitamins are completely harmless to humans. This is mistake! Like everything biologically active substances, vitamins in excessively large doses can cause poisoning. Such toxic conditions are called hypervitaminosis. There are acute hypervitaminosis, which develops after a single dose of a massive dose of the vitamin, and chronic hypervitaminosis, which occurs as a result of long-term intake of increased doses of the vitamin. There are also intermediate forms between acute and chronic intoxication.

Vitamins of group D have the most pronounced toxic effect. The pathological effect and severity of intoxication depend not only on the amount of vitamin taken, but also on individual sensitivity to it.

Hypervitaminosis D is common, mainly in young children, and is usually associated with taking large doses of the vitamin in the prevention and treatment of rickets. It often develops both due to parents’ violation of doctors’ instructions (significantly exceeding the dose of calciferol) and due to leakage of the bottle, as a result of which the alcohol evaporates and the concentration of vitamin D increases.

Lack of knowledge among the population about the possible harm of large doses of vitamin and lack of alertness to the initial manifestations of intoxication are the main reasons for the occurrence of hypervitaminosis, including D.

With hypervitaminosis D, the calcium content in the blood sharply increases, which leads to the deposition of salts in the tissues of the heart, kidneys, and lungs; The nervous system does not remain unaffected. Patients with hypervitaminosis D complain of general weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Often headaches, diarrhea occur, and body temperature rises. The skin takes on a grayish-yellow color, becomes dry, and begins to peel. Activities are disrupted of cardio-vascular system and kidneys. U infants hypervitaminosis D is manifested by softening of the edges of the fontanel and the bones of the back of the head, vomiting, anxiety, they stop gaining weight.

Hypervitaminosis A leads to the development of a severe pathological condition, characteristic features which - headache, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Cases of acute hypervitaminosis A occur among residents (visitors) of the Far North when consuming the liver of polar birds, polar bears, walruses, seals and whales. The local population has not eaten the liver of these animals for a long time; it is also prohibited to give it to dogs. A single dose of 100-500 g of such liver causes intoxication in adults.

The development of symptoms of acute hypervitaminosis A can also occur with accidental intake of a large amount of a vitamin preparation. In infants, acute hypervitaminosis A occurs within 12 hours. after taking a large dose of vitamin A. Chronic form this condition is characterized by them increased irritability, loss of appetite, hair loss. A rash appears on the skin, cracks form, and bleeding of the mucous membranes of the lips occurs.

Hypervitaminosis A leads to vitamin C deficiency in the body and can cause scurvy. Vitamins of group B (B 1, B 2, B 6, B 12) in increased doses can also have a negative effect on the body. In some cases, patients experience severe shock. Allergic reactions that occur both with intravenous and intramuscular injection large doses of pyridoxine, cyanocobalamin and especially thiamine. There is information about possible human reactions (especially pregnant women) in response to the administration of large doses of ascorbic acid.

It must be remembered that vitamins are wonderful natural remedies- are so biologically active and diverse in their action that their uncontrolled use can cause great harm.

“If you look around with the eyes of a doctor looking for medicines, you can say that we live in a world of medicines... There is no substance in nature that would not be suitable as a medicine,” says one of the commandments of ancient Buddhist medicine. Vitamins are also medicines, and they should be used only on the recommendation and prescription of a doctor!

“Health is a gift of nature, which is not given to us forever,” said Academician of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences, Hero of Socialist Labor E.M. Gareev in one of his speeches.

To enjoy the treasures of nature, a person must be healthy and strong. Each of us wants to live and be able to work as long as possible, without feeling the burden of old age. An assistant in the fight against premature aging The human body, in the fight against various diseases and simply with fatigue that occurs after hard physical and mental labor, are vitamins - substances absolutely necessary for the functioning of the body. Vitamins are rightfully among the main therapeutic and preventive means that help Soviet healthcare solve important problems of preserving the health and working capacity of the population.

Health is a priceless gift, carefully presented to every person by Mother Nature. Even the World Health Organization admits that only 30% of health depends on medical factors, of which 15% falls to genetics and another 15% to the level of medical care. The remaining 70% is directly related to a person’s lifestyle: his behavior, inclinations, habits and, of course, nutrition. A balanced diet plays an important role in maintaining full functioning, growth, development and physical abilities. However, in addition to traditional nutrients, which include proteins, fats and carbohydrates, vitamins can also be considered vital substances.

