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Showing posts with the label fat soluble Vitamins

Snapshot series 7: Fat soluble Vitamins

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Vitamins A, D, E and K comprise a small group of fat-soluble vitamins of disparate chemical composition which are essential for good health.  Various processes are dependent on an adequate availability of these vitamins, including vision (vitamin A), growth and tissue differentiation (vitamins A and D), bone and muscle function (vitamin D), immune function (vitamin A), protection against  free radicals (vitamin E) and blood clotting (vitamin  K). Although fat-soluble vitamins can  be stored in the body for use in times of dietary scarcity, deficiencies do occur, with profound consequences.  In some regions of the world, young children are at risk of becoming blind because of inadequate vitamin A. Vitamin D deficiency, which is common worldwide, may cause bowed legs and pelvic deformities of rickets in children and muscle weakness and bone pain of osteomalacia in adults.  Foods  of animal origin tend to be good sources of fat-soluble vitamin...