VITAMIN

FUNCTION

SOURCE

SIGNS OF DEFICIENCY

SIGNS OF EXCESS INTAKE

A

Beneficial for skeletal growth,skin, epithelial tissue, vision, reproduction, immune system

Yellow, orange and dark green vegetables and fruits, fish oils, liver, egg, dairy products

Skeletal abnormalities, skin disorders, loss of tissue integrity, night blindness, reproductive failure

Skeletal abnormalities, over-sensitive to sensory stimuli, cleft palate in puppies

B1 (Thiamin)

Aids in digestion of carbohydrate and protein

Whole grains, liver, pork, legumes, nuts, yeast

Stool eating, lack of appetite, impaired central nervous system, convulsions, muscle weakness

Nontoxic

B2 (Riboflavin)

Aids in digestion of carbohydrate and fat, cell growth

Eggs, yogurt, milk, organ meats, cheese, green vegetables.

Stool eating, skin disorders, impaired central nervous system

Nontoxic

B3  (Niacin)

Processes amino acids, carbohydrates and glucose; aids in utilizationof fatty acids

Liver, kidney, egg yolk, dairy products, yeast, legumes, wheat germ, peanuts

Skin disease, diarrhea, madess

Nontoxic

B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

Occurs in all forms of living tissue; aids in synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol, and steriods, production of cortisone and hormones, utilization of fat and carbohydrate

Liver, kidney, egg yolk, dairy products, yeast, legumes, wheat germ, peanuts

Lowered anti-body response, premature graying, low blood sugar, Addison's disease, deterioration of adrenal glands, digestive disorders

Nontoxic

B6 (Pyridoxine)

Processes amino acids, proteins, hydrochloric acid and magnesium; helps produce anti-bodies and red blood cells

Liver, meat, yeast, milk, whole grains, egg yolk

Anemia, dental decay, heart disease, liver disease

Neurological damage

B12 (Cobalamin)

Processes amino acids, fatty acids, carbohydrate and fat; aids in absorption of protein, production of red blood cells

Liver kidney, meat, fish, poultry, eggs

Anemia, brain damage, fatigue,low red blood cell count, senility

Nontoxic

Biotin

Processes fat, protein and Vitamin C

Liver, kidney, egg yolk, yeast, milk, legumes

Anemia, skin disorders, hair loss, heart disease, weak muscles

Nontoxic

Folic Acid

Aids in production of red blood cells, processes protein, builds antibodies, helps growth and division of cells

Liver, yeast, green vegetables

Anemia, vaccine reactions, watery eyes, lack of appetite

Nontoxic

Choline

Aids in utilization of fat and cholesterol, cell and nervous tissue structure and function

Organ meats, fish egg yolk, yeast, wheat germ, dairy products, legumes, whole grains

Impaired central nervous system, liver and thymus gland, heart disease

Diarrhea

C  (Ascorbic Acid)

Aids in collagen production, absorption of vitamins, growth and maintenance of tissue cells; beneficial for gums, blood vessels, bones and teeth: works as an antioxidant

Citrus fruit, green vegetables, potatoes, berries

Weak immune system, bladder stones, urinary tract and skin infections, skeletal abnormalities

Nontoxic; diarrhea, low sulfur

D

Aids in absorption of calcium and phosphorus

Fish-liver oils, yeast, egg yolk

Defective bone growth, softening of bones

Calcium deposits, bone resorption, kidney damage

E (Tocopherol)

Works as an antioxidant; enhances immune system, utilization of sex hormones, vitamin D and cholesterol

Nuts, brown rice, wheat germ, eggs, whole grains, soybean and sunflower oil, seeds, green leafy vegetables

Reproductive failure, low red blood cell count, heart disease, muscle degeneration, anemia, kidney disease

Nontoxic; increased need for vitamins A and D

K

Aids in blood clotting, production of protein

Liver, green vegetables

Hemorrhage, internal bleeding

Anemia