These substances are organic low-molecular compounds that are components of about 150 enzymes. That is, without vitamins, no one is possible physiological process. In addition, vitamin complexes increase the body’s resistance to external factors, including viral and bacterial infections, help to adapt to a dynamic environmental situation, cope with stress and fatigue. These substances control metabolism, hormone synthesis, energy exchange, maintenance of performance and full functionality. Therefore, an insufficient supply of vitamins sooner or later leads to a complete malfunction of the body and deterioration of health.

Unfortunately, not all vitamins can be synthesized in the body independently - most of them come from outside. Plus: some of them cannot accumulate in cells, so intake must be regular and complete. Adequate intake of vitamins depends primarily on a well-designed diet, including natural sources of these substances: vegetables, fruits, cereals, nuts and other plant products. Of course, modern pharmacology produces many synthetic additives and medications, which are analogues of natural extracted substances, however, they still cannot replace the correct vitamins of natural origin, which are absorbed naturally and without problems.

Classification of vitamins

The modern classification of vitamins includes two conditional groups: water-soluble and fat-soluble. This criterion is based on the physical properties of substances: some of them are better accepted by the body when taken in liquid or natural form, and some only when combined with vegetable oils. Therefore, before considering the question of what vitamins the body needs and how they can be obtained, it is worth deciding on the classification of these substances, because their optimal digestibility and maximum benefit depend on this.

What vitamins are fat soluble?

Obviously, fat-soluble vitamins are substances that actively dissolve in fats and are absorbed in this form in the body. It is noteworthy that these components can accumulate in adipose tissue, creating a fairly large reserve in case of subsequent nutritional deficiency. Having reached a certain level, they enter the liver and are gradually excreted in the urine. Therefore, a deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins in the body is much less common than an excess.

Nevertheless, it is impossible to completely exclude hypo- and hypervitaminosis of these substances. An overdose most often occurs with a single consumption of an extremely large dose, however, with a balanced diet, such a condition is almost impossible. The same applies to the disadvantage - a harmonious menu and correct image life minimize the possibility of encountering such a condition.

Fat-soluble vitamins: names

Water-soluble vitamins: list of substances

Along with fat-soluble vitamins, there are also water-soluble vitamins, which, accordingly, dissolve in water. These substances are easily absorbed into the cells of the intestinal tract and from there enter the general bloodstream, spreading throughout the body. The main sources of such components are plant foods, which should be on the table every day. This approach to menu planning is primarily due to the fact that water-soluble vitamins cannot accumulate in the body - the maximum period for which they are retained is only a few days, after which the molecules are safely excreted in the urine. Due to such transit properties, hypovitaminosis of this group of substances is much more common than an excess of fat-soluble vitamins. But if necessary, it is possible to make up for their deficiency quite simply - water-soluble substances are absorbed very quickly.

The list of water-soluble vitamins is longer than that of fat-soluble substances. The most significant of them are presented in the table:

Vitamin	Biological effect	Nomenclature name
B - B1	antineuritis	thiamine
B - B2	growth stimulant	riboflavin
B - B3	antipellagritic	a nicotinic acid
B - B5	antianemic	pantothenic acid
B - B6	antidermatitis	pyridoxine
B - B9	antianemic	folic acid
B - B12	antianemic	cyanocobalamin
WITH	anti-corruption	ascorbic acid
N	antiseborrheic	biotin
R	capillary-strengthening	bioflavonoids

Vitamin-like substances

When talking about vitamins, it is impossible not to at least briefly mention vitamin-like substances. On the one hand, their molecules are completely different from most vitamins: they have a complex structure, which is why in most cases they are used only as extracted plant components. In addition, the body needs them in minimal quantities, however, completely excluding them from the daily diet is unforgivable and risky.

Although vitamin-like substances themselves do not belong to the category of vital substances, their lack negatively affects metabolism in general and the activity of other vitamins in particular. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that sources of these components are also present in the daily menu.

