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
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
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