Vitamin

What is the general function of vitamins and minerals (as compared to macronutrients)?

involved in metabolic processes but are not energy yielding

Be able to identify fat soluble vs. water soluble vitamins.

fat soluble: vitamin D,E,A,K everything else is water soluble

What are the functions of Vitamin A?

Stimulates the bone cells that break down the inner part of the bone, cell membrane stability, roles in turing genes on and off, vision, and disease resistance

What are the differences between preformed vitamin A and provitamin A?

preformed vitamin A is ready to use and provitamin A is converted to its active form when needed

Identify dietary sources of preformed vitamin A and provitamin A.

preformed vitamin A: animal based foods and fortified foods; Provitamin A: plant based foods beta carotene

Describe deficiency and toxicity symptoms associated with vitamin A

deficiency: xerophthalmia/permanent loss of vision, night blindness. Toxicity: liver damage and birth defects malformation of head, spinal cord, brain/heart

What is the role of vitamin D in calcium metabolism?

It regulates calcium metabolism by stimulating the small intestine to produce calbindin and the kidney to conserve calcium

What are potential reasons for increased vitamin D needs in older adults?

decreased ability to convert vitamin D into its active form & decreased likelihood of adequate exposure to sunlight

Identify dietary and non-dietary sources of vitamin D

dietary: Cod liver oil, sardines, salmon, shrimp, fortified cereal and juices, the body makes it using sunlight

What chronic condition(s) is/are associated with insufficient vitamin D levels?

rickets in kids which is the deformation of the long bone and osteomalacia which is the softening of the bone

What population(s) is/are at risk of Vitamin D insufficiency?

elderly population.

What factors affect vitamin D production

Distance from equator Amount of clothing coverage on body, Sun block use, Cloud cover or smog, Skin color Age

What are the primary functions of Vitamin E?

Acts as an antioxidant in cell membranes, DNA, and proteins. Enhances immune function and is required for neuron development.

What population is at greatest risk for Vitamin E deficiency

premature infants

What are the primary functions of vitamin K?

Activates fibrin which is utilized in blood clotting, and it is also required for synthesis of steocalcin

What population is at greatest risk for K deficiency?

newborns

List the functions of vitamin C

Acts as an antioxidant in immune system health, the synthesis of collagen which is used in wound healing, and the maintenance of blood vessel structure.

What condition is caused by Vitamin C deficiency?

scurvy (bleeding gums), anemia

What are 3 dietary sources of Vitamin C?

fruits, vegetables, citrus

List the primary functions of vitamin B12 and folate

vitamin B12:Converts folate into an active form, maintains the myelin sheath, and homocysteine metabolism. folate:Cell division, red blood cell synthesis, and central nervous system development during fetal development.

Identify dietary sources of vitamin B12

milk, cheese, meat, poultry, seafood, ready-to-eat cereals, and soy products

Identify dietary sources of folate

Orange juice, green leafy vegetables, legumes, seeds, and egg yolk,

Identify dietary sources of folic acid

supplements and enriched grains

Identify the toxicity condition associated with niacin

niacin flush which is the redness of face, arms, and legs

When B12 is consumed from food, what must happen first in the stomach so that B12 can eventually be absorbed?

an intrinsic factor needs to be added so that it doesn’t degrade

What protein is required for B12 absorption?

pepsin

Identify individuals at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency and describe why these individuals are at risk.

older people because of a decreased intrinsic factor

Describe the primary deficiency conditions associated with thiamin (B1)

thiamin(B1):beriberi

Describe the primary deficiency conditions associated with niacin (B3)

niacin(B3):Pellagra: diarrhea, dermatitis, dementia, death

Describe the primary deficiency conditions associated with folate(B9)

folate (B9):macrocytic anemia, spina bifidia, anencephaly

Describe the primary deficiency conditions associated with vitamin B12

vitamin B12:Macrocytic anemia, pernicious anemia, genetic defect, aging