14/04/2025
Here's a comprehensive list of the 13 essential vitamins, categorized into fat-soluble and water-soluble, along with their chemical names and common alternatives:
# # # **Fat-Soluble Vitamins**
1. **Vitamin A**
- **Chemical Names**: Retinol, Retinal, Retinoic Acid
- **Notes**: Found in animal products; beta-carotene (a provitamin) is plant-based.
2. **Vitamin D**
- **Chemical Names**: Ergocalciferol (D₂), Cholecalciferol (D₃)
- **Notes**: Synthesized in the skin via sunlight (D₃ is the most bioactive form).
3. **Vitamin E**
- **Chemical Names**: Alpha-Tocopherol, Tocotrienols
- **Notes**: Alpha-tocopherol is the most common and biologically active form.
4. **Vitamin K**
- **Chemical Names**: Phylloquinone (K₁), Menaquinone (K₂)
- **Notes**: K₁ is plant-derived; K₂ is produced by gut bacteria and found in fermented foods.
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# # # **Water-Soluble Vitamins**
# # # # **B-Complex Vitamins**
5. **Vitamin B₁**
- **Chemical Name**: Thiamine
6. **Vitamin B₂**
- **Chemical Name**: Riboflavin
7. **Vitamin B₃**
- **Chemical Names**: Nicotinic Acid (Niacin), Nicotinamide
- **Notes**: Often referred to collectively as "niacin."
8. **Vitamin B₅**
- **Chemical Name**: Pantothenic Acid
9. **Vitamin B₆**
- **Chemical Names**: Pyridoxine, Pyridoxal, Pyridoxamine
10. **Vitamin B₇**
- **Chemical Name**: Biotin
11. **Vitamin B₉**
- **Chemical Names**: Folic Acid (synthetic), Folate (natural)
12. **Vitamin B₁₂**
- **Chemical Names**: Cobalamin, Methylcobalamin, Adenosylcobalamin
- **Notes**: Cyanocobalamin is a common synthetic form used in supplements.
# # # # **Vitamin C**
13. **Vitamin C**
- **Chemical Name**: Ascorbic Acid
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# # # Key Notes:
- **Fat-soluble vitamins** (A, D, E, K) are stored in the liver and fatty tissues.
- **Water-soluble vitamins** (B-complex and C) are not stored long-term and require regular dietary intake.
- Some vitamins have multiple forms (e.g., B₃, B₆, D, K), which may differ in source or bioavailability.
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