Why are essential vitamins for the body named alphabetically?

They are very necessary substances for the body, but vitamins are named very simply such as vitamin A, B, vitamin C, D., not by long and difficult to remember names like other substances.

Vitamin is a term that describes many types of organic compounds that are necessary for metabolism to maintain life and human activities, but the body cannot synthesize it on its own and must supplement it from food. daily.

 Vitamins are essential for the body. (Photo: Getty).

They are very necessary substances for the body, but vitamins are called by very simple and easy-to-remember names such as vitamin A, B, vitamin C, D., not by long, difficult-to-remember names like common substances. other medicine.

Who discovered vitamins?

The name vitamin, originally vitamine, is a combination of the words "vita" (life in Latin) and "amine" (a nitrogen-containing chemical compound).

This name was coined by Polish-American biochemist Casimir Funk in 1912 , when he discovered that the cause of certain diseases was the deficiency of certain components in the diet.

In 1912, Funk discovered four diseases: Beriberi (which can affect the circulatory and nervous systems), Scurvy (which causes teeth and gums to rot), Pellagra (which leads to complications such as dermatitis), and Rickets, all stem from a lack of certain nutrients.

The idea that disease could arise from a lack of essential nutrients, not just from infection or toxins, was revolutionary, especially at a time when the germ theory of disease was dominant, which indicates certain diseases originating from pathogenic microorganisms.

However, Funk proposed that certain vitamins should be present in the human diet and that even very small amounts could help prevent and treat disease.

At the Lister Institute in London, England, Funk conducted experiments to isolate a complex of micronutrients essential to life, which he considered essential amines.

In his research, he named this substance 'vitamin' because he believed it was necessary for life as well as able to cure diseases. 'To be healthy, a monotonous diet should be avoided,' claims Funk .

Origin of names of vitamins

There isn't just one type of vitamin, and the idea of ​​using the now familiar alphabetical system to name vitamins originated with Cornelia Kennedy , when in her master's thesis in 1916, she "used letters " A" and "B" to designate the essential elements in the new diet."

Vitamins are named according to the order in which they were discovered . From 1910 to 1920, vitamins A, B, C, D and E were discovered and named after the letters of the alphabet.

Detection is performed on both fat-soluble and water-soluble components, resulting in the separation of vitamins from A to E.

 Vitamin C is abundant in oranges. (Source: bewellnova).

In 1920, more vitamins were discovered, specifically B1 and B2. However, these vitamins were later grouped together due to similarities in properties, distribution in natural sources, and overlapping physiological functions. They were then called "vitamin B complex".

Vitamin B comes in many varieties, including vitamin B12 (cobalamin) discovered in 1926, B5 (pantothenic acid), B7 (Biotin) in 1931, B6 (pyridoxine) in 1934, B3 (Niacin) and B9 (folic acid) in 1941.

However, over time, other researchers realized that Funk's original theory was not entirely correct, as not all vitamins are amines.

For example, vitamin D is synthesized when skin is exposed to ultraviolet light and is essentially a steroid hormone. This is why the "e" in "vitamine" was omitted to create the term "vitamin" as it is known today.

Vitamins also do not only affect one disease as Funk initially suggested. For example, vitamin D deficiency is associated with many chronic diseases such as metabolic bone disorders, heart disease and diabetes.

A total of 13 vitamins were identified between 1913 and 1948 . They are divided into two main types: water-soluble vitamins with vitamins B and C and fat-soluble vitamins with vitamins A, D, E, K.

The role of vitamins in the body

Vitamins play an extremely important role in enhancing human health and maintaining life. If the body lacks vitamins, it will lead to many dangerous diseases.

Vitamins are one of the important components to create cells, helping to develop and maintain cell life; is a catalyst participating in the process of converting nutrients, converting food into energy to provide and serve all vital activities of the body.

 Vitamins are found in many foods we eat every day. (Illustration photo: Harvard Health).

Vitamins support the treatment of body diseases, strengthen the immune system, help prevent and treat diseases, thereby enhancing the body's health; Participates in regulating and enhancing the functions of the nervous and cardiovascular systems.

Vitamins protect the body's cells from attacks by pathogens thanks to their antioxidant properties, detoxifying properties and ability to repair damaged structures, thereby helping to support Supports quick recovery from damage.

However, although vitamins are essential for the body, vitamin supplements should not be abused and should be consulted with a doctor  because vitamin excess or deficiency are both causes of body diseases. body, negative impact on health.