Vitamins - overview

Vitamins

Are essential and organic substances needed in small amounts. They don’t yield energy alone but they can help with energy yielding metabolic reactions. Can be fat or water soluble

What are kinds of fat soluble vitamins?

Vitamin A, D, E, K

What are kinds of water soluble vitamins?

Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, Folate, Choline, Vitamin B-6, B-12

What are functions of vitamins?

Cell growth and function, are coenzymes, antioxidants, help in blood clotting, creating body structures, and can make neurotransmitters

Where are ONLY fat-soluble vitamins absorbed and secreated?

They are absorbed in the small intestine and are carried into the lymphatic system through chylomicrons. They are mixed with bile from the liver before they enter the small intestine to aid in absorption.

Where are ONLY water-soluble vitamins absorbed and secreated?

In the small intestine and released into the blood stream

What is the digestive trend for all vitamins?

They are digested in the stomach to separate the vitamins from the food. Digestive enzymes from the pancreas aid in the release of vitamins.

Which vitamin has a different digestive process and how?

Vitamin K can be made by bacteria in the ileum of the small intestine and in the large intestine.

What factor can lead to a deficiency in fat- soluble vitamins?

Fat malabsorption

What factor leads to a deficiency in water-soluble vitamins?

Intestinal diseases and/or alcohol abuse

What type of vitamins has a more efficient absorption process?

Water-soluble vitamins with an efficiency of 50-90%

How does storage look for fat-soluble vitamins?

They are stored in the liver and adipose tissue without a limit and are not easily excreted which means the deficiency symptoms take time to experience

How does storage of water-soluble vitamins look?

They are secreted via urine and are limited in the amount stored. We are more susceptible to deficiency symptoms within weeks.

Which vitamins are highly susceptible to vitamin toxicity?

Fat-soluble vitamins A and D

What are 6 factors that can make someone more at risk of vitamin deficiency?

Poor diets, intestinal conditions, smoking, alcohol abuse, elderly, and certain medications

What can reduce a foods’ vitamin content?

Heat, light, air, alkanlinity, and water