Vitamins: Complete NEET Reference
Fat-soluble Vitamins (ADEK):
| Vitamin | Chemical Name | Source | Deficiency Disease | Biochemical Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Retinol | Liver, carrots | Night blindness, xerophthalmia | Rhodopsin synthesis; epithelial integrity |
| D | Calciferol (D3) | Sunlight, fish | Rickets (child), osteomalacia (adult) | absorption; bone mineralisation |
| E | Tocopherol | Oils, nuts | Infertility; haemolytic anaemia | Antioxidant (scavenges free radicals) |
| K | Phylloquinone (K1) | Green vegetables | Delayed blood clotting | Cofactor for gamma-carboxylation of clotting factors |
Water-soluble Vitamins (B-complex + C):
| Vitamin | Chemical Name | Coenzyme Form | Deficiency Disease |
|---|---|---|---|
| B1 | Thiamine | TPP | Beriberi |
| B2 | Riboflavin | FAD, FMN | Cheilosis (cracked lip corners) |
| B3 | Niacin | N, NA | Pellagra (4 Ds) |
| B5 | Pantothenic acid | CoA | Rare (burning feet syndrome) |
| B6 | Pyridoxine | PLP | Convulsions; peripheral neuropathy |
| B7 | Biotin | Biotinyl-enzyme | Dermatitis; hair loss (rare) |
| B9 | Folic acid | THF | Megaloblastic anaemia; NTDs |
| B12 | Cyanocobalamin | Methylcobalamin | Pernicious anaemia; subacute degeneration |
| C | Ascorbic acid | Direct antioxidant | Scurvy |
Mnemonics:
- Fat-soluble: "ADEK — All Dissolve Easily in fat, Kool"
- "The ABCs: All B-vitamins and C are water-soluble"
- B12 special facts: Cobalt-containing, synthesised by microorganisms, needs intrinsic factor, stored long-term in liver