The beginning of the twentieth century was marked by many discoveries in the field of medicine. It was then that the basic vitamins necessary for the full existence of the human body were studied and classified. But science does not stand still. The result of numerous studies was additional substances with properties similar to vitamins, the so-called "pseudovitamins" or vitamin-like substances.
Definition
“Pseudovitamins” are substances of animal and plant origin that have an extremely complex structure and are most often preserved only in their natural form, which makes them unlikely to be included in vitamin-mineral complexes created under industrial conditions. Nevertheless, they are also necessary for the normal functioning of the human body, although their lack is not so critical and does not lead to dangerous disorders in the body (however, the creators of dietary supplements and representatives of alternative medicine claim the vital necessity of such substances and compounds).
In most cases, vitamin-like substances come from food or are produced independently in the body, are included in the tissues of internal organs and are non-toxic - that is, they are not dangerous in large quantities.
Functions
The main functions of vitamin-like compounds are:
- active participation in metabolism along with important amino acids and any fatty acids;
- catalysis and overall increase in exposure to all vitamins;
- anabolic effect - an increase in the amount of synthesized proteins that affect the rate of muscle growth;
- prevention and control of painful conditions caused by a lack of certain substances.
Classification
All vitamin-like substances (as, by the way, vitamins) are divided into two classes:
- Fat-soluble - Vitamin F and fatty acids.
- Water-soluble - vitamins of group B, H, U, carnitine, bioflavonoids and lipoic acid - vitamin N.
These are vitamin-like substances. A table with a complete list and the products in which they are contained will be presented below.
The classification periodically changes, and some of the names are considered obsolete, such as vitamin F.
The reason for this is new data in the field of the functioning of the human body, since vitamin-like compounds are a poorly studied area due to the complexity of determining their activity and the influence of various diseases on the synthesis of such substances. For example, when the pancreas is malfunctioning, the production and digestibility of "pseudovitamins" is almost completely stopped, which leads to the fact that a person needs to take vitamins, vitamin-like substances are prescribed less frequently.
Kinds
There are a lot of vitamin-like substances, but the following are the main ones:
- Lipoic acid, or vitamin U.
- Choline, or Vitamin B4.
- Inositol, or vitamin B8.
- Carnitine, or Vitamin B11.
- Para-aminobenzoic acid, or vitamin B10.
And this is not a complete list. Describes in detail vitamin-like substances biochemistry. The table gives an idea of their sources.
Methylmethionine Sulfonium Chloride (Vitamin U)
Appearance: crystalline whitish-yellow powder with a characteristic odor, readily soluble in water (does not change its structure in alcohol or solvents) and decomposes under the influence of sunlight.
Vitamin was discovered in the 50s of the last century by an American biologist during the study of cabbage juice as a medicine for stomach ulcers. At that time, the difference between vitamins and vitamin-like biologically active substances has not yet been studied.
Vitamin U is useful in that:
- absorbs harmful and dangerous substances;
- participates in the process of developing another substance - choline;
- actively participates in tissue regeneration after ulcers and erosion of the gastric mucosa, preventing excessive production of gastric juice;
- reduces the acidity of gastric juice;
- reduces food allergy symptoms (nausea, diarrhea);
- relieves asthma attack with bronchial asthma and tearing with all types of pollen allergy;
- activates the metabolism of fats and cholesterol.
That’s why vitamin-like substances are useful. Biochemistry as a science is studying these beneficial properties.
The daily requirement of the body for this substance is 200 mg.
Next, consider the following vitamin-like substance.
Choline (Vitamin B4)
Choline is rightfully considered one of the “pioneers” of vitamin substances, since it was discovered back in the 60s of the XIX century, although full-fledged research on its properties took place a century later.
Choline is easily soluble in water and destroyed at high temperatures, most often found in cells of animal origin.
Vitamin B4 is useful in that:
- activates the processes of primary processing and distribution of nutrients throughout the circulatory system;
- participates in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates in the liver;
- lowers cholesterol;
- increases the quality and speed of neuromuscular impulses;
- regulates the work of the cardiovascular system;
- neutralizes alcohol toxins and honey. drugs;
- improves the functioning of the brain and memory, fighting against atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease;
- restores brain cells.