As for the most popular vitamin-like substances, these include:

Natural sources of vitamins

In order to provide the body with everything necessary substances, it is not at all necessary to swallow pills, dietary supplements and other pharmaceutical products - best vitamins Nature has already prepared for us, making sure that people can get all the necessary components from plant foods. This approach has no disadvantages: natural substances are easily absorbed and do not cause side effects or allergic reactions. How to create a diet to get everything you need from food and maintain your health? Focus on the list, including the names of vitamins and their sources!

The right vitamins are natural! List of products that must be consumed

Taking vitamins daily is the key to health and longevity

With knowledge of what vitamins are necessary to maintain health and how you can get them, it will be easy for you to create the right menu to provide your body with everything it needs to maintain normal functioning. Do not neglect these recommendations, because without a normal supply of vitamins, a full life is in principle impossible. Nature has already prepared for you everything that is most necessary and valuable; all you have to do is use this gift correctly. Remember that the best treatment is prevention!

Back at the end of the 19th century, one of the things that was done in medicine was greatest discoveries throughout history. The English scientist F. Hopkins was one of the first to establish that the human body contains substances, changes in the balance of which lead to various disorders, diseases and even death. Later, these chemical compounds were called “vitamins.”

Discovery of vitamins

Back in the second half of the century before last, scientists believed that the nutritional value of products lies in the content of water, mineral salts, as well as proteins, fats and carbohydrates. But at the same time, the experience of navigation accumulated over several centuries argued that even with sufficient quantities of drink and food on long sea voyages, sailors suffered from scurvy and died from infectious diseases.

In 1880, Nikolai Lunin, a famous Russian scientist who studied the role of minerals in nutrition, noticed that experimental mice that consumed a synthetic diet of milk casein, fat, salt and sugar died over time. The same animals that received natural milk remained healthy and active. So it became clear that milk contains special substances, indispensable in the nutrition process.

16 years later, the cause of the beriberi disease, which affected people in Korea, Indonesia and Japan who ate refined rice, was found. The Dutch doctor Christian Eijkman worked at the Java prison hospital at that time. He noticed that chickens that ate brown rice did not get sick, while those that were fed processed grains died from a disease very similar to beriberi. At the same time, as soon as the food was replaced, the disease subsided.

In 1911, Polish chemist Casimir Funk first isolated a crystalline vitamin from ordinary rice husks. After conducting a series of experiments, he concluded that the development of the mysterious chicken disease is stopped by the nitrogen-containing component amine, which was later named vitamin B1. Some time later, Funk came up with a common name for similar chemical compounds, which consists of Latin words“vita” and “amine”, translated meaning “life” and “nitrogen”.

Values of vitamins in modern medicine

Today, more than 20 types of vitamins are known, which are components of enzymes and cell membranes. These chemical compounds take an active part in almost all life processes. Vitamins are indispensable in the prevention and treatment of scurvy, rickets, various types hypovitaminosis and a huge number of various diseases. In addition, a vitamin course is mandatory during the rehabilitation process after illnesses and surgical operations.

Vitamins: types, indications for use, natural sources. Application in medicine. Diseases of the nervous system, in the treatment of which B vitamins are used

Why are vitamins needed?

Classification

Brief characteristics of individual vitamins

Vitamin A (retinol)

Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)

Vitamin B4 (choline)

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

Vitamin B8 (inositol)

Vitamin B9 ()

Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)

Vitamin D (ergocalciferol)

Vitamin E (tocopherol)

Vitamin K (menadione)

Vitamin L-Carnitine

Vitamin P (B3, citrine)

Vitamin PP (niacin, nicotinamide)

Vitamin U (S-methylmethionine)

Do I need to take vitamin supplements regularly?

What are vitamins

Natural sources of vitamins

Vitamin deficiency

Vitamins in the prevention of hypo- and avitaminosis

Vitamins in the prevention of various diseases

The concept of hypervitaminosis

Classification of vitamins

What vitamins are fat soluble?

Fat-soluble vitamins: names

Water-soluble vitamins: list of substances

Vitamin-like substances

Natural sources of vitamins

The right vitamins are natural! List of products that must be consumed

Taking vitamins daily is the key to health and longevity

Discovery of vitamins

Values ​​of vitamins in modern medicine

Values of vitamins in modern medicine