Chapter 9: Vitamins

03/23/2025- Finished flashcard set ~X

Are vitamins organic? do they offer energy?

Yes, but they do not offer energy.

How are vitamins classified?

Classified into fat- soluble (hydrophobic, water fearing) or water-soluble (hydrophilic, water loving).

where do water-soluble vitamins act in the body?

act in the cytosol of cells or in extracellular fluids such as blood.

where do fat-soluble vitamins act in the body?

act responsibly for protecting cell membranes from free radical damage.

What are unique characteristics of vitamins?

• Exist as individual units

• Do not yield energy

• readily available in food (fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy and meats)

• Measured in very small quantities- mcg or mg.

Is there such thing as essential and non-essential vitamins?

yes

if a diet lacks certain vitamins, what can occur?

vitamin deficiencies.

Do vitamin get digested?

No they do not, they are taken in as is.

classifications of fat soluble vitamins

• Absorbed with dietary fat (into lymph)

• Often in fatty foods, but not always

• Can accumulate in adipose tissue

• Toxicity may result

• Vitamins A, D, E, K (A Dumb Elephant Knows when its fat)

Classifications of water soluble vitamins

• Easily absorbed into blood

• Excess is excreted in urine

• B vitamins, vitamin C, and Choline (though choline is not a vitamin) (BCC)

Vitamin intake is measured in very small amounts. what are they?

• 1 gram= 1 paper clip

• 1 milligram (mg)= 1/1,000 of a paper clip

• 1 microgram (mcg)= 1/1,000,000 of a paper clip

Why do we need such small amounts of vitamins intake?

Because vitamins are reusable.

What are the general functions of vitamins?

• Energy metabolism

• Blood components and clotting

• Bone health

• Antioxidants

• Vision

Which vitamins are important in energy metabolism?

• Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin)

• Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin)

• Niacin

• Pantothenic acid

• Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine)

• Vitamin B-12 (cobalamin)

• Folate

• Biotin

Bioavailability

The amount of vitamin absorbed and used by the body

Fat-soluble vitamins and water-soluble vitamins differ in the way they are absorbed in the body. How is each absorbed?

• Fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed along with dietary fat. They are then packaged into the chylomicrons along with fatty acids to be transported in the lymphatic system to the liver. There if a meal has very low fat content, absorption of fat-soluble vitamins will be impaired.

• Water-soluble vitamins are absorbed in the small intestine and transported to the liver through blood vessels (hepatic portal system).

Fat soluble vitamins travel via blood or lymphatic system?

lymphatic system

Water soluble vitamins travel via blood or lymphatic system?

Blood

List some facts regarding the digestion and absorption of vitamins.

• Most vitamins do not require digestion.

• Intestinal cells can absorb most vitamins as-is.

• Fat-soluble vitamins must be consumed with dietary fat.

What are characteristics of fat soluble vitamins?

Vitamins A, D, E, and K:

• Absorbed with dietary fat as micelles.

• Packages into chylomicrons to enter lymph.

• Can accumulate in adipose tissue.

• Toxicity may result due to overconsumption (typically due to supplements)

What does vitamin A form? what are the best sources of this vitamin?

Forms retinol, retinal, and retinoic acids. Best sources include:

• beef and chicken liver

• Skim milk

• Whole milk

• Cheddar cheese

What are the major functions of Vitamin A?

• Vision

• cell differentiation

• Reproduction and fetal growth

• immune function

• antioxidant- fights cancer

What is hyper-vitaminosis A?

When someone consumes too much vitamin A and it remains stuck in adipose cells, causing vitamin A toxicity. S/S include:

• Dry, itchy skin

• Hair loss

• Liver damage

• Joint pain

• Fractures

• Birth defects

• Swelling of the brain

What is the sunshine vitamin and what are it’s two forms?

Vitamin D- Calciferol. Two forms include:

• Vitamin D2- from plants

• Vitamin D3- from animals (made from cholesterol)

What are good sources of vitamin D? What are it’s major functions?

