Vitamins regulate
the body’s processes and contribute to its resistance to disease. Vitamins are
divided into two major groups, according to whether they are soluble in water
or in fat:
·
The fat-soluble vitamins are A, D, E
and K.
·
The water-soluble vitamins are B and
C.
The vitamins most important
to the condition of the skin are vitamins A, B2, B3 and
C.
Vitamin A: insufficient
vitamin A in the diet leads to hyperkeratinisation
(production of too much keratin). This causes blockage in the skin tissue. The skin
becomes rough and dry, and eye disorders such as sties may occur.
Food source: vitamin A is
found in red, yellow and green vegetables, and in egg yolks, butter and cheese.
Vitamin B2: Vitamin
B2 (also called Riboflavin) helps
break down other foodstuffs, releasing energy needed by cells to function efficiently.
A deficiency of Vitamin B2 causes the skin at the corners of the
mouth to crack.
Food Source: This vitamin is
found in brewer’s yeast, milk products, leafy vegetables, liver and whole
grains.
Vitamin
B3 : Vitamin B3
(also called Niacin) has the same
function as Vitamin B2, but is also vital in the maintenance of the tissues of
the skin.
Food
Source: This is found in meat, brewer’s yeast, nuts, and seeds.
Vitamin C: Vitamin
C (also called Ascorbic Acid)
maintains healthy skin. A lack of vitamin C causes the capillaries to become
fragile, and hemorrhages of the skin, such as bruising, may occur. Severe deficiency
results in Scurvy.
Food Source: Vitamin C is
found in fruits and vegetables.
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