The daily norm is 500 mg (exceeding the norm is possible with stress and situations requiring enhanced brain function).
Signs of Choline Deficiency
Signs of a lack of choline include a high level of irritability, obsessive girdle headaches, sleep disturbances and jumps in the emotional state (for example, unreasonable fear or anxiety), tinnitus, trouble sleeping, fatty liver, jumps in cholesterol and hypertension.
The lack of sufficient choline can cause many diseases - from cirrhosis of the liver to diseases of the kidneys and blood vessels. Consider some more vitamin-like substances of group B.
Inositol (Vitamin B8)
This substance appears in the process of glucose processing, first studied in the 50s of the XIX century in Germany.
In an absorbable form, the substance is a white powder in the form of small sweet crystals, soluble in water and does not tolerate high temperatures. Most (3/4) of inositol is produced by the body itself, while the remainder needs to be replenished by the appropriate diet.
How useful?
Inositol is useful in that:
- maintains a high speed of metabolic processes due to the entry into the enzymes of gastric juice;
- activates lipid metabolism, leading to weight loss;
- maintains safe cholesterol;
- stimulates the activity of the brain;
- enhances concentration, memory processes and active mental activity;
- reduces brain fatigue;
- restores damaged nerve endings;
- protects the liver from the harmful effects of toxins;
- prevents the growth of fatty tissue enveloping the liver;
- neutralizes free radicals that destroy cellular structures;
- participates in the functioning of human reproductive systems, improving sperm viability.
Inosine is also called the "secret beauty formula" because of its beneficial effects on the condition of hair and skin.
In medicine, this vitamin-like substance is used in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy and other diseases in which the sensitivity of nerve endings is impaired.
Inositol deficiency leads to insomnia, impaired vision, a high dose of cholesterol in the blood, skin rashes, and profuse hair loss.
Para-aminobenzoic acid (vitamin B10)
Pure Vitamin B10 is a whitish crystalline powder, easily soluble in ethanol and ether, but not amenable to water. The substance was discovered in the 60s of the XIX century, and research on functional necessity was carried out for another three decades.
The substance is an amino acid often derived from benzoic acid.
The daily requirement for a substance directly depends on the content of vitamin B9 in the body, since folic acid in sufficient quantities blocks the need to additionally receive para-aminobenzoic.
On average, the norm is 100 mg per day, although if complex treatment is necessary, the dose can be increased to 4 grams.
Para-aminobenzoic acid is important in that:
- provides an anti-allergy effect;
- participates in the production of folacin, pyrimidine compounds and amino acids;
- increases the frequency of production of interferon - a special protein that protects against most infections, including intestinal, influenza and hepatitis viruses;
- increases blood flow, helping to fight vascular blood clots;
- supports thyroid function;
- stimulates the production of breast milk;
- maintains a good condition of the skin and hair;
- protects the skin from damage by ultraviolet radiation and increases its tone;
- helps to cope with the lack of skin pigmentation with vitiligo.
The lack of this vitamin-like substance is characterized by a number of skin diseases, hair loss and a deterioration in their general condition (dryness, brittleness, lack of shine), headaches, digestive upset, predisposition to sunburn, dystrophy and anemia.
And although the main difference between vitamins and vitamin-like substances is that the lack of the latter does not lead to serious diseases, but the lack of “pseudovitamins” can also be quite unpleasant.
Carnitine (Vitamin B11)
This substance provides a quick metabolism of fats and is found in almost all cellular structures, helping to actively generate energy.
Carnitine is responsible for:
- decrease in fat reserves;
- the formation of elastic, strong muscles;
- the movement of fatty acids to provide energy to the cells;
- help in the work of the cardiovascular system;
- prevention of any heart disease;
- relief of angina attacks.
The daily intake is 300 mg. For those who prefer to adhere to the traditions of vegetarianism and raw food, you should use vitamin-mineral complexes with a high content of carnitine.
Its insufficiency is manifested by a syndrome of chronic fatigue, rapid obesity with difficulty in movement and shortness of breath, constant irritability and tearfulness, inability to engage in physical labor.
Conclusion
To ensure the daily requirement, many experts advise compiling a special table with your favorite products and data on the content of “pseudovitamins” necessary for the normal functioning of them.
We examined the most famous vitamin-like substances, as well as their difference from vitamins.