Vitamins/ Alternative Therapies

what is micronutrients

Substances that are essential for the growth of a living organism

what do micronutrients do

support coenzymes and cofactor production (vitamins and minerals)

what are DRIs

A set of scientifically developed reference values for nutrients

what are vitamins

organic substances required in the diet in small amounts for the maintenance of normal metabolic integrity

what are the Fat-Soluble Vitamins

A, D, E, K

Vitamin A

retinoic acid (topical aka tretinoin)

where is vitamin A found

green, leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes; carrots, butter, egg yolk

Vitamin D

calciferol

where is vitamin D found?

Vitamin D is in fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy. Sunlight on skin also makes it.

Vitamin E

tocopherol

where is vitamin E found

Vitamin E is found in various foods such as nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, leafy greens, and fortified cereals.

vitamine K

phylloquinone and phytonadione

where is vitamin K found

Vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage as well as in some vegetable oils and meats.

Give two examples of water-soluble vitamins

B & C

B2

riboflavin

what does B2 (Riboflavin) do

tissue respiration and normal cell metabolism

where is B2 (Riboflavin) found

found in dairy products, eggs, meat, green vegetables, and fortified cereals.

B₃

niacin

what does B₃ (Niacin) do

Essential for reactions that produce ATP; helps regulate production and activity of cholesterol

where is B₃ (Niacin) found

yeast, peanuts, peas, beans, whole grain, potatoes, lean meats

B6

pantothenic acid

what does B6 (pantothenic acid) do

Precursor to coenzyme A, which has a role in the synthesis of vitamins A and D, cholesterol, steroids, heme, fatty acids, amino acids, proteins

where is B6 (pantothenic acid) found

whole grains, potatoes, chicken, beef, egg yolk, liver, kidney, broccoli, milk, walnuts

B8

pyridoxine

what does b8 (pyridoxine) do

responsible for amino acid metabolism

B7

biotin

what does B7 (biotin) do

Plays a role in many processes including cell replication

B12

cyanocobalamin

what does B12 (cyanocobalamin) do

cell production, normal growth, RBC production

vitamin c

ascorbic acid

what does chromium do

helps regulated glucose tolerance and insulin levels

what is copper

Catalyst and coenzyme for chemical reactions in the body

what is the importance to iodine

Used in the body to make thyroid hormones

what is manganese

A cofactor in many metabolic or enzymatic reactions in the body

what is selenium

incorporated into amino acids and plays a role in multiple biologic functions

what does zinc do

A cofactor in the synthesis of DNA and protein; role in immune function, wound healing, blood clotting, reproduction, growth