Scientific Name Of Vitamins

Different animals, plants and other living species have both, common names and scientific names. Similarly, all the vitamins have their respective scientific names. This nomenclature is mainly based on their compositions, physical and chemical properties and their biochemical functions.

What are Vitamins?

Vitamins are the organic compounds which help in performing biological functions of a living organism. It is a vital nutrient that should be included in our daily diet in the required quantity.

Vitamins are referred to as organic compounds, they are required in very small amounts, hence, they are mentioned as micronutrients. They perform vital functions and an essential role in our body functions such as metabolism, immunity and digestion.

Vitamine is a Greek word – “vita”- life and “amine”

Also Read: Types, Sources and Significance of Vitamin

Scientific Name of Vitamins and their Sources

Scientific Name Of Vitamins

This chart gives complete information about the different types of Vitamins, sources of vitamins and Scientific names of vitamins.

CommonName Scientific      Name Food Sources
Vitamin A                (Fat-soluble) Retinol Green leafy vegetables, nuts, tomatoes, oranges, ripe yellow fruits, guava, milk, liver, carrots, broccoli and watermelon.
Vitamin B1      (Water-soluble) Thiamine Fresh fruits, corn, cashew nuts, potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, wheat, milk, dates, black beans, etc.
Vitamin B2               (Water-soluble) Riboflavin Bananas, grapes, mangoes, peas, pumpkin, dates, yoghurt, milk, mushrooms, popcorn, beef liver, etc.
Vitamin B3             (Water-soluble) Niacin Meat, eggs, fish, milk products, guava, mushroom, peanuts, cereals, green peas, etc.
Vitamin B5            (Water-soluble) Pantothenic Acid Meat, kidney, egg yolk, broccoli, peanuts, fish, chicken, milk, yoghurt, legumes, mushrooms, avocado, etc.
Vitamin B6          (Water-soluble) Pyridoxine Pork, chicken, fish, bread, wholegrain cereals, eggs, vegetables, soya beans, etc.
Vitamin B7           (Water-soluble) Biotin Walnuts, peanuts, cereals, milk, egg yolks, salmon, pork, mushroom, cauliflower, avocados, bananas, raspberries, etc.
Vitamin B9 (Water-soluble) Folic Acid Citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, legumes, beets, etc.
Vitamin B12         (Water-soluble) Cobalamin Fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, etc.
Vitamin C (Water-soluble) Ascorbic acid Fresh citrus fruits such as orange and grapefruit, broccoli, goat milk, black currant and chestnuts.
Vitamin D (Fat-soluble) Calciferol Fish, beef, cod liver oil, egg yolk, liver, chicken breast and cereals.
Vitamin E (Fat-soluble) Tocopherol Potatoes, pumpkin, guava, mango, milk, nuts and seeds.
Vitamin K (Fat-soluble) Phytonadione Tomatoes, broccoli, mangoes, grapes, chestnuts, cashew nuts, beef and lamb.

Classification Of Vitamins

During the beginning of the 20th century, it was clearly understood that the diet containing purified carbohydrates, proteins, fat, and minerals was not sufficient to maintain the proper growth and development of an individual. An English biochemist “Sir Frederick Gowland Hopkins” in the year 1929 was awarded the Nobel Prize for the discovery of vitamins.

Based on their physical and biological activity, these organic compounds are classified into:

Fat-soluble vitamins:

  • Vitamin A.
  • Vitamin D.
  • Vitamin E.
  • Vitamin K.

Water-soluble vitamins:

  • Biotin.
  • Niacin.
  • Pyridine.
  • Thiamine.
  • Vitamin C.
  • Folic acid.
  • Riboflavin.
  • Vitamin B12.
  • Pantothenic acid.

Also Read: Vitamins and Minerals

Stay tuned with BYJU’S to learn more about the different types of vitamins, Scientific Names of vitamins and other related topics at BYJU’S Biology.

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