Structure
Vitamin C is an organic compound that is also known as ascorbic acid. The structure of vitamin C as featured in figure 1 is a carbon to carbon ring structure which contains an ester functional group, two hydroxyl groups, and an alkene group. The two-carbon branch expanding from the ring structure has two hydroxyl functional groups branching out. The molecular formula of Vitamin C is C6H8O6. This vitamin’s functional groups include one ester group, four hydroxyl groups and one alkene group. The rest of the molecule is hydrocarbon.
Polarity
Vitamin C is a polar molecule. This vitamin contains one polar ester functional group, four polar hydroxyl groups, and one non-polar alkene group. The rest of the molecule is hydrocarbon. The hydrocarbon part of the molecule is non-polar. There are a larger quantity of polar groups and a smaller amount of non-polar hydrocarbons and an alkene. The polar part is dominant over the non-polar part, resulting in a polar molecule overall.
Solubility
Vitamins can only be soluble in water or fats. Polar molecules are soluble in water, because water is a polar substance. Non-polar molecules are soluble in fat, because fat is a non-polar substance. Vitamin C is a polar molecule, resulting in being soluble in water and insoluble in fats. Roles and functions of the vitamin in the body
The key role of vitamin C in the body is to improve the health of the immune system. Vitamin C also works as a coenzyme and an
Vitamin B and vitamin C are vitamins that are soluble in water, also known as water soluble. Whilst, vitamin D and vitamin k belong to a group that are soluble in fat which are known as fat soluble.
Vitamin A and D have showed unexpected and crucial effects on immune system. Vitamin A includes innate immune towards microbial infection, absence of vitamin A can increase the chance of bacterial, viral, and parasitic infection. Also excessive intake of vitamin A Is associated with toxicity, including blocked hematopoiesis, mitogen-induced T-cell spread, antigen-specific antibody production, and an increased susceptibility to infectious organisms. Vitamin A is also given by Retinoid supplement to treat the skin effects of T-cell lymphoma. Vitamin C also known as Ascorbic Acid also contribute in innate immunity system, Vitamin C works during infection to prevent oxidative damage. Lower concentration of vitamin C in leukocyte is related to reduce immune response in humans. It has been proven that Vitamin C concentrations in the plasma and leukocytes rapidly decline during infections and stress. Iron chelators such as desferrioxamine inhibit the activity of phagocyte oxidase and reduce reactive oxygen intermediate-dependent killing of bacterial pathogens, both in vitro and in vivo. Lastly, Zinc is a dietary trace mineral that is responsible for growth and development, and it is essential for the function of cells of the immune system. It increased susceptibility to
By observing the diet of the Inuit, it can be concluded that there are no essential foods, only essential nutrients. Without knowing that people might at first assume that a diet scarce in fruits and vegetables would result in countless cases of vitamin deficiency. However many vitamins such as Vitamin A which North Americans usually derive from fruits are oil soluble and can be found in oils of cold water fish. The biggest mystery in the past has been the dilemma of how the Inuit people consumed Vitamin C, which is not oil soluble and is usually has been though to only be found in fruit. However, with further
Arthur Miller demonstrates how a character’s obsession/fixation, can result in being manipulative while committing a grave sin of lust towards a male character. Abigail is Proctor’s past maid, who has a love affair with him. Abigail is able to persuade Proctor into thinking, that he needs sexual desires in his life since his wife is sick and is unable to sexual please him. Abigail states:
Vitamins are primarily classified by solubility. Some vitamins are soluble in water and others are soluble in fat. “According to The National Institute of Health, the body needs 13 vitamins for normal health.” This includes vitamins A, C, D, E, K and the B complex vitamins, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, B6, B12 and folate. Each of these vitamins provides a variety of functions to the body which can be obtained from a well balanced diet (Farris, 2012).
* Baby need Vitamin C is necessary for a normal growth and development immune function and help with iron.
Vitamin C is needed for a baby to develop well as it helps our bodies fight off infection and disease as well as helping to heal wounds. It can also prevent anemia. Some lactating mothers may need more vitamin C than others, especially if overcoming a cold, surgery or some form of injury. The dose needed is 115 mg or 120 mg per day. Food sources in which vitamin C can be found are citrus fruits, broccoli, Kiwi, cauliflower and bell peppers.
