Vitamins are essential nutrients that our bodies need in small... Show more
Health
Fun Stuff
Algebra
Overige
Algebra 1
BiologySign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
24
•
Dec 30, 2025
•
Essential Vitamins Guide
L
Leyton Clore
@leytonclore
1 / 4
Understanding Vitamins and Their Classification
Vitamins play crucial roles in your body, and knowing how they work helps you understand nutrition and health. When studying vitamins, focus on their primary functions and what happens when they're missing rather than memorizing every biochemical detail.
Vitamins fall into two major categories with different properties. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) are absorbed with dietary fats through the lymphatic system and can be stored in your liver and fat tissues. Because they can accumulate in your body, they pose a potential toxicity risk with excessive intake.
Water-soluble vitamins include the B-complex and vitamin C. These dissolve in water, are absorbed directly into your bloodstream, and excess amounts are typically excreted in urine. This means they have a lower toxicity risk but generally require daily intake.
Remember This: Fat-soluble vitamins can build up in your body tissues over time, while water-soluble vitamins usually need to be replenished daily as your body doesn't store them effectively.
Let's look at some key fat-soluble vitamins:
Vitamin A (active form: retinol) serves dual roles in vision and gene regulation. It forms a component of rhodopsin essential for light/dark adaptation and acts as a transcription factor controlling cell growth and differentiation. Deficiency causes night blindness and xerophthalmia (dry eyes that can lead to blindness). Caution: it's teratogenic, so excess should be avoided during pregnancy.
Vitamin D increases calcium absorption and promotes bone mineralization. It requires activation through a two-step hydroxylation process—first in the liver (creating calcidiol) and then in the kidneys (creating calcitriol, the active form). When you don't get enough vitamin D, you might develop rickets as a child or osteomalacia as an adult.
More Fat-Soluble and Water-Soluble Vitamins
Vitamin E serves as your body's primary antioxidant, protecting cell membranes from damage by binding to free radicals and stopping cellular damage. Deficiency is rare but can cause neurologic symptoms if prolonged or severe.
Vitamin K is essential for blood coagulation. It works by carboxylating clotting factors (II, VII, IX, X), which enables calcium binding. A significant drug interaction to remember is with warfarin—this blood thinner inhibits Vitamin K recycling (VKOR). Deficiency symptoms include bleeding and easy bruising.
Now let's explore water-soluble vitamins:
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) functions as a powerful antioxidant and reducing agent. It's required for collagen synthesis, which is essential for wound healing and maintaining blood vessel integrity. When you don't get enough vitamin C, you can develop scurvy, characterized by bleeding gums, poor wound healing, and fatigue.
Clinical Connection: Vitamin deficiencies often present with specific syndromes that can help with diagnosis. For example, the triad of symptoms in Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (confusion, ataxia, memory loss) points to thiamine deficiency, common in patients with alcohol use disorder.
The B-complex vitamins primarily function as coenzymes for metabolism, helping to generate ATP (energy) in your cells. They support energy production from glucose, fats, and amino acids. You don't need to memorize the full TCA cycle or specific enzyme names—just understand their critical role in energy production.
Key B vitamins include Thiamine (B1), which supports brain and heart energy needs. Deficiency leads to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome or beriberi. Riboflavin (B2) is essential for ATP production and redox reactions, with deficiency causing angular cheilitis (mouth cracks) and glossitis (magenta tongue). Niacin (B3) is also vital for ATP production, and deficiency causes pellagra characterized by the "three D's": diarrhea, dermatitis, and dementia.
More B Vitamins and Clinical Significance
The B vitamins continue to play vital roles in your body's functioning. Pantothenic Acid (B5) is essential for energy metabolism as a component of Coenzyme A, though deficiency is rare. Pyridoxine (B6) in its active form (PLP) supports amino acid metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis (including GABA, serotonin, and dopamine). Deficiency can cause neurologic symptoms like irritability and seizures, and it's worth noting that the TB drug isoniazid can induce B6 deficiency.
Biotin (B7) serves as a coenzyme for carboxylation reactions, but deficiency is rare in normal diets. Folate (B9) as THF (tetrahydrofolate) is crucial for DNA synthesis and replication. Deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia, and inadequate folate during pregnancy can lead to neural tube defects—that's why supplementation is critical for pregnant women. The cancer drug methotrexate works by inhibiting folate function.
Cobalamin (B12) works with folate to support DNA synthesis and is essential for neurologic function. Deficiency often results from lack of intrinsic factor (a protein needed for B12 absorption), causing pernicious anemia. What makes B12 deficiency particularly concerning is that prolonged deficiency can cause irreversible neurologic damage.
Important Warning: B12 deficiency can cause permanent nerve damage if left untreated for too long. Unlike most other vitamin deficiencies, some B12-related neurological effects cannot be reversed even after treatment begins.
