Vitamins, Minerals, Etc.

What is the description/function for vitamin A?

Fat-soluble vitamin, key for vision (retinal), immune function, reproduction, and cell differentiation

What is cell differentiation?

The process by which a less specialized cell becomes a more specialized cell type, essential for development and tissue maintenance.

What can a deficiency in vitamin A cause?

Night blindness, xerophthalmia, and risk of more infections.

What is xerophthalmia?

A severe dryness of the eyes due to vitamin A deficiency, leading to discomfort and potential vision loss.

What can toxic levels of vitamin A cause?

Liver damage, teratogenic in pregnancy

What does teratogenic mean?

Causing malformation of an embryo or fetus.

What are good food sources of preformed A (retinol, retinyl esters)?

Liver, fish, dairy products, eggs.

What are good food sources of provitamin A carotenoids?

Carrots, sweet potatoes, leafy greens (spinach, kale)

What is the most bioavailable form of vitamin A?

Retinol (animal form)

Does vitamin A require fat for absorption?

Yes, vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning it requires dietary fat for optimal absorption in the body.

How does vitamin A work with zinc?

Vitamin A and zinc work together to support immune function and vision. Zinc is required for the conversion of beta-carotene to retinol, the active form of vitamin A.

How can excess vitamin A affect the bones?

Excess vitamin A can lead to bone density loss and increase the risk of fractures, as it interferes with bone remodeling.

What is the description/function of beta-carotene?

Provitamin A carotenoid, antioxidant, converted to retinol as needed

Is beta-carotene safer than retinol?

Beta-carotene is generally considered safer than retinol because it is converted to vitamin A in the body as needed, reducing the risk of toxicity.

What is it called if you have too much beta-carotene excess from food?

Carotenemia

What is carotenemia?

Carotenemia is a condition characterized by an excess of carotenoids, particularly beta-carotene, in the bloodstream, leading to a yellow-orange discoloration of the skin.

What are good food sources of beta-carotene?

Carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, leafy greens

How can beta-carotene best be absorbed?

Beta-carotene is best absorbed when consumed with dietary fats, as they enhance its uptake in the digestive system.

Does beta-carotene compete with other carotenoids for absorption?

Yes, beta-carotene can compete with other carotenoids for absorption in the intestine, which may affect the overall bioavailability of these nutrients.

What is the description/function of boron?

Trace mineral, supports bone metabolism, steroid hormone activity, and cell membrane function

Is boron essential?

Boron is not considered an essential trace mineral for human health, but it may play a role in bone and cognitive health.

What is boron deficiency called?

Boron deficiency does not have a specific medical term due to its non-essential status.

What are good food sources of boron?

Fruits (especially apples, grapes, pears), legumes, nuts, leafy greens

How is boron best absorbed?

Well absorbed from food (boric acid, borates)

What can boron influence metabolism-wise?

It can influence magnesium, calcium, and vitamin D metabolism.

What is vitamin B1 called?

Thiamine

What is the description/function of vitamin B1?

Water-soluble, coenzyme (TPP) in carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function

What does TPP stand for, and what is it?

Thiamine pyrophosphate, a coenzyme involved in carbohydrate metabolism.

What is vitamin B1 deficiency called?

Beriberi

What is beriberi?

A disease resulting from vitamin B1 deficiency, causing weakness, nerve damage, and cardiovascular issues.

What does a vitamin B1 deficiency cause in alcohol use disorder?

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, leading to neurological problems. Wh

Who is most at-risk for a B1 deficiency?

Individuals with alcohol use disorder, those with malabsorption issues, or individuals on restrictive diets.

What are the best food sources of vitamin B1?

Whole grains, pork, legumes, nuts, and seeds

Where and how is vitamin B1 best absorbed?

Vitamin B1 is primarily absorbed in the small intestine, particularly in the jejunum, through active transport mechanisms.

How can vitamin B1 be destroyed?

Vitamin B1 can be destroyed by prolonged exposure to heat, cooking in water, or by alkaline conditions.

What is vitamin B2 called?

Riboflavin

What is the description/function of vitamin B2?

Coenzyme (FMN, FAD) in energy metabolism, antioxidant function

What does FMN and FAD mean?

FMN (Flavin Mononucleotide) and FAD (Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide) are cofactors derived from riboflavin that play crucial roles in the electron transport chain and energy production.

What is the broad term for a vitamin B2 deficiency?

Ariboriboflavinosis

What is cheilitis?

A condition characterized by inflammation and cracking of the lips, often associated with riboflavin deficiency.

What is glossitis?

Glossitis is an inflammation of the tongue, often characterized by swelling, color changes, and pain, which can be associated with various nutritional deficiencies, including vitamin B2.

What is dermatitis?

A skin condition that causes redness, swelling, and irritation, often related to deficiencies in vitamins such as riboflavin.

What is corneal neovascularization?

Corneal neovascularization is the growth of new blood vessels into the cornea, often resulting from hypoxia or inflammation, and can be associated with vitamin deficiencies.

Which vitamin is often deficiency with other B vitamins in malnutrition?

B2

What are good food sources of vitamin B2?

Dairy, eggs, liver, leafy greens, enriched grains

Where and how is vitamin B2 best absorbed?

Vitamin B2 is best absorbed in the intestines, particularly in the proximal small intestine, where it is taken up with the help of specific transport proteins.

How does milk in glass bottles have less B2?

Exposure to light causes vitamin B2 to degrade, reducing its concentration in milk.

Which vitamins does B2 work with in energy metabolism?

B3 and B6

What is vitamin B3 called?

Niacin

What is the description/function of vitamin B3?

Vitamin B3, or niacin, is essential for converting food into energy, supporting cellular metabolism, and maintaining healthy skin and nerve function.

What does NAD and NADP mean?

NAD stands for Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, and NADP stands for Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate, both of which are important coenzymes in cellular metabolism.

What can a deficiency in vitamin B3 cause?

A deficiency in vitamin B3 can cause pellegra, which is characterized by symptoms such as dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia.

What are some symptoms of high-dose B3?

Flushing, hepatotoxicity, and insulin resistance

What are good food sources of vitamin B3?

Meat, poultry, fish, peanuts, enriched grains

How is vitamin B3 best absorbed, and in which form?

Vitamin B3 is best absorbed in its nicotinic acid form, often through food sources or supplements like niacin.

What can be converted to niacin with vitamin B6?

Tryptophan, an amino acid

What is vitamin B5 called?

Pantothenic acid

What is the description/function of vitamin B5?

Vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, is essential for synthesizing coenzyme A, which is involved in fatty acid metabolism and the synthesis of hormones.

What can a deficiency in vitamin B5 cause?

A deficiency in vitamin B5 can cause symptoms like fatigue, irritability, and impaired synthesis of hormones and cholesterol, though it’s very rare

How is vitamin B5 important in wound healing research?

Vitamin B5 plays a crucial role in wound healing by facilitating the regeneration of skin and tissues, enhancing cellular repair processes, and supporting the production of hormones and fatty acids necessary for recovery.

What are good food sources of vitamin B5?

It’s found in nearly all foods, but best found in organ meats, mushrooms, and avocados

Where is vitamin B5 best absorbed?

Vitamin B5 is best absorbed in the small intestine, where it is actively taken up through specific transport mechanisms.