moduler 5 vitamins

What is a vitamin?

Organic micronutrient needed in small amounts; easily destroyed by heat/light; regulates body processes.

What is a mineral?

Inorganic micronutrient; cannot be destroyed; supports structure like bone, blood, nerves.

How do vitamins differ from minerals?

Vitamins are organic and heat‑sensitive; minerals are inorganic and stable.

Which vitamins are fat‑soluble?

A, D, E, K

Which vitamins are water‑soluble?

B‑complex and Vitamin C

How does solubility affect heat sensitivity?

Water‑soluble vitamins are more heat‑sensitive; fat‑soluble vitamins are more stable.

What are antioxidants?

Molecules that protect cells by neutralizing free radicals

What are free radicals?

Unstable molecules with unpaired electrons that damage cells

How do antioxidants protect cells?

They donate electrons to stabilize free radicals

Which vitamins are antioxidants?

Vitamins A, C, and E

Vitamin A solubility

Fat‑soluble

Vitamin A functions

Vision, immunity, cell differentiation

Vitamin A food sources

Carrots, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, liver

Vitamin A deficiency

Night blindness

Vitamin A toxicity

Liver damage, birth defects

Vitamin C solubility

Water‑soluble

Vitamin C functions

Collagen formation, immunity, antioxidant, increases iron absorption.

Vitamin C food sources

Citrus, strawberries, peppers

Vitamin C deficiency

Scurvy

Vitamin C toxicity

GI upset

Vitamin E solubility

Fat‑soluble

Vitamin E functions

Protects cell membranes; antioxidant

Vitamin E food sources

Nuts, seeds, vegetable oils

Vitamin E deficiency

Rare; nerve/muscle issues

Vitamin E toxicity

Increased bleeding risk

Selenium function

Antioxidant enzyme support; thyroid function

Copper function

Iron metabolism; antioxidant role

Zinc function

Immune function; wound healing; antioxidant role