Chapter 7 – Vitamins Vocabulary

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, functions, deficiencies, toxicities, and regulatory concepts related to Chapter 7 Vitamins.

Vitamins

Essential, non-caloric organic nutrients required in very small amounts that act mainly as cofactors (helpers) in cellular functions.

Fat-soluble vitamins

Vitamins A, D, E, and K; dissolve in lipids, require bile for absorption, travel in lymph, are stored in tissues, and may become toxic in excess.

Water-soluble vitamins

Vitamin C and the B-vitamin group; dissolve in water, are easily absorbed and excreted, are not stored extensively, and rarely reach toxic levels.

Retinol

The active animal form of Vitamin A; can be converted to retinal and retinoic acid in the body.

β-Carotene

Plant-derived precursor of Vitamin A that must be consumed in roughly six times the amount of retinol; also functions as an antioxidant.

Xerosis

Abnormal dryness of the cornea resulting from Vitamin A deficiency; can progress to permanent blindness.

Hypervitaminosis A

Vitamin A toxicity that may cause bone pain, headaches, liver damage, skin disorders, and birth defects.

Retinoic acid (drug form)

Topical derivative of Vitamin A (e.g., Retin-A, Renova) used to treat acne or wrinkles; highly teratogenic if ingested during pregnancy.

Cholecalciferol

Chemical name for Vitamin D; produced in skin from cholesterol by UV light and obtained from fortified foods and fish.

Rickets

Bone-softening disease in children caused by Vitamin D deficiency; characterized by bowed legs and deformed ribs.

Osteomalacia

Adult counterpart of rickets; soft, weak bones due to Vitamin D deficiency.

Tocopherol

Generic chemical name for Vitamin E; α-tocopherol is the most biologically active form.

Antioxidant

Compound that donates electrons to neutralize free radicals; Vitamins E, C, and β-carotene act in this role.

Erythrocyte hemolysis

Destruction of red blood cells in premature infants due to Vitamin E deficiency.

Vitamin K

Fat-soluble vitamin essential for blood clotting and bone protein synthesis; partly supplied by intestinal bacteria.

Ascorbic acid

Chemical name for Vitamin C; maintains collagen, enhances iron absorption, supports immunity, and regenerates Vitamin E.

Scurvy

Vitamin C deficiency disease marked by bleeding gums, tooth loss, tiny hemorrhages, and poor wound healing.

Thiamin (Vitamin B1)

Coenzyme for energy metabolism and nerve function; deficiency causes beriberi.

Beriberi

Thiamin-deficiency disease; wet form involves edema, dry form involves muscle wasting and nerve damage.

Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome

Neurological disorder in alcohol abuse stemming from thiamin deficiency; features confusion, memory loss, and eye problems.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

Coenzyme in energy metabolism, supports vision and skin health; deficiency causes ariboflavinosis.

Ariboflavinosis

Riboflavin deficiency marked by cracks at mouth corners, magenta tongue, and skin rash.

Niacin (Vitamin B3)

B-vitamin for energy metabolism; can be synthesized from tryptophan; high doses used therapeutically to lower cholesterol.

Pellagra

Niacin deficiency disease characterized by the ‘4 D’s’: dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and death.

Niacin Equivalents (NE)

Measure expressing niacin activity from both preformed niacin and tryptophan (60 mg tryptophan = 1 mg niacin).

Folate (Vitamin B9)

Coenzyme for new cell synthesis; synthetic form is folic acid; critical before and during early pregnancy.

Neural tube defects (NTDs)

Birth defects (e.g., spina bifida) linked to inadequate maternal folate during early pregnancy.

Macrocytic anemia

Large-cell anemia that arises from folate or Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Cobalamin (Vitamin B12)

B-vitamin needed for nerve myelin and activation of folate; found primarily in animal foods and fortified products.

Pernicious anemia

Macrocytic anemia caused by Vitamin B12 deficiency, often due to lack of intrinsic factor.

Intrinsic factor (IF)

Stomach protein that binds Vitamin B12 to enable absorption in the small intestine.

Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)

B-vitamin whose active coenzyme PLP is essential for amino-acid metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and hemoglobin formation.

PLP (pyridoxal phosphate)

Coenzyme form of Vitamin B6 involved in over 100 enzymatic reactions, especially amino-acid metabolism.

Microcytic anemia

Small-cell anemia often resulting from Vitamin B6 deficiency.

Biotin (Vitamin B7)

Coenzyme in energy metabolism; deficiency is rare but can be induced by raw egg whites containing avidin.

Avidin

Protein in raw egg whites that binds biotin and prevents its absorption; deactivated by cooking.

Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5)

B-vitamin part of Coenzyme A, essential for energy metabolism; deficiency is extremely rare.

Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL)

Highest average daily nutrient intake likely to pose no risk of adverse health effects to most individuals.

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)

Average daily nutrient intake level meeting the requirements of nearly all (97–98 %) healthy individuals.

Natural Health Products (NHPs)

Category in Canada that includes vitamins, minerals, herbal remedies, and other over-the-counter self-care products.

Natural Product Number (NPN)

Eight-digit code issued by Health Canada indicating a licensed Natural Health Product.

Hyperhomocysteinemia

Elevated blood homocysteine associated with low folate, B6, or B12 status and increased cardiovascular risk.

Carotenodermia

Yellow-orange discoloration of the skin caused by excess dietary β-carotene; harmless and reversible.

Coenzyme

Non-protein compound (often a vitamin derivative) that partners with an enzyme to facilitate chemical reactions.

Anticoagulant medications

Drugs that inhibit blood clotting; their effectiveness can be altered by Vitamins E and K intake.

Vitamin supplement

Concentrated source of vitamins sold as pills, capsules, or liquids; may help certain populations but can pose toxicity risk.

Energy metabolism

Series of biochemical reactions that convert food energy into ATP; relies on multiple B-vitamins as coenzymes.

Collagen

Structural protein of connective tissues whose synthesis requires Vitamin C.