Title of the learning unit: Vitamins

Impact of the learning unit

The aim of the learning unit is to provide the general classification of vitamins, their function
in the human body, manifestation of deficiency and the possibility of therapeutic use.

Description of the learning unit

Vitamins are low molecular weight compounds that contribute to the proper function of the organism.
 Vitamin deficiency (hypovitaminosis) leads to defined symptoms, which are reversible by vitamin
supplementation. Long-term lack of multiple vitamins (avitaminosis) leads to a life-threatening
condition. Conversely, overdose of some vitamins (hypervitaminosis) leads to toxicity. In addition
to supplementation, some vitamins have therapeutic utility, e.g. in dermatology, to prevent
methotrexate toxicity, as an antidote to warfarin, or to affect bone metabolism.

Relevant terms

water soluble vitamins

                B vitamins

                       vitamin B1 (thiamine)

vitamin B2 (riboflavin)

vitamin B3 (niacin)

vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)

vitamin B6 (pyridoxine, pyridoxal, pyridoxamine)

vitamin B7 (biotin)

vitamin B9 (folic acit)

vitamin B12 (cobalamin)

vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

fat soluble vitamins

                vitamin A (retinol)

vitamin D

vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol)

vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol/ calcitriol)

vitamin E (tocopherol)

vitamin K (phylloquinone, menaquinone)

drugs derived from vitamins

                retinoids

                               tretionin

                               adapalen

see learning unit 25.2 Dermatology

                vitamin D derivates

                               calcipotriol

                               takalcitol

                leukovorin (folinic acid)

see learning unit 27.1 Cytostatics

Learning outcomes

Student is able to classify vitamins according to their solubility, knows their function in human
body and manifestation of hopovitaminosis.

Student knows examples of therapeutic use of particular vitamins and drugs derived from vitamins.

Student knows the specific increased need for vitamins in individual population groups.


Study literature


Rang & Dale's Pharmacology, 2016, chapter 27, p. 341-342 and chapter 24, p.311-312.


Study materials to subjects aVLFA0822c and aVLFA0822p.


Exam questions

Special pharmacology: 67. Vitamins AEDK, hydrophilic vitamins