Nutrition: Vitamins, Minerals, and Screening

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering vitamins (types, functions, deficiencies), minerals (major and trace elements), and nutritional screening/assessment methodologies based on lecture notes.

Vitamins

Organic substances found in some foods that are required in very small amounts, serve specific biochemical functions, and are generally not made in the body or in sufficient quantity.

Water-soluble vitamins

Vitamins that include Vitamin C and the B complex members, such as Thiamin (B-1), Riboflavin (B-2), Niacin (B-3), Pantothenic acid (B-5), Pyridoxine (B-6), Biotin (B-7), Folic acid (B-9), and Cobalamine (B-12).

Fat-soluble vitamins

Vitamins A (Retinol), D (Ergocalciferol and Cholecalciferol), E (Tocopherol), and K, which are stored in the liver and are not excreted in urine.

Coenzymes

A primary function of most vitamins to activate enzymes; for example, Vitamin B2 is a constituent of FAD, and Vitamin B3 is a constituent of NAD and NADP.

Antioxidants

Substances such as Vitamin E and Vitamin C that protect body cells from being oxidized by free radicals caused by UV rays, pollution, or metabolism.

Vitamin A (Retinol)

A fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision in dim light (rhodopsin), normal growth of bones and teeth, and the integrity of skin and hair.

Vitamin D (Calciferol)

A vitamin that regulates calcium and phosphorus metabolism; deficiency causes rickets in infants (deformed bones) and osteomalacia in adults (fragile bones).

Vitamin K

A vitamin produced by intestinal flora that activates blood coagulation factors like prothrombin and is significant for blood clotting.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)

A coenzyme in carbohydrate metabolism essential for neuromuscular function; deficiency causes a disease called beriberi.

Pellagra

A disease caused by Vitamin B3 (Niacin) deficiency, common in diets dependent on corn, manifesting with the 3 Ds: Dermatitis, Dementia, and Diarrhea.

Folic acid (B-9)

A vitamin important for RBC maturation and nucleic acid synthesis; deficiency causes megaloblastic macrocytic anemia and is linked to neural tube defects like spina bifida in fetuses.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamine)

A vitamin exclusively found in animal sources (especially liver) used for nucleic acid synthesis, RBC maturation, and maintenance of the myelin sheath around nerves.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)

A vitamin necessary for collagen synthesis and non-adrenaline production; deficiency leads to scurvy, manifested by bleeding gums and easy bruising.

Minerals

Inorganic elements obtained from the earth's crust that are required for normal development and functioning of the body.

Principal mineral elements

Macronutrients required in large amounts, such as calcium, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus.

Hypernatremia

An increase in sodium levels clinically manifested by hypertension and edema, sometimes caused by rapid loss of water or intravenous administration.

Hyperkalemia

A plasma potassium level greater than $5\,mEq/L$ which can cause bradycardia, ECG changes, and mental confusion.

Tetany

A condition leading to involuntary muscle movement caused by a deficiency of calcium.

Iron (Fe)

An essential trace element important for hemoglobin and myoglobin; it is absorbed as ferritin and its absorption is aided by acidity, Vitamin C, and proteins.

Goiter

A swollen thyroid gland resulting from iodine deficiency, which is essential for the biosynthesis of thyroid hormones.

Wilson’s disease

A genetic disorder in which copper (Cu) accumulates in the liver, brain, and cornea.

Fluoride

A trace element obtained primarily from fluoridated water; deficiency results in tooth decay, while excess causes mottling of children's teeth.

Nutrition screening

A quick look at variables like weight loss, appetite change, and diagnosis to identify malnourished individuals, generally conducted within 24 hours of hospital admission.

Anthropometric Data

Physical measurements of the body, most commonly weight, height, and Body Mass Index (BMI).

Body Mass Index (BMI)

An index calculated as $Weight\,(kg) / height\,(m^2)$ used to estimate relative risks of health problems related to weight.

Albumin

A biochemical marker usually used to assess protein nutritional status; a level less than $3.5\,g/dL$ indicates protein malnutrition.

Hamwi method

A calculation for Ideal Body Weight (IBW) where males are allotted $48\,kg$ for the first $152.4\,cm$ plus $1.1\,kg$ per additional cm, and females are allotted $45\,kg$ for the first $152.4\,cm$ plus $0.9\,kg$ per additional cm.

Significant Weight Loss

Characterized as a $5\%$ weight loss within one month; weight loss greater than $5\%$ in one month is considered severe.