HUN1201 Vitamins

What do vitamins yield in terms of energy?

None

What does RDA stand for in nutrition?

Recommended Daily Allowance

What is the meaning of AI in the context of vitamins?

Adequate Intake

What is the difference between primary and secondary deficiency?

Primary deficiency occurs when a nutrient is lacking in the diet, while secondary deficiency occurs when the body cannot absorb or utilize the vitamin effectively.

How are water-soluble vitamins transported in the body?

Freely in blood.

How are water-soluble vitamins stored in the body?

Circulating freely.

How often must you consume water-soluble vitamins?

Frequently.

What is the function of thiamin (B1)?

Coenzyme for energy metabolism.

What are the main sources of B1 (thiamin)?

Meats, legumes, fortified grains.

What is the deficiency condition associated with thiamin (B1)?

Beriberi.

What is dry beriberi?

Affects the nervous system causing numbness, tingling, weakness, and paralysis.

What is wet beriberi?

Affects the cardiovascular system causing rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, and swelling of lower legs.

What is Wernicke's encephalopathy?

A condition characterized by confusion, ataxia, ophthalmoplegia, nystagmus, and memory loss, associated with B1 deficiency.

Define ataxia in the context of Wernicke's encephalopathy.

Lack of muscle coordination.

What is the role of riboflavin (B2) in metabolism?

Coenzyme for metabolism.

What are the deficiency symptoms of riboflavin (B2)?

Ariboflavinosis, which includes mouth sores, glossitis, cracked lips, and sore throat.

What is a significant source of niacin (B3)?

Meats and fortified grains.

What is the deficiency condition associated with niacin (B3)?

Pellagra, which includes diarrhea, dermatitis, dementia, and can lead to death.

What are the primary functions of vitamin C (ascorbic acid)?

Antioxidant, collagen formation, iron absorption, and cofactor in various reactions.

What is the toxicity of vitamin C?

Diarrhea and GI stress.

What is the main function of vitamin D?

Calcium homeostasis and enhancing gene activity.

What are the sources of vitamin D?

Fatty fish, egg yolks, beef liver, cheese, sunlight.

Describe the role of vitamin E in the body.

Antioxidant properties and maintenance of cell membranes.

What is the primary function of vitamin K?

Blood clotting and metabolism of bone proteins.

What happens in vitamin K deficiency?

Decreased ability to clot blood and calcify bones.