Nutritional Support: Vitamins, Minerals, Electrolytes - Key Concepts and Safety

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Vitamins A, D, E, K that are stored in the liver/adipose tissue.

Vitamin A (retinol)

Regulates gene expression for epithelial integrity and photoreceptor function.

Key use of Vitamin A

Deficiency leads to night blindness, epithelial dysfunction, immune impairment.

Adverse effects of Vitamin A

Hypervitaminosis A, hepatotoxicity, teratogenicity.

Vitamin D (cholecalciferol / ergocalciferol)

Increases intestinal calcium and phosphate absorption; regulates bone mineralization.

Key use of Vitamin D

Prevention of osteomalacia, osteoporosis, calcium deficiency states.

Adverse effects of Vitamin D

Hypercalcemia, kidney stones, vascular calcification.

Vitamin E (tocopherol)

Lipid-soluble antioxidant protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage.

Key use of Vitamin E

Antioxidant support in malabsorption states.

Adverse effects of Vitamin E

Increased bleeding risk at high doses.

Vitamin K (phytonadione)

Cofactor for synthesis of clotting factors in the liver.

Key use of Vitamin K

Coagulation support, warfarin reversal.

Adverse effects of Vitamin K

Rare hypersensitivity reactions, thrombosis risk if overdosed.

Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

Cofactor in carbohydrate metabolism for ATP production and neural function.

Key use of Thiamine

Deficiency states including neuropathy, malnutrition, alcoholism.

Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)

Required for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.

Key use of Folic Acid

Prevention/treatment of megaloblastic anemia; neural tube defect prevention.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

Cofactor for collagen synthesis; antioxidant; supports immune and wound healing.

Key use of Vitamin C

Prevention/treatment of scurvy, wound healing support.

Ferrous Sulfate

Replaces iron to restore hemoglobin synthesis and oxygen transport capacity.

Key use of Ferrous Sulfate

Iron deficiency anemia.

Sodium Chloride (NaCl)

Restores extracellular fluid volume and osmotic balance.

Key use of Sodium Chloride

Hyponatremia, fluid resuscitation, maintenance electrolyte replacement.

Potassium Chloride (KCl)

Restores intracellular potassium required for cardiac and metabolic function.

Key use of Potassium Chloride

Correction of hypokalemia.

Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO₄)

Modulates neuromuscular excitability and cardiac conduction.

Key use of Magnesium Sulfate

Hypomagnesemia, preeclampsia/eclampsia, constipation, hypertension adjunct.

Calcium Gluconate

Stabilizes neuromuscular and cardiac excitability; reverses magnesium toxicity.

Key use of Calcium Gluconate

Hypocalcemia; antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity.

IV Safety Hierarchy

Potassium IV: never push, always dilute, slow infusion, cardiac monitor.

Sodium Lab Values

135-145 mEq/L

Potassium Lab Value

3.5-5.0 mEq/L