Vitamers- mimic the vitamins

The various forms of any vitamin are referred to as vitamers. All the fat-soluble vitamins and a few water-soluble vitamins (vitamins B5 and B6) have isotels. The various isotelic forms of a vitamin may differ with respect to either the β-ionone ring (vitamin A), the side chain attached at carbon 17 of the steroid nucleus (Vitamin D), the substituents present at carbon atoms 6, 7 and 8 in the chroman ring (vitamin E) or the side chain attached at carbon 3 of naphthoquinone radical (vitamin K). The study of isotels helps in a better understanding of the various physiologic functions which the vitamins perform.

Vitamers for Vitamin C

Vitamin C is not ascorbic acid. Vitamin C is the function performed by the group of vitamers: ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate(fat soluble), sodium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate, ascorbic acid, dehydroascorbic acid and other salts of ascorbic acid. Although bio flavonoids are not technically vitamers, they display Vitamin C-like activity and contribute to its function in a vitamer-like way.

Vitamers for Vitamin B12

Vitamin B-12 is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies. There are 4 vitamers of vitamin B-12: cyanocobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. even though the cyanocobalamin is actually the least effective, its the one most commonly administered in injectible form. Yet it just doesn't touch some conditions. Hydroxycobalamin addresses more conditions than cyanocobalamin and Methylcobalamin is more effective especially with degenerative neurological conditions. For the full B12 effect, 2 or more vitamers are required.

Vitamers for Vitamin E

Vitamin E for example has 2 distinct families of Vitamers: the Tocopherols(alpha, beta, gamma, delta) & the Tocotrienols (alpha, beta, gamma, delta) - each from different sources. The Tocopherol vitamers come from Wheat Germ oil, which are actually very low ion tocotrienol content. The Tocotrienols are mainly in Palm Oil and in rice Bran Oil. The vitamers from each side of the family perform slightly different biological roles. The full effect of Vitamin E, especially its roles in arteriosclerosis, anti-oxidant activity and cholesterol - both sides of the vitamer are essential.

Vitamins

The term “vitamin” is used to describe certain organic compounds that are needed by the body but that cannot be manufactured by the body. They mainly serve as catalysts for certain reactions in the body. The amounts of vitamins required are very small, perhaps hundredths of grams. Vitamins are mainly obtained from our foods.

Water soluble Vitamins

Eight of the water-soluble vitamins are known as the vitamin B-complex group: thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), folate (folic acid), vitamin B12, biotin and pantothenic acid. The B vitamins are widely distributed in foods and their influence is felt in many parts of the body. They function as coenzymes that help the body obtain energy from food. The B vitamins are also important for normal appetite, good vision, and healthy skin, nervous system, and red blood cell formation. Vitamin C is also water soluble vitamin but not under B complex category.

Fat soluble Vitamins

The fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E, and K, are stored in the body for long periods of time and generally pose a greater risk for toxicity when consumed in excess than water-soluble vitamins. Eating a normal, well-balanced diet will not lead to toxicity in otherwise healthy individuals. However, taking vitamin supplements that contain megadoses of vitamins A, D, E and K may lead to toxicity. The body only needs small amounts of any vitamin.

While diseases caused by a lack of fat soluble vitamins are rare symptoms of mild deficiency can develop without adequate amounts of vitamins in the diet. Additionally, some health problems may decrease the absorption of fat, and in turn, decrease the absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K. Consult a medical professional about any potential health problems that may interfere with vitamin absorption.