Health Science Nutrition Chapter 8-

Vitamin

An organic micronutrient that can have a variety of functions in the body.

Vitamin precursors (provitamins, previtamins)

Substances in food or the body that cells can convert into active vitamins.

Fat-soluble vitamins

Vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Water soluble vitamins

Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, pantothenic acid, folate, biotin, vitamin B-12, and Vitamin C.

Retinol (performed vitamin A)

Form of vitamin A that is found in animal sources of food.

Carotenoids

Yellow, orange, and red pigments in fruits and vegetables.

Beta-carotene

Carotenoid that the body can convert to vitamin A.

Provitamin A

Carotenoids that the body converts to vitamin A.

Epithelial cells

Cells that form protective linings of the body.

Cornea

Clear covering over the front of the eyeball.

Carotenodermia

Yellowish-orange discoloration of the skin that results from excess beta-carotene.

Teratogen

Agent that causes birth defects.

Rickets

Vitamin D deficiency disorder in children.

Previtamin D

Inactive form of vitamin D.

Osteomalacia

Adult rickets condition characterized by poorly mineralized (soft) bones.

Alpha-tocopherol

Vitamin E.

Coenzyme

Small molecule that interacts with an enzyme, enabling the enzyme to function.

Power player B vitamins

Thiamin(B1), Riboflavin (B3), and Niacin(B2).

Beriberi

A thiamin deficiency disease.

Ariboflavinosis

Riboflavin deficiency disease.

Pellagra

A niacin deficiency disease.

Heme

Iron containing portion of hemoglobin.

Hemoglobin

The protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen.

Homocysteine

A toxic amino acid.

Folic acid or food folate

Forms of folate.

Megaloblastic anemia

A condition characterized by fewer and abnormal blood cells.

Intrinsic factor (IF)

A substance produced in the stomach that helps vitamin B-12 absorption.

Neural tube

Embryonic structure that eventually develops into the brain and spinal cord.

Spina bifida

The type of neural tube defect in which the spine doesn't form properly before birth, failing to enclose the spinal cord.

Pernicious anemia

A condition caused by the lack of intrinsic factor.

Ascorbic acid

Vitamin C.

Collagen

Fibrous protein that gives strength to connective tissue.

Carcinogen

An agent that causes cancer.

Cancer

A group of diseases characterized by abnormal cell behavior.

Scurvy

A vitamin C deficiency disease.