You'll find these vitamins appear frequently in medical cases because their deficiencies cause distinctive clinical presentations. When studying for exams, focus on connecting each vitamin to its primary function, how deficiency presents, and any important drug interactions or clinical considerations rather than memorizing detailed biochemical pathways.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content in Health
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Essential Vitamins Guide
L
Leyton Clore
@leytonclore
Vitamins are essential nutrients that our bodies need in small amounts for growth, development, and proper functioning. They're classified into two main types: fat-soluble (A, D, E, K) and water-soluble (B-complex, C), each with unique functions and deficiency symptoms that... Show more
Understanding Vitamins and Their Classification
Vitamins play crucial roles in your body, and knowing how they work helps you understand nutrition and health. When studying vitamins, focus on their primary functions and what happens when they're missing rather than memorizing every biochemical detail.
Vitamins fall into two major categories with different properties. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) are absorbed with dietary fats through the lymphatic system and can be stored in your liver and fat tissues. Because they can accumulate in your body, they pose a potential toxicity risk with excessive intake.
Water-soluble vitamins include the B-complex and vitamin C. These dissolve in water, are absorbed directly into your bloodstream, and excess amounts are typically excreted in urine. This means they have a lower toxicity risk but generally require daily intake.
Remember This: Fat-soluble vitamins can build up in your body tissues over time, while water-soluble vitamins usually need to be replenished daily as your body doesn't store them effectively.
Let's look at some key fat-soluble vitamins:
Vitamin A (active form: retinol) serves dual roles in vision and gene regulation. It forms a component of rhodopsin essential for light/dark adaptation and acts as a transcription factor controlling cell growth and differentiation. Deficiency causes night blindness and xerophthalmia (dry eyes that can lead to blindness). Caution: it's teratogenic, so excess should be avoided during pregnancy.
Vitamin D increases calcium absorption and promotes bone mineralization. It requires activation through a two-step hydroxylation process—first in the liver (creating calcidiol) and then in the kidneys (creating calcitriol, the active form). When you don't get enough vitamin D, you might develop rickets as a child or osteomalacia as an adult.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
More Fat-Soluble and Water-Soluble Vitamins
Vitamin E serves as your body's primary antioxidant, protecting cell membranes from damage by binding to free radicals and stopping cellular damage. Deficiency is rare but can cause neurologic symptoms if prolonged or severe.
Vitamin K is essential for blood coagulation. It works by carboxylating clotting factors (II, VII, IX, X), which enables calcium binding. A significant drug interaction to remember is with warfarin—this blood thinner inhibits Vitamin K recycling (VKOR). Deficiency symptoms include bleeding and easy bruising.
Now let's explore water-soluble vitamins:
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) functions as a powerful antioxidant and reducing agent. It's required for collagen synthesis, which is essential for wound healing and maintaining blood vessel integrity. When you don't get enough vitamin C, you can develop scurvy, characterized by bleeding gums, poor wound healing, and fatigue.
Clinical Connection: Vitamin deficiencies often present with specific syndromes that can help with diagnosis. For example, the triad of symptoms in Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (confusion, ataxia, memory loss) points to thiamine deficiency, common in patients with alcohol use disorder.
The B-complex vitamins primarily function as coenzymes for metabolism, helping to generate ATP (energy) in your cells. They support energy production from glucose, fats, and amino acids. You don't need to memorize the full TCA cycle or specific enzyme names—just understand their critical role in energy production.
Key B vitamins include Thiamine (B1), which supports brain and heart energy needs. Deficiency leads to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome or beriberi. Riboflavin (B2) is essential for ATP production and redox reactions, with deficiency causing angular cheilitis (mouth cracks) and glossitis (magenta tongue). Niacin (B3) is also vital for ATP production, and deficiency causes pellagra characterized by the "three D's": diarrhea, dermatitis, and dementia.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
More B Vitamins and Clinical Significance
The B vitamins continue to play vital roles in your body's functioning. Pantothenic Acid (B5) is essential for energy metabolism as a component of Coenzyme A, though deficiency is rare. Pyridoxine (B6) in its active form (PLP) supports amino acid metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis (including GABA, serotonin, and dopamine). Deficiency can cause neurologic symptoms like irritability and seizures, and it's worth noting that the TB drug isoniazid can induce B6 deficiency.
Biotin (B7) serves as a coenzyme for carboxylation reactions, but deficiency is rare in normal diets. Folate (B9) as THF (tetrahydrofolate) is crucial for DNA synthesis and replication. Deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia, and inadequate folate during pregnancy can lead to neural tube defects—that's why supplementation is critical for pregnant women. The cancer drug methotrexate works by inhibiting folate function.
Cobalamin (B12) works with folate to support DNA synthesis and is essential for neurologic function. Deficiency often results from lack of intrinsic factor (a protein needed for B12 absorption), causing pernicious anemia. What makes B12 deficiency particularly concerning is that prolonged deficiency can cause irreversible neurologic damage.
Important Warning: B12 deficiency can cause permanent nerve damage if left untreated for too long. Unlike most other vitamin deficiencies, some B12-related neurological effects cannot be reversed even after treatment begins.
You'll find these vitamins appear frequently in medical cases because their deficiencies cause distinctive clinical presentations. When studying for exams, focus on connecting each vitamin to its primary function, how deficiency presents, and any important drug interactions or clinical considerations rather than memorizing detailed biochemical pathways.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
0
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Most popular content in Health
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user