Vitamins and Antioxidants Lecture Notes

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to antioxidants, vitamins, and their effects on health, derived from the lecture notes.

Oxidation

Process of atoms losing electrons.

Reduction

Process of atoms gaining electrons.

Free Radical

An atom or molecule with an unpaired electron in its outer orbital.

Oxidative Stress

When the production of free radicals exceeds the body’s ability to defend against them.

Antioxidants

Substances that mitigate the effects of free radicals by donating electrons.

Retinoids

Active forms of vitamin A, including retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid.

Beta-carotene

A precursor compound in food that can be converted to active vitamin A.

Rhodopsin

Light-sensitive pigment in the retina made up of protein (opsin) and contains retinal.

Hypovitaminosis A

Vitamin A deficiency leading to symptoms like xerophthalmia.

Hypervitaminosis A

Vitamin A toxicity that can lead to various health issues.

Erythrocyte Hemolysis

Breaking open of red blood cells, associated with vitamin E deficiency.

Scurvy

Long-term vitamin C deficiency characterized by symptoms such as bleeding gums and pinpoint hemorrhages.

Carnitine

A compound that transports fatty acids across the inner membrane of the mitochondria.

Selenium

An essential mineral that acts as an antioxidant and supports thyroid hormone activation.