18 Introduction to Vitamins: Water-Soluble Vitamins

These flashcards cover essential terminology and concepts related to water-soluble vitamins, their functions, deficiencies, and health implications.

Vitamin

An organic compound that is essential for normal growth and metabolism in living organisms.

Water-soluble vitamins

Vitamins that dissolve in water and are not stored in the body; they include B vitamins and vitamin C.

Fat-soluble vitamins

Vitamins that dissolve in fat and can be stored in the body's fatty tissue; includes vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Casimir Funk

The scientist who first identified 'vital amines', which led to the naming of vitamins.

B-complex vitamins

A group of water-soluble vitamins that play important roles in cell metabolism.

Vitamin C

A water-soluble vitamin known as ascorbic acid, important for collagen synthesis, antioxidant function, and immune support.

Deficiency diseases

Diseases that arise from a lack of essential nutrients, such as vitamin deficiencies.

Scurvy

A disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, leading to symptoms like bleeding gums and fatigue.

Pernicious anemia

An autoimmune disease that prevents the absorption of vitamin B12, leading to a deficiency.

Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs)

The levels of essential nutrients that are considered adequate for most healthy people.

Folic acid

A B vitamin crucial for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation; helps prevent neural tube defects during pregnancy.

Neural tube defects

Birth defects that occur in the brain, spine, or spinal cord due to a lack of folic acid during pregnancy.

Coenzyme

A small molecule that assists enzymes in their biological reactions, often derived from vitamins.

Biochemical reactions

Chemical processes that occur within living organisms, often facilitated by enzymes and coenzymes.

Bioavailability

The degree to which a nutrient or bioactive compound is absorbed and utilized in the body.

Toxicity

The degree to which a substance can harm humans or animals; often referred to in context with fat-soluble vitamins.

Microcytic anemia

Anemia characterized by small red blood cells, often due to iron deficiency.

Macrocytic anemia

Anemia with large red blood cells, commonly associated with folate or vitamin B12 deficiency.

Vitamin B12

A water-soluble vitamin essential for nerve function and the production of DNA and red blood cells.

Niacin

Also known as vitamin B3, it's important for energy metabolism and can be synthesized from tryptophan.

Pellagra

A disease caused by severe niacin deficiency, characterized by diarrhea, dermatitis, and dementia.

Vitamins' heat sensitivity

The property of vitamins, especially water-soluble ones, to be lost during cooking or storage.

Dietary sources of vitamins

Foods that provide essential vitamins to the body, crucial for maintaining health.

Vitamin deficiencies

Conditions arising from insufficient intake of specific vitamins, leading to various health issues.

Homocysteine

An amino acid in the blood that, when elevated, is associated with increased risk of heart disease.

Chronic disease risk

The likelihood of developing diseases over time, which can sometimes be reduced through adequate vitamin intake.

Antioxidant function

The ability of vitamins like C to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.

Synthetic vitamins

Vitamins produced artificially, which may have different absorption characteristics compared to natural vitamins.

Fate of excess vitamins

Water-soluble vitamins are excreted through urine if consumed in excess, whereas fat-soluble vitamins can accumulate in tissues.

Vitamin D

A fat-soluble vitamin important for calcium absorption and bone health; also referred to as the sunshine vitamin.

Collagen

A structural protein essential for the integrity of connective tissues, skin, and bones.

Emerging research

New studies and findings that continuously reshape our understanding of vitamins and their roles in health.

Dietary enrichment

The process of adding essential nutrients to food products to enhance their nutritional value.

Vitamin deficiency symptoms

Signs and symptoms that arise from a lack of specific vitamins; can range from mild fatigue to severe health issues.

Public health success stories

Achievements in healthcare that have led to the prevention or treatment of vitamin deficiency diseases.

Epidemiologic studies

Research studies that investigate the incidence and distribution of health-related states in specific populations.

Liver's role in vitamin B12 absorption

Vitamin B12 is predominantly stored in the liver and requires specific transport mechanisms for absorption.

Vitamin B6

A water-soluble vitamin involved in amino acid metabolism; its deficiency is rare but can have serious health implications.

Citrus fruits

Fruits such as oranges, lemons, and limes that are excellent sources of vitamin C.

Micronutrient

A type of nutrient required by the body in smaller amounts but is essential for proper physiological functions.