Since the time when Funk first gave vitamin therapy to the world, the existence of at least six vitamins has been demonstrated. Their chemical and physiological characteristics have, to a large degree been evaluated. They are designed by letters and by names signifying the pathological status against which they have proven effective.
VITAMIN A—Is frequently called the anti-infective vitamin. By lowering the resistance of the body a- deficiency of Vitamin A makes it more susceptible to in-factions of the respiratory tract.
VITAMIN B—Is particularly important in stimulating appetite where the lack of appetite is due to a deficiency of Vitamin B. It helps to prevent certain forms of constipation. It is also essential for the proper functioning. of nerve tissue.
VITAMIN B2—Is necessary to prevent a j certain type of dermatitis. It is also believed to have a part in the proper utilizalion of proteins, and its absence has been claimed to result in the formation of cataract.
VITAMIN C—Is essential to the proper formation of bones and teeth and to the proper structure of blood vessels, making the latter less apt to-bleed:
VITAMIN D—Is sometimes called the Sunshine Vitamin. It regulates the amount of calcium and phosphorus in the blood and this determines whether teeth and bones shall be properly formed, and also whether the heart-beat be regular or irregular. It is specially important in order to prevent bone deformity, called rickets, and improperly formed teeth.
VITAMIN E—Is designated the antisterility vitamin, because it has been shown to prevent sterility in' both males and females. Thus far its applicability to human needs has not yet been definitely established.
All of these vitamins ere essential to normal growth and nutrition. Their function seems to be to regulate the utilization of food elements. In the years since Funk first named these substances, progress in vitamin research has taught the medical profession to prevent and cure many forms of nutritional deficiency diseases.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.