Culinary Medicine Module 1: Micronutrients & Phytonutrients

Flashcards covering essential micronutrients (vitamins, macrominerals, trace elements) and key phytochemicals, their biological roles, clinical applications, and deficiency symptoms based on Module 1.

Micronutrients

Substances including vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and phytochemicals that act as biochemical facilitators by directly activating pathways, switching genes on/off, or acting as enzyme cofactors.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

A water-soluble vitamin acting as a coenzyme in the Krebs cycle that is pivotal for carbohydrate metabolism, nerve signal conduction, and the synthesis of neurotransmitters.

Beriberi

A disease caused by Thiamine deficiency that manifests in two forms: wet beriberi (affecting the cardiovascular system) and dry beriberi (impacting the nervous system).

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

A severe neurological disorder caused by Thiamine deficiency, commonly seen in alcoholics, requiring early administration of high doses of Thiamine.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

A component of coenzymes $FMN$ and $FAD$ essential for energy metabolism, cellular respiration, and the regeneration of the antioxidant glutathione.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

A vital component of $NAD$ and $NADP$ involved in energy metabolism, DNA repair, and lipid regulation, including the reduction of $LDL$ and triglycerides.

Pellagra

A Niacin deficiency disease characterized by the "three Ds": dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

A precursor for the biosynthesis of coenzyme A ($CoA$), essential for the Krebs cycle and the synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol, and acetylcholine.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

A coenzyme crucial for amino acid metabolism, hemoglobin formation (heme synthesis), and the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and $GABA$.

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)

A coenzyme involved in the metabolism of fatty acids, amino acids, and glucose, as well as gene expression and cellular signaling.

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)

A vitamin crucial for $DNA$ and $RNA$ synthesis, cell division, and the conversion of homocysteine to methionine, particularly important during pregnancy.

Neural Tube Defects

Developmental conditions such as spina bifida and anencephaly that can be prevented by adequate Folic Acid intake during pregnancy.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

The only vitamin containing a metal ion ($cobalt$), essential for red blood cell formation, maintenance of the myelin sheath, and neurological function.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

A water-soluble antioxidant and cofactor for enzymes in collagen synthesis that enhances immune cell function and non-heme iron absorption.

Scurvy

A condition caused by Vitamin C deficiency characterized by bleeding gums, bruising, joint pain, and poor wound healing.

Provitamin A (Beta-carotene)

A plant-based carotenoid composed of two retinol molecules that is enzymatically cleaved in the intestinal mucosa to form active Vitamin A.

Vitamin A (Retinol)

A fat-soluble vitamin essential for night vision (as part of the protein rhodopsin), immune regulation, and cellular differentiation.

Vitamin D

The "sunshine vitamin" that facilitates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus to maintain bone health and modulate the immune system.

Vitamin E (Alpha-tocopherol)

A potent fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage and inhibits the oxidation of $LDL$ cholesterol.

Vitamin K

A nutrient existing as $K_1$ (phylloquinone) and $K_2$ (menaquinones) that is essential for blood coagulation proteins and the carboxylation of osteocalcin for bone mineralization.

Iron

A mineral essential for the formation of hemoglobin in red blood cells for oxygen transport and myoglobin in muscle cells for oxygen storage.

Magnesium

The fourth most abundant mineral in the body, acting as a cofactor for over $300$ enzymatic reactions, including energy production and neuromuscular transmission.

Calcium

The body's most abundant mineral, stored primarily in bones and teeth, essential for muscle contraction (actin/myosin binding), nerve signaling, and blood clotting.

Sodium

An electrolyte integral to fluid balance, blood pressure regulation, nerve impulse transmission, and the intestinal absorption of glucose and amino acids.

Potassium

A key mineral for cross-membrane communication, heart rhythm regulation, and the movement of fluid through the kidneys.

Chromium

A trace mineral that enhances the action of insulin, playing a significant role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Copper

A cofactor for cuproenzymes involved in iron metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, myelin sheath formation, and antioxidant defense (superoxide dismutase).

Iodine

A component essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, specifically thyroxine ($T_4$) and triiodothyronine ($T_3$), which regulate metabolism.

Selenium

A component of selenoproteins like glutathione peroxidase, vital for thyroid hormone metabolism and protection from oxidative stress.

Zinc

A trace element acting as a cofactor for over $300$ enzymes, critical for innate immunity, collagen synthesis, and DNA synthesis.

Polyphenols

A group of phytochemicals (flavonoids, stilbenes, lignans) that improve endothelial function, modulate lipid metabolism, and offer neuroprotective effects.

Immunomodulatory Polysaccharides

Complex carbohydrates found in mushrooms and algae that enhance the activity of macrophages, natural killer cells, and lymphocytes.

Carotenoids

Natural pigments like lutein and zeaxanthin that provide photoprotection for the skin and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration ($AMD$).

Phytoestrogens

Plant compounds that structurally resemble human estrogen, potentially alleviating menopausal symptoms and protecting bone density.