Vitamins Chemistry & Minerals Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions, structures, functions, and deficiency/excess conditions of vitamins and essential minerals.

Vitamins

A group of substances required by the body for normal cell function, growth, and development.

Fat-soluble vitamins

Vitamins (A, D, E, and K) that are stored in the liver, fatty tissue, and muscles, and are absorbed more easily in the presence of dietary fat.

Water-soluble vitamins

A group of nine vitamins (Vitamin C and the B vitamins) which are not stored in the body and are excreted through urine, requiring regular consumption.

Vitamin B12 (Storage Exception)

The only water-soluble vitamin that can be stored in the liver for many years.

Vitamin-like nutrients

Nutrients such as Choline and Carnitine that are also needed by the body.

Vitamin A (Retinol)

A fat-soluble antioxidant essential for vision, immune function, and cell growth; deficiency leads to night blindness and xerophthalmia.

Xerophthalmia

Severe eye dryness caused by Vitamin A deficiency that can lead to permanent blindness.

Vitamin A Structure

Consists of a substituted $\beta$-ionone ring and an unsaturated isoprenoid side chain.

Vitamin D (Calciferol)

A fat-soluble secosteroid responsible for increasing intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate; includes Cholecalciferol ($D_3$) and Ergocalciferol ($D_2$).

Rickets

A rare disease in children caused by severe Vitamin D deficiency where bones become soft and bend.

Osteomalacia

A disease in adults caused by severe Vitamin D deficiency resulting in the loss of bone density.

Vitamin E ($\alpha$-tocopherol)

A powerful antioxidant that protects cell membranes from free radicals and helps prevent blood clots; deficiency affects the nervous system and muscles.

Vitamin K (Phylloquinone)

A cofactor essential for blood coagulation (clotting) and bone health, consisting of a methylated naphthoquinone ring core.

Vitamin K Core Structure

The $2$-methyl-$1,4$-naphthoquinone ring core, which is essential for biological activity in blood clotting.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

A vitamin that helps convert carbohydrates into energy; its structure contains a pyrimidine ring linked to a thiazole ring.

BeriBeri

A deficiency of Vitamin B1 which affects both the nervous (numbness, memory issues) and cardiovascular (shortness of breath, swelling) systems.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

A vitamin with formula $C_{17}H_{20}N_4O_6$ composed of a tricyclic isoalloxazine ring and ribitol; essential for energy production and cellular function.

Ariboflavinosis

The condition caused by Vitamin B2 deficiency, marked by cracks around the mouth and a swollen, magenta-colored tongue.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

A vitamin essential for energy production and a component of the coenzymes NAD and NADP+.

Pellagra

A disease resulting from Vitamin B3 deficiency characterized by the 'three Ds': diarrhea, sun-sensitive dermatitis, and (implicitly) dementia/death.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)

A precursor to Coenzyme A (CoA) essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins; structured from $\beta$-alanine and pantoic acid.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

A vitamin used in breaking down proteins, producing red blood cells, and regulating mood-enhancing neurotransmitters.

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)

A heterobicyclic compound ($C_{10}H_{16}N_2O_3S$) that assists enzymes in breaking down fats and carbohydrates; deficiency can lead to hair loss.

Vitamin B9 (Folate / Folic acid)

Chemically known as pteroylmonoglutamic acid, it is essential for DNA synthesis, repair, and the breakdown of homocysteine.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

A vitamin featuring a central cobalt ion and a corrin ring; critical for DNA synthesis, cell division, and healthy red blood cell formation.

Pernicious anemia

A condition leading to Vitamin B12 deficiency caused by the body's inability to absorb the vitamin properly.

Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)

An antioxidant with formula $C_6H_8O_6$ containing a five-membered lactone ring; essential for immune function and preventing scurvy.

Sodium

A mineral responsible for blood pressure control; deficiency is hyponatremia and excess is hypernatremia.

Potassium

A mineral responsible for cardiac rhythm; deficiency is hypokalemia and excess is hyperkalemia.

Calcium

A mineral required for nerve transmission; deficiency is hypocalcemia and excess is hypercalcemia.

Magnesium

A mineral involved in muscle relaxation; deficiency is hypomagnessemia and excess is hypermagnessemia.

Phosphate

A mineral essential for energy metabolism; deficiency is hypophosphatemia and excess is hyperphosphatemia.

Chloride

A mineral involved in fluid balance; deficiency is hypochloremia and excess is hyperchloraemia.

Bicarbonate

A substance involved in acid-base regulation; excess leads to metabolic alkalosis.