Vitamins are organic compounds that the body needs in small quantities to function properly. They play a critical role in metabolism, immunity, vision, bone health, and neurological function. A deficiency in any essential vitamin can lead to serious health conditions.
For NEET and board exams, questions around vitamin names, sources, and deficiency symptoms are common. This article offers a complete breakdown — with memory tricks and an easy-reference chart.
What Are Vitamins?
- Micronutrients needed in trace amounts
- Classified as water-soluble (B-complex, C) or fat-soluble (A, D, E, K)
- Cannot be synthesized in sufficient quantities by the body
- Obtained from food or supplements
List of Vitamins and Their Deficiency Diseases
| Vitamin | Deficiency Disease/Disorder | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | Night Blindness | Vision, skin health, immune support |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | Beriberi | Nerve conduction, energy metabolism |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | Ariboflavinosis | Skin and eye health, enzyme activity |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | Pellagra | NAD⁺/NADP⁺ formation, skin & nerve health |
| Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) | Paresthesia | Coenzyme A synthesis, fat metabolism |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) | Anemia | Amino acid metabolism, red blood cell formation |
| Vitamin B7 (Biotin) | Dermatitis & Enteritis | Hair, skin, and carbohydrate metabolism |
| Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) & B12 (Cobalamin) | Megaloblastic anemia | DNA synthesis, red blood cell production |
| Vitamin B17 (not scientifically essential) | Linked to Cancer (unproven) | Claims for alternative therapy |
| Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) | Scurvy, gum swelling | Collagen synthesis, immunity, antioxidant |
| Vitamin D | Rickets (children), Osteomalacia (adults) | Calcium absorption, bone growth |
| Vitamin E | Infertility, muscle weakness | Antioxidant, protects cell membranes |
| Vitamin K | Non-clotting of blood | Blood clotting factors (prothrombin synthesis) |
Fat-Soluble vs Water-Soluble Vitamins
| Category | Vitamins | Stored in body? | Overdose risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fat-soluble | A, D, E, K | Yes | Higher |
| Water-soluble | B-complex, C | No (excreted) | Lower |
Mnemonic for B-Complex Vitamins
🧠“The Really Nervous People Pull Best For Class”
- T – Thiamine (B1)
- R – Riboflavin (B2)
- N – Niacin (B3)
- P – Pantothenic Acid (B5)
- B – Biotin (B7)
- F – Folic Acid (B9)
- C – Cobalamin (B12)
📌 Note: B4, B8, B10, B11, and B17 are either obsolete or unrecognized in modern medical science.
Memory Trick for NEET – Match Vitamins & Diseases
🧠“A Big Rabbit Prefers Pudding Before Dessert Every Kind”
- A – Night blindness
- B1 – Beriberi
- B2 – Ariboflavinosis
- B3 – Pellagra
- B5 – Paresthesia
- B6 – Anemia
- B7 – Dermatitis
- B9+B12 – Megaloblastic anemia
- C – Scurvy
- D – Rickets/Osteomalacia
- E – Infertility
- K – Bleeding/Non-clotting
Real-Life Applications and Relevance
- Vitamin A: Included in midday meal schemes for vision support
- Vitamin C: Prescribed in immunity-boosting kits
- Vitamin D: Supplemented in winter or low-sunlight regions
- Vitamin B12: Injected in vegans or elderly with absorption issues
NEET-style MCQs
Q1. Which vitamin deficiency causes night blindness?
A. Vitamin A ✅
B. Vitamin D
C. Vitamin C
D. Vitamin K
Q2. Pellagra is due to the deficiency of:
A. B2
B. B3 ✅
C. B5
D. C
FAQs on Vitamins and Deficiencies
Q1. What is the best source of Vitamin D?
A1. Sunlight (UVB rays) + fortified dairy and fish oilsQ2. What is Beriberi?
A2. A nervous and cardiovascular disorder caused by lack of Vitamin B1Q3. Are all B vitamins essential daily?
A3. Yes, since they are water-soluble and not stored in the body.Q4. Why do vegans need B12 supplements?
A4. B12 is mostly found in animal products; deficiency may cause anemia and neurological issues.
