Role of vitamins in human nutrition

Abstract

Introduction. Vitamins are organic nutrients essential for life. Each of them has specific functions in the body that make them unique and irreplaceable. Therefore, the lack of vitamins leads to metabolic dysfunctions and related diseases. Purpose. • to explore vitamins` importance in human diet • to highlight data related to impact of vitamin deficiency on the population worldwide. Material and methods. The study explores the data from World Health Organization and Our World in Data Organization referring to micronutrient deficiencies among the population in Moldova and worldwide. The information according to reasons, manifestation, impact and prevention of vitamin deficiencies was examined by using such methods as analysis, synthesis and generalization. The accent within the content was focused on prevalence of anemia because of malnourishment in pregnant women and children under the age of five. Results. There are certain life periods, during which demand for specific vitamins and minerals increases. Pregnant women and children are at greatest risk of developing vitamins` deficiencies. This is a result of both factors: low dietary intake and high physiological demands. Our World in Data Organization reports that anemia affects more people than any other health problem. Micronutrient deficiency anemia can result from a lack of iron or vitamin B12 , folate. In 2016, around 40% of pregnant women and around 42% of children were anemic globally. In the Republic of Moldova these values were twice reduced. Although pregnant women and children are often cited to be affected the most by micronutrient deficiencies , these deficits may impair the people’s health throughout the lifetime. Conclusions. The effects of micronutrient deficiencies can be devastating. Even mild to moderate deficiencies can affect a person’s well-being and development. Multispectral approaches and a range of interventions are required to tackle sustainably the underlying causes. Behavior-change communication and hygiene are essential components that aim to improve women’s, infants’, and young children’s utilization of health services, and protect them from diseases that interfere with nutrient absorption. The fact of providing the population with appropriate information referring to natural vitamins sources also can contribute to formation of deliberate choices in favor of nutritious food.