Good sources include:

• Swordfish

• Salmon

• Tuna

• Orange juice

• Eggs

• Synthesis from sunlight

Major functions are:

• Absorption and regulation of calcium and phosphorus

• Maintenance of bone

• Action of calcitriol

What are the deficiency diseases and symptoms associated with vitamin D deficiency?

• Rickets in children: abnormal growth

• Misshapen bones

• Bowed legs

• Soft bones

• Osteomalacia in adults

What is associated with Vitamin D toxicity?

• Calcium deposits in soft tissues

• damage to the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys

How is vitamin D processed in the body?

• Ingested and made in skin from cholesterol and UV light

• Activated in the kidneys and liver

• Vitamin D is essential for homeostasis of calcium and phosphorus

What are some good sources of vitamin E (Alpha tocopherol)? What are some major functions?

Good sources include:

• Sunflower seeds

• Almonds

• Hazelnuts

• Peanuts

• Oils

• Spices and herbs

Major functions include:

• Antioxidant

• protects cell membranes

• Prevents macular degeneration

• protects against arteriosclerosis

What are deficiency diseases and symptoms associated with Vitamin E deficiency? what are the results of Vitamin E toxicity?

Deficiency diseases and symptoms include:

• Broken red blood cells

• nerve damage

Results of toxicity:

• Inhibition of vitamin K clotting factors

What are some good sources of Vitamin K? What is its’ major function?

Good sources include:

• Vegetable oils

• leafy greens

• synthesis by intestinal bacteria

• Kale

• Kiwi

• Avocado

Major functions include:

• Synthesis of blood clotting proteins and proteins needed for bone growth and cell growth.

What are some deficiency diseases and symptoms associated with Vitamin K deficiency? Who are groups at risk? What would happen in the cases of Vitamin K toxicity?

Deficiency diseases and symptoms include:

• Hemorrhage

Groups at risk include:

• Newborns

• People on long term antibiotics

In cases of toxicity, it can cause:

• Anemia

• brain damage

What are characteristics of water soluble vitamins?

Vitamin C, B Vitamins and Choline (not actually a vitamin):

• Easily absorbed into blood

• Excess is excreted in urine

• All play a different kind of role in energy metabolism

  • Required as functional parts of enzymes involved in energy release and storage.

  • Vitamins and minerals that make up part of enzymes are referred to as coenzymes and cofactors, respectively, and are required by enzymes to catalyze a specific reaction.

  • Essential in catabolic pathways and play a role in many anabolic pathways too.

• Many vitamins and minerals are required for blood renewal and function.

  • At insufficient levels in the diet, these vitamins and minerals impair the health of blood and consequently the delivery of nutrients in and wastes out.

What are good sources of vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)? What are its’ major functions?

good sources include:

• Orange juice

• Grapefruit juice

• Strawberries

• Tomato

• Sweet red pepper

• Broccoli

• Potatoes

Major functions include:

• Antioxidant

• Serves as a coenzyme

• aid in collagen synthesis

• hormone and neurotransmitter synthesis

What are deficiency diseases and symptoms associated with Vitamin C deficiency? Which groups are at risk? What would happen in cases of Vitamin C toxicity?

Deficiency diseases and symptoms include:

• Scurvy

• bleeding gums

• joint pain

• poor wound healing

• Depression

Groups at risk include:

• Smokers

• Alcoholics

• Elderly

In cases of toxicity, it can cause:

• GI upset, diarrhea, bloating

• Increase risk of kidney stones

• Atherosclerotic plaques

• Pinpoint hemorrhage

• bone fragility

• joint pain

• poor wound healing (due to lack of collagen)

List all the B Vitamins (Water-Soluble)

• Thiamin (B₁)

• Riboflavin (B₂)

• Niacin (B₃)

• Pantothenic acid (B₅)

• Pyridoxine (B₆)

• Biotin (B₇)

• Folate (B₉)

• Cobalamin (B₁₂) (Has cobalt included)

What are the functions of B Vitamins?

