Water-Soluble Vitamins Functions-TSHblog
Functions of Water Soluble Vitamins
What are water soluble vitamins?
As this categorization of vitamins is based on its solubility, so the vitamins that are soluble in water are known as water soluble vitamins.
Types of Water Soluble Vitamins
The water soluble vitamins are nine in numbers which include Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B7, Vitamin B9 and Vitamin B12. The functions of these vitamins are described in detail below
Functions of Vitamin C
Vitamin C as antioxidant
Vitamin C is the most important source of antioxidant, it helps the body to reduce oxidative stress, and it is a condition created by the accumulations of free radicals in the body. Antioxidant level can be increased by 30% by taking Vitamin C supplements.
Lowering blood pressure and risk of Heart attack
Although the use of vitamin C can help the body to reduce blood pressure. But it is not sure that its effect is enough to rely on it as a treatment. But however different studies show that on average a reduction of 4.9 mmHg in systolic blood pressure and 1.7 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure occur by using vitamin C supplements.
Along with this vitamin C supplement also helps the body to reduce the risk of heart attack by reducing the risk factors of heart attack like blood pressure and cholesterol level.
Collagen Formation
There are protein mostly found in connective tissues called collagen. Vitamin C helps in the synthesis of this protein. Its deficiency may lead to skin and bone issues.
Boosting Immune System
Vitamin C boost body immunity in many ways. Vitamin C helps the body in the production of white blood cells, which is the front line component of body immune system. It also enhances the function of white blood cells. Vitamin C also saves white blood cells from damage by free radicals.
Functions of Vitamin B1
All forms of thiamine (vitamin B1) act as co-enzyme in the body. It helps enzyme in its function. Thiamin especially thiamine pyrophosphate plays a vital role in different chemical reaction in the body.
Thiamine has also an important role in metabolism of carbohydrates (especially aerobic metabolism) and other cellular function. It also helps in the synthesis of acetylcholine and transmission of nerve impulses.
Functions of Vitamin B2
Like other vitamin B family members it acts as coenzymes. Vitamin B2 has a key role in the supply of energy to the body, it helps the body in the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) from carbohydrates. ATP is a ready-made organic pack of energy which supply energy to the body on demand. Vitamin B2 also helps the body in the metabolism of fats, protein and carbohydrates.
Riboflavin has also helpful effects on the health of different vital organs like skin, digestive tract, liver, and blood cells.
Functions of Vitamin B3
Vitamins B3 has a lot of health benefits, among them the most important are boosting of brain and lowering of cholesterol level.
Vitamin B3 has an important level in dealing with cholesterol levels. It lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides level and increased HDL cholesterol levels. This effect of vitamin B3 on cholesterol levels is helpful for the health of the heart. It improves the prevention of heart diseases.
Apart from this vitamin B3 also reduce oxidative stress and lower the risk of type I diabetes.
Functions of Vitamin B5
Just like other vitamin B Vitamin B5 also helps the body in the consumption of proteins, carbohydrates and fats for the production of energy.
Vitamin B5 has also a helpful effect on the health of the digestive tract, nervous system, skin, hair, eye, and liver.
Vitamin B5 also helps the body in the production of red blood cells and adrenal hormones.
Functions of Vitamin B6
Like other vitamin B vitamins, it also helps the body in the production of energy, red blood cells and transmission of nerve impulses.
In cooperation with vitamin B9 and vitamin B12, vitamin B6 helps the body to control the level of homocysteine.
Functions of Vitamin B7
Vitamin b7 helps in the production of energy from carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
The unique function of vitamin B7 is to keep hair, nails and skin healthy.
Vitamin B7 also plays a vital role in nervous and psychological function. It also keeps the mucus membrane healthy.
Functions of vitamin B9
Vitamin B9 share the common function of all B vitamins of conversion of carbohydrates into glucose.
Vitamin B9 along with vitamin B12 accelerate the process of production of red blood cells.
Vitamin B9 has a role in heredity which comes the importance of vitamin B9 in the synthesis of DNA.
Functions of Vitamin B12
Like other B vitamins, vitamin B12 helps the body in the production of energy.
Vitamin B12 also helps the body to produce red blood cells, fatty acids, and repairing DNA.
Vitamin B12 also boost the brain functions and nervous system.