Vitamin B12 forms red blood cells, breaks down protein and fat, and helps form antibodies to fight off infection. Vitamin C supports healing, strengthens blood vessels, and assists the body to absorb iron. Zinc helps produce proteins, improves immunity, and assists in wound healing. Vitamin D helps the body absorb and use calcium, thus assisting in the formation of tooth and bone. Fats provides and stores energy. It also nourishes skin and hair. Magnesium assists in the formation of bone, protein metabolism, and nerve function. Iron helps the red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. Vitamin A is good for vision and helps the body develop normally. Copper helps the iron get absorbed into the body. Vitamin B6 supports healthy skin, nerves, and the digestive system. Niacin
- In general, the body can call upon its stores of fat-soluble vitamins; whereas, most water-soluble vitamins are not stored.
Vitamin C also known as ascorbic acid is needed for growth and maintenance of healthy tissues, especially skin, blood vessels, bones, gums, teeth. Vitamin C aids in resistance against infection and healing of wounds. It also helps the body absorb iron from food. Vitamin C can be found in green vegetables, potatoes, tomatoes and citrus fruits such as oranges and lemon. A lack of vitamin C can cause scurvy, iron deficiency and poor wound healing. A healthy diet
Vitamins are a class of nutrients that contain carbon. Vitamins are needed in small amounts to maintain health and allow growth. There are two types of vitamins fat-soluble and water-soluble this means that they dissolve in fat and water. There are 4 fat-soluble vitamins A,D,E,K. Vitamin A keeps your eyes and skin looking healthy. It also is needed for the growth of bones and teeth. Vitamin D is the sunlight vitamin and helps absorb calcium. Vitamin E protects your cells and vitamin K clots your blood. All of these can be stored if you have extra as fat. The water-soluble vitamins need to be replenished daily because any extra will be discharged as waste. Water Soluble vitamins are any one that was not mentioned above. They are needed to produce
Vitamin C should be taken in through diets, fruits and vegetables so that it can have its best effects and is good for our health. Vitamin C supplements are only used as addition if our bodies do not have enough Vitamin C.
Vitamin C is crucial for survival for several reasons. For a human body to reach the acme of its physical potential, it must have a daily intake of vitamin C. Deficiency can lead to a fatal symptom known as scurvy. Likewise, iron absorption will be more difficult resulting in iron-deficiency anemia (Smith, Primio & Humphrey-Murto, 2011). However, this nutrient is essential for bodily functions as well. Vitamin C is required for hormone production which is seen by the fact that the highest concentration of it in the human body is in the pituitary and adrenal glands (Emsley, 2004). Moreover, this vitamin aids in protection against free radicals and stress. Vitamin C is also imperative because it assists in the growth of various body parts, including teeth, cartilage, and dentine. This acid is integral for bone development and to heal fractured or broken bones. As said before, “Vitamin C is important in the absorption and metabolism of many nutrients that affect production of red blood cells”, including iron absorption (Smith, Primio, & Humphrey-Murto, 2011). DIRECT QUOTE WITHOUT AUTHOR. Similar to its importance to humans, vitamin C is vital for plant life as well. Plants require the alcohol for growth processes.
Vitamins are organic food substances found only in living things, i.e. plants and animals. They are essential for our bodies to function properly, for growth, energy and for our general well-being. With very few exceptions the human body cannot manufacture or synthesize vitamins. They must be supplied in our diet or in man-made dietary supplements. Some people believe that vitamins can replace food, but that is incorrect. In fact, vitamins cannot be assimilated without also ingesting food. That is why it is best to take them with a meal.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and a polar molecule because it contains other polar molecules and very little hydrocarbons. The polar groups in the Vitamin C are the four alcohol functional groups which contain oxygen and the ester functional group that also contains oxygen. The alkene functional group in the ring structure contains carbon=carbon bonds which is a non-polar molecule. Since there is very little hydrocarbons present in the Vitamin C structure compared to the polar molecules within the structure, this means it is a polar molecule overall.