Vitamins & Vitamin Deficiencies

What are the Function of Vitamins?

Regulate many body functions

What are the Water Soluble Vitamins?

Vitamin B & C

B1 Thiamine

B2 Riboflavin

B3 Niacin

B6 Pyridoxine

B12 Cobalmin

C Ascorbic Acid

What is the Function of Vitamin B1 Thiamine?

Needed to release energy from CHO

Nerve & Heart function

What is a Vitamin B1 Thiamine deficiency called?

Beriberi & Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

What is the Function of Vitamin B2 Riboflavin?

Release of energy in cells

What is the Deficiency called associated with Vitamin B2 Riboflavin?

Cheilosis (cracked lips at the corners)

Inflammation of lips & tongue

What is the Function of Vitamin B3 Niacin?

Essential for growth, energy production

Hormone synthesis

What is the Deficiency called associated with Vitamin B3 Niacin?

Pellagra

What is the Function of Vitamin B6 Pyridoxine?

- Promotes proper nerve function

- Help's form RBC's

- Essential for protein & CHO metabolism

What is the Function of Vitamin B12 Cobalamin?

Genetic material for cells

Neural function

What is the Deficiency called associated with Vitamin B12 Cobalamin & who typically get this?

Pernicious anemia

Vegens typically get this

What is the Function of Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid?

- Formation of collagen

- Maintenance of bone, teeth, & tendons

- Wound healing

- Immune system

What is the Deficiency called associated with Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid?

Scurvy

What are the Fat Soluble Vitamins?

Vitamin:

A Retinol

D

E

K

What is the Function of Vitamin A Retinol?

Vision

Growth & Reproduction

Wound healing

Where is the source of Vitamin A Retinol?

Liver

If there is a Deficiency of Vitamin A Retinol, what will be the side effects?

Dim vision (Night vision)

Dry eyes

What is the Function of Vitamin D?

Formation of bone

Absorption of calcium & phosphorus in intestines

What is the Deficiency called associated with Vitamin D?

Rickets

Osteomalacia

What is the Function of Vitamin E?

Intracellular antioxidant

May have a role as a coenzyme

What are the sources of Vitamin E?

Vegetable oil

Seed oil

What will a Deficiency of Vitamin E cause?

Increased RBC hemolysis

Muscle lesions

What is the Function of Vitamin K?

- Formation of prothrombin & coagulant factors

- Normal blood clotting

What will a Deficiency of Vitamin K cause?

Defective clotting mechanism

What Diet/Food causes Beriberi?

Occurs with people whose staple food is Polished Rice

What are the 2 types of Beriberi & which one is more common?

Dry Beriberi & Wet Beriberi

More common: Dry beriberi

What are the characteristics of Dry Beriberi?

- Pain in feet & legs

- Degeneration of muscles

- Poorly coordinated movements

What are the characteristics of Wet Beriberi?

- Imparied heart function

- Edema (can obscure muscle wasting)

Who typically gets Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome?

- Alcoholics

- People who have long fasting or persistent vomiting, especially if given D5W

What are the S&S of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome?

- Poor memory

- Confusion

- Nystagmus

- Ataxia

- Apathy

What are the S&S of Riboflavin Deficiency?

- Glossitis

- Photophobia

- Cheliosis

- "blood shot eyes"

- Waxy skin eruption around nose & lips

- Tongue is magente hue (violet color)

What are the 4 D's of Pellagra?

Dermatitis- "Casal's necklace"

Diarrhea- Frequent runny stools

Dementia- Memory impairment

Death- gradual systemic failure

What are the Initial Stages of Pellagra?

- Weight loss

- Anorexia

- General ill health

What are the S&S of Pellagra?

Reddish-brown pigmented skin on:

- neck

- face

- hands

What are the causes of Pyridoxine Deficiency?

Occurs with high protein diet

*TB patients get this by taking INH*

What are the symptoms of Pyridoxine Deficiency?

Convulsions

Metabolic abnormalities

Where is Vitamin B12 Cobalamin stored in the body?

The Liver

What is the cause of Cobalamin Deficiency?

Results from lack of intrinsic factor necessary for absorption

Where does Folic Acid Deficiency occur in the body & due to what?

In the small intestine:

- Celiac disease

- Alcohol abuse

- Malabsorption

What type of patient should always take Folic Acid?

Obstetric patients

What should you Rule Out with suspected Folic Acid Deficiency before treating with Folate?

Pernicious anemia

What is the cause of Pantothenic Acid Deficiency?

Deficiency only known to occur in humans with an artifical, pantothenic-acid free diet

What are the S&S of Ascorbic Acid Deficiency AKA "Scurvy"?

Early Sign: multiple hemorrhages

Swollen, bleeding, & inflamed gums

Dengenerative changes in bones

What are the effects of Retinol Deficiency?

- Night blindness

- Xeropthalmia (dyr eyes)

- Keratomalacia (softening of the cornea)

- Deterioration of mucous membranes

What are the effects of Rickets in Children?

- Impaired calcification

- Development of teeth

- Beading of ribs

- Excessive perspiration

*Fat belly with ribs showing*

What are the effects of Rickets in Adults?

Osteomalacia

- Beading of ribs

- Excessive perspiration

*Fat belly with ribs showing*

What is the Function of Folic Acid?

- Needed to make DNA & RNA

- Manufacture RBC's

What is the source of Folic Acid?

Dark green vegetables

What is the Function of Biotin?

Important in reactions involving the lengthening of carbon chains

What will a deficiency of Biotin cause?

- Dermatitis

- Glossitis (Inflammation of the tongue)

What is the Function of Pantothenic Acid?

Energy release from protein, CHO, & fats

What will a deficiency of Pantothenic Acid cause?

Fatigue

Muscle Cramps