• B vitamins act as coenzymes in energy metabolism

  • Coenzymes are organic compounds that make enzymes active.

  • Coenzymes are important for the function of an enzyme.

• Play a role in amino acid metabolism

• Maintains bones and muscles

• Red blood cell formation

• Synthesis of nucleic acids and cell division.

• NOTE: many B vitamins are interrelated and interdependent

What are good sources of Thiamin (B1)? What are its’ major functions?

Good sources include:

• Pork

• Enriched and whole grains

• Fish

• legumes

• Breakfast cereal

Major functions include:

• Coenzyme: assists in glucose metabolism, RNA, DNA, and ATP synthesis of neurotransmitters.

What deficiency diseases and symptoms are associated with Thiamin (B1) deficiency? Which groups are at risk?

Deficiency diseases and symptoms include:

• Beriberi

  • Fatigue

  • Confusion

  • Movement impairment

  • Swelling

  • Heart failure

• Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

  • Specific to alcoholics as diets high in alcohol can cause thiamin deficiency. causes similar symptoms as beriberi.

Groups at risk include:

• Alcoholics

• Older adults

• Those with eating disorders

What are good sources of Riboflavin (B2)? What are its’ major functions?

Good sources include:

• Beef liver

• enriched breakfast cereals

• yogurt

• steak

• Mushrooms

• almonds

• eggs

• NOTE: Riboflavin is sensitive to sunlight and can be destroyed by exposure.

Major functions include:

• Coenzyme: Assists in glucose, fat, and carb metabolism

• Electron carrier

• Other B vitamins are dependent on Riboflavin

What are deficiencies and symptoms associated with Riboflavin (B2) deficiency?

Ariboflavinosis:

• Dry scaly skin

• Mouth inflammation and sores

• sore throat

• itchy eyes

• light sensitivity

What makes Niacin different from other vitamins? What are its major functions?

Referred to as nicotinic acid and nicotinamide, it can be synthesized by humans (nonessential) from amino acid tryptophan in an anabolic process requiring enzymes dependent on riboflavin, vitamin B6, and iron.

Major functions include:

• A component of coenzymes NADH and NADPH, which are involved in catabolism.

• Involved in the synthesis/ anabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.

What are some good sources of Niacin (B3)? What is its recommended intake for adults? What are it’s major functions?

good sources include:

• Meat

• Poultry

• Fish

• peanuts

• enriched grains

Recommended intake for adults is:

14-16 NE/ day

Major functions include:

• Coenzyme: assists in glucose, fat, and protein metabolism

• electron carrier.

What deficiency diseases and symptoms are associated with Niacin (B3) deficiency? Which groups are at risk?

Pellagra

• Diarrhea

• Dermatitis

• Dementia

• Death

• Fatigue

• Decreased appetite

• Indigestion

Groups at risk include:

• Alcoholics

In cases of toxicity, it can cause:

• Nausea

• Rash

• Tingling extremities

What are some good sources of Pantothenic Acid (B5)? What are its major functions?

Good sources include:

• Sunflower seeds

• Fish

• Dairy products

• Widespread in foods

Major functions include:

• Component of CoA

• Assists in glucose, fat, and protein metabolism

• Cholesterol and neurotransmitter synthesis- acetylcholine.

What deficiency diseases and symptoms are associated with Pantothenic Acid (B5)? what groups are at risk? What would happen in cases of Pantothenic Acid toxicity?

Deficiency diseases and symptoms:

• Muscle numbness

• Pain

• Fatigue

• Irritability

Groups at risk:

• Alcoholics

In cases of toxicity, may cause:

• Fatigue

• Rash

What are some good sources of Pyridoxine (B6)? what are its major functions?

good sources include:

• Meat

• Poultry

• Fish

• Legumes

• Nuts

Major functions include:

• Coenzyme: assists in amino-acid synthesis, glycogenolysis, neurotransmitter and hemoglobin synthesis.

