Nutrients and their Metabolism

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to vitamins and minerals, their functions, deficiencies, and characteristics.

Vitamin

An organic compound that is essential for normal metabolism and health, but not classified as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, or minerals.

Fat-soluble vitamins

Vitamins A, D, E, and K that can be stored in the body's tissues and are absorbed along with dietary fats.

Water-soluble vitamins

Vitamins B and C that cannot be stored in the body in significant amounts and are excreted in urine.

Hypervitaminosis

Toxicity resulting from excessive intake of vitamins, particularly fat-soluble ones.

Vitamin A

Essential for the development of epithelial tissues, vision, and immune function.

Vitamin D

Regulates calcium absorption and is involved in bone metabolism; also known as the 'sunshine vitamin'.

Vitamin E

An antioxidant that protects cell membranes and maintains proper permeability of capillary walls.

Vitamin K

Required for blood clotting and the synthesis of certain proteins needed for bones and blood.

Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

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

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

A coenzyme involved in energy metabolism; deficiency causes skin lesions and curled toe paralysis.

Nicotinic acid (Niacin/B3)

Key for energy metabolism and DNA repair; deficiency leads to poor growth and dermatitis.

Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5)

Precursor of coenzyme A; involved in metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)

Involved in amino acid metabolism; deficiency may lead to neurological issues.

Biotin (Vitamin B7)

A cofactor in carboxylation reactions; deficiency can lead to skin lesions and hair loss.

Folic acid (Vitamin B9)

Essential for DNA and RNA synthesis; plays a role in cell growth and development.

Cobalamin (Vitamin B12)

Necessary for red blood cell formation and neurological function; synthesized by microbes.

Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)

Involved in collagen synthesis and antioxidant activities; deficiency leads to scurvy.

Minerals

Essential inorganic elements needed for various physiological functions, classified as macro or micro minerals.

Macro minerals

Minerals needed in larger amounts, such as calcium, phosphorus, and potassium.

Micro minerals

Minerals needed in smaller amounts, such as iron, zinc, and copper.

Deficiency symptoms

Signs that indicate a lack of essential nutrients in the diet.

Antivitamins

Compounds that interfere with the absorption or utilization of vitamins.

Toxicity

Adverse effects resulting from excessive intake of vitamins or minerals.