Summary of Vitamins and Minerals

Flashcards covering essential vitamins and minerals, their functions, deficiency symptoms, and sources.

Vitamin A

Essential for vision, immune function, and cell differentiation.

Deficiency of Vitamin A

Can lead to xerophthalmia, night blindness, and impaired immune function.

Vitamin D

Regulates calcium and phosphorus absorption, promotes bone health.

Deficiency of Vitamin D

Can cause rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.

Toxicity of Vitamin A

Symptoms include headache, liver damage, and birth defects.

Vitamin E

Functions as an antioxidant, protects cell membranes.

Deficiency of Vitamin E

Can lead to broken red blood cells and nerve damage.

Vitamin K

Essential for blood-clotting protein synthesis.

Deficiency of Vitamin K

Can cause hemorrhage and reduced bone density.

Calcium

Important for bone structure and blood clotting.

Deficiency of Calcium

Can lead to osteoporosis and increased risk of fractures.

Iron

Crucial for hemoglobin formation and oxygen transport in blood.

Deficiency of Iron

Results in fatigue, weakness, and iron deficiency anemia.

Sodium

Essential for nerve transmission and fluid balance.

Deficiency of Sodium

Can result in muscle cramps, confusion, and poor endurance.

Potassium

Involved in muscle contraction and nerve function.

Deficiency of Potassium

Can cause muscle cramps and abnormal heartbeat.

Choline

Involved in synthesis of cell membranes and neurotransmitters.

Toxicity of Choline

Can cause fishy body odor and liver damage.

Trace Minerals

Essential minerals needed in small amounts for various functions.

Zinc

Supports immune function and protein synthesis.

Deficiency of Zinc

Can lead to poor growth and immune dysfunction.

Selenium

Acts as an antioxidant and maintains thyroid function.

Deficiency of Selenium

Can lead to Keshan disease and compromised immune function.