What deficiency diseases and symptoms are associated with Pyridoxine (B6) deficiency? Which groups are at risk? What happen in cases of toxicity?

Deficiency diseases and symptoms:

• Dermatitis

• Mouth sores

• Fatigue

• Confusion

• Anemia due to lower oxygen carrying capacity

Groups at risk:

• Alcoholics

In cases of toxicity, can cause:

• Nerve damage

What are good sources of biotin (B7)? what are its major functions?

good sources include:

• Egg yolks

• fish

• pork

• nuts

• seeds

Major functions include:

• Coenzyme: assists in glucose, fat, and protein metabolism (citric acid cycle).

• Amino-acid synthesis

What deficiency diseases and symptoms are associated with Biotin (B7) deficiency? Which groups are at risk?

Deficiency diseases and symptoms:

• Muscle weakness

• Dermatitis

• Fatigue

• Hair loss

Groups at risk:

• Those consuming raw egg whites. (Egg whites bind to the enzyme that makes biotin available).

What are good courses of Folate (B9; or Folic acid)? What are its major functions?

Good sources include:

• Leafy green vegetables

• Enriched grains

• Orange juice

Major functions include:

• Coenzyme for amino acid methionine synthesis

• Helps in RNA and DNA synthesis

• Red blood cell synthesis

What deficiency diseases and symptoms are caused by Folate (B9/ Folic Acid) deficiency? Which groups are at risk? What happens in cases of toxicity?

Deficiency diseases and symptoms:

• Megaloblastic anemia

• Spina bifida

• Diarrhea

• Mouth sores

• Confusion

• Anemia

• Neural tube defects

Groups at risk:

• Pregnant women

• Alcoholics

In cases of toxicity, can cause:

• Masking of B12 deficiency

What are good sources of B12 (Cobalamin)? What is its major functions?

good sources include:

• Meats

• Poultry

• Fish

Major functions include:

• Part of coenzymes

• Plays a role in fat and protein catabolism

• Important for synthesizing DNA. (Produces the amino acid methionine from homocysteine).

  • Important for hemoglobin synthesis.

  • Maintains neural sheaths

What deficiency diseases and symptoms are associated with Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) deficiency? Which groups are at risk?

Deficiency diseases and symptoms:

• Muscle weakness

• Sore tongue

• Anemia

• Nerve damage

• Neural tube defects

Groups at risk include:

• Vegans

• Elderly

Pernicious anemia

A type of macrocytic anemia in children and adults.

• Caused by B12 deficiency which then causes a folate (B9) deficiency.

• Caused by impaired secretion of IF (intrinsic factor), a protein, by the stomach.

Treatment:

• Large oral doses of Vitamin B12 or by putting the vitamin under the tongue, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream.

• Given by injection.

What are the three anemias that can cause impaired red blood cell formation?

1. Megaloblastic anemia

   • A form of macrocytic anemia

   • Folate B9 deficiency

   • Larger than normal RBCs that contain too little iron

2. Pernicious anemia

   • A form of macrocytic anemia

   • Cobalamin B-12 deficiency

   • Larger than normal RBCs

3. Microcytic anemia

   1. Pyridoxine B-6 deficiency

   2. Smaller than normal RBCs

What are good sources of Choline (Not a vitamin; essential nutrient)? What are its major functions?

Good sources include:

• Egg yolk

• Wheat

• Meat

• Fish

Major functions include:

• Synthesis of neurotransmitter acetylcholine and cell membranes

• Lipid transport

What deficiency diseases and symptoms are associated with Choline deficiency? What happens in cases of toxicity?

Deficiency diseases and symptoms:

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

• Muscle damage

• Interfered brain development in fetuses

In cases of toxicity, can cause:

• Liver damage

• Excessive sweating

• Hypotension