These are organic compounds that are essential for proper growth, development and functioning of the body. Vitamins are required in very small quantities They are not stored and must be included in the diet Vitamins Band C are soluble in water, the rest are soluble in fat Various vitamins are used in different ways
Table of Contents
Mineral Salts
- Mineral ions are needed in the human body
- Some are needed in small amounts while others are needed in very small amounts (trace)
- All are vital to human health
- Nevertheless, their absence results in noticeable mulfunction of the body processes
Water
- Water is a constituent of blood and intercellular fluid
- It is also a constituent of cytoplasm
- Water makes up to 60-70% of total fresh weight in humans
- No life can exist without water
Functions of Water
- Acts as a medium in which chemical reactions in the body takes place
- Acts as a solvent and it is used to transport materials within the body
- Acts as a coolant due to its high latent heat of vaporisation
- Hence, evaporation of sweat lowers body temperature
- Takes part in chemical reactions i.e. hydrolysis
Vitamins, sources, uses and the deficiency disease resulting from their absence in diet
Functions of Water
- Acts as a medium in which chemical reactions in the body takes place
- Acts as a solvent and it is used to transport materials within the body
- Acts as a coolant due to its high latent heat of vaporisation
- Hence, evaporation of sweat lowers body temperature
- Takes part in chemical reactions ie hydrolysis
Vitamins, sources, uses and the deficiency disease resulting from their absence in diet
Roughage
- Roughage is dietary fibre and it consists mainly of cellulose
- It adds bulk to the food and provides grip for the gut muscles to enhance peristalsis
- Roughage does not provide any nutritional value because humans and all animals not produce cellulase enzyme to digest cellulose
- In herbivores symbiotic bacteria in the gut produce cellulase that digests cellulose
Also See
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM AND DIGESTION IN HUMANS