Vitamin C: Ascorbic acid,
important in the synthesis of collagen, the framework protein for
tissues of the body, such as those that help to make up the skin.
Deficiency leads to scurvy, characterized by fragile capillaries, poor
wound healing, and bone deformity in children.
Dietary sources of Vitamin C
Black currents, guavas
Green peppers, broccoli, cauliflower (raw)
Oranges and other citrus fruits
Brussels, sprouts, cabbage
Potatoes
Liver is the only animal food that contains it.
Vitamin D: A steroid vitamin, which promotes
absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. Under normal
conditions of sunlight exposure, no dietary supplementation is necessary
because sunlight promotes adequate vitamin D synthesis in the skin.
Deficiency can lead to osteomalcia in adults and bone deformity
(rickets) in children. Vitamin D is used along with calcium as a
supplement in the treatment of the "bone thinning" disorders,
osteoporosis.
Dietary sources of Vitamin D
Fish liver oils, e.g.: cod liver oil
Fatty fish, (herring, mackerel, salmon, sardines, pilchards, tuna)
Fortified margarine
Infant milk formulas
Eggs, liver
Vitamin E: Deficiency can lead to anemia.
Vitamin K: An essential factor in the formation of
blood clotting factors. Deficiency can lead to abnormal bleeding. A
helpful supplement for patients with liver conditions that impair the
production of the normal blood clotting factors.
