Chapter 7 - Fat Soluble Vitamins

What are the four fat-soluble vitamins?

A, D, E, and K

What is the primary function of vitamin A?

Involved in vision and cell differentiation

How are vitamins classified based on solubility?

As fat-soluble or water-soluble

What role does vitamin D play in the body?

Regulates calcium and phosphorus for bone health

What are carotenoids?

Plant pigments that can be converted to vitamin A

What condition can result from vitamin A deficiency?

Night blindness and increased risk of infecitons

What is the role of vitamin E in the body?

Acts as an antioxident to protect cells

How does vitamin K contribute to health?

Essential for blood clotting and bone health

What is biofortification?

Improving the nutritional quality of food crops

What is the primary source of vitamin D for most individuals

Sunlight Exposure

How much beta-carotene is needed to equal one microgram of retinol?

12 micrograms of dietary beta-carotene

What deficiency can lead to rickets in children?

Vitamin D deficiency

What common foods are high in citamin A?

Liver, fish, and dairy products

What is retinol?

The active form of vitamin A found in animal foods

What health issues can arise from vitamin E deficiency?

Increased oxidative damage and immune dysfunction

What can excessive vitamin A intake cause?

Hypervitaminosis A, leading to toxicity

What does the acronym RDA stand for?

Recommended Dietary Allowance

What food sources are high in vitamin K?

Green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale

What is the difference between provitamin A and preformed vitamin A?

Provitamin A must be converted to retinol ; preformed is already active

What is the role of antioxidents in the body?

Protect against damage by free radicals

How does age affect vitamin absorption?

Older adults may absorb vitamins less efficiency

What is the UL for vitamin A for adults?

3,000 mcg RAE

What can happen when children are vitamin A deficient?

They are at higher risk for death from infections

What is the importance of bile in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins?

Bile helps emulsify fats for better absorption

Why might vitamin D be synthesized in insufficient amounts?

Limited sun exposure or skin health issues

How does vitamin E affects cardiovascular health?

May reduce plaque formation in blood vessels

What are free radicals?

Highly unstable molecules that can damage cells

How can cooking affect the bioavailability of carotenoids?

Cooking can increase the availability of nutrients

What is the primary effect of vitamin K deficiency?

Uncontrolled bleeding due to poor clotting

What can prevent vitamin D deficiency aside from sunlight

Dietary intake of fortified foods and supplements.