Water-soluble vitamins, their significance in metabolism, growth and development of children of different ages

Vitamins are highly biologically active low-molecular compounds of different chemical nature, with different compositions, structures, and physicochemical properties. In contrast to proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, which are macronutrients, vitamins belong to micronutrients, which have high biological activity, although they do not function as an energy source or plastic material. Aim - to raise awareness of the biological and clinical effects of water-soluble vitamins, their importance in metabolic processes, growth and development of children. Vitamins are classified according to their physical and chemical characteristics as water-soluble and fat-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins include C, H, P, B12, B9, B6, B5, B3, B2, B1. Water-soluble vitamins perform the function of biological catalysts of various metabolic processes, growth and development of children, regulate most of the vital functions of the child's body, necessary for the balanced work of all organs and systems. Water-soluble vitamins do not accumulate in the body, so their concentration in tissues depends on consumption with diet. Water-soluble vitamins are extremely necessary for the growth and development, health of children of all ages. Water-soluble vitamins are extremely necessary for maintaining healthy skin and mucous membranes, ensuring adequate hematopoiesis, and the normal functioning of the cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine, and digestive systems. Conclusions. Water-soluble vitamins are essential exogenous alimentary factors that should be steadily supplied to the child's body with food in doses in accordance with physiological needs. All vital processes in the child's body take place with the direct participation of water-soluble vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins regulate the function of various tissues, organs and systems, activating a large number of biological ones, and contribute to the body's resistance to external factors. Screening for disorders of the metabolism of water-soluble vitamins and their correction in children can improve health and increase the quality of life.