Water-Soluble and Fat-Soluble Vitamins

These flashcards cover key concepts, functions, and definitions related to water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins.

Provitamins

Vitamin precursors consumed in an inactive form that become active in the body.

Bioavailability

The rate and extent that a nutrient is absorbed and used.

Water-soluble vitamins

Vitamins B and C that are absorbed directly into the blood and travel freely.

Fat-soluble vitamins

Vitamins D, E, A, and K that are absorbed first into the lymph and then the blood.

Cofactor

Molecules that attach to an enzyme during chemical reactions.

Coenzyme

A non-protein molecule, often derived from vitamins, that assists enzymes in catalysis.

Thiamin (B1)

Essential for carbohydrate metabolism and energy production.

Riboflavin (B2)

Involved in the metabolism of fats, drugs, and steroids.

Niacin (B3)

Essential for forming coenzymes NAD and NADP and for energy metabolism.

Pantothenic Acid (B5)

Essential component of coenzyme A utilized in fatty acid metabolism.

Pyridoxine (B6)

Important for amino acid metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis.

Folic Acid (B9)

Involved in DNA synthesis and cell division; associated with neural tube defects.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

An antioxidant important for collagen formation and immune function.

Vitamin A

Essential for vision, cell growth, and immune function.

Vitamin D (Calciferol)

Acts like a hormone in the body, essential for calcium and phosphorus homeostasis.

Vitamin E (Alpha-tocopherol)

An antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage.

Vitamin K

Essential for blood clotting and bone metabolism.

Hypervitaminosis A

Vitamin A toxicity that can lead to birth defects and liver abnormalities.

Scurvy

Vitamin C deficiency leading to symptoms such as bleeding gums and rough skin.

Pellagra

Niacin deficiency characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Essential for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis.

Biotin (B7)

Important for fatty acid synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and glucose production.

Choline

Essential for liver function, normal brain development, nerve function, and muscle movement.

Lutein

A carotenoid important for eye health and preventing age-related macular degeneration.

Beta-carotene

A precursor to vitamin A, it acts as an antioxidant and is found in colorful vegetables and fruits.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Essential for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis.

Biotin (B7)

Important for fatty acid synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and glucose production.

Choline

Essential for liver function, normal brain development, nerve function, and muscle movement.

Lutein

A carotenoid important for eye health and preventing age-related macular degeneration.

Beta-carotene

A precursor to vitamin A, it acts as an antioxidant and is found in colorful vegetables and fruits.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Essential for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis.

Biotin (B7)

Important for fatty acid synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and glucose production.

Choline

Essential for liver function, normal brain development, nerve function, and muscle movement.

Lutein

A carotenoid important for eye health and preventing age-related macular degeneration.

Beta-carotene

A precursor to vitamin A, it acts as an antioxidant and is found in colorful vegetables and fruits.