Vitamin A - Home ec

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Name the fat soluble vitamins?

A, D, E & K

What two fat soluble vitamins cause hypervitaminosis?

A & D

What are the symptoms of hypervitaminosis A?

bone pain, enlarged lover, hair loss & miscarriage

What are the symptoms of hypervitaminosis D?

vomiting, weight loss & kidney damage

Define hypervitaminosis?

overconsumption of vitamin A & D (supplements)

What are the water soluble vitamins?

B & C

What are the properties of water soluble vitamins?

• Cannot be stored in the body

• Excess excreted as urine

• Must be eaten regularly

What is another name for pure Vitamin A?

Retinol

How is retinol absorbed & where is it found?

• Easily absorbed

• Found in animal sources

What is another name for pro Vitamin A?

Beta-Carotene

• How is Beta Carotene absorbed?

• Where is it typically found?

• Not easily absorbed

• Found in plant sources

What are the properties of Retinol?

• Yellow fat soluble alcohol

• Insoluble in water

• Heat stable (except in prolonged high temperatures)

• Soluble in acetone & other organic solvents

• Destroyed by oxygen

Name 3 sources of retinol

• Fish liver oil

• Oily fish

• Milk

What are the functions of retinol

• Growth & development (children)

• Makes rhodopsin in the retina (eye) - helps the eye adapt to dim light

• Healthy lining membranes which prevent infection (mucous membranes in the eye

• Healthy skin & hair

What are the deficiencies of Retinol

• Night blindness (lack of retinol)

• Xerophthalmia - eyes become dry & infected, may lead to blindness

• - Increased risk of infections

• Rough dry skin (Follicular hyperkeratosis)

What are the properties of Beta Carotene?

• bright yellow orange oil

• Fat soluble

• Insoluble in water

• Antioxidant

• Unaffected by oxygen

Define antioxidant

Has the abolity to counteract the effects of free radicals

Name 3 free radicals?

• Cigarette smoke

• Pollution

• Processed foods

Name 3 sources of Beta Carotene

• Spinach

• Carrots

• Tomatoes

What are the functions of Beta Carotene?

• Same as Retinol

• Antioxidant - Protects body from free radicals and prevents the risk of CHD and cancers

What are the deficiencies of Beta Carotene

• Same as Retinol (rarer)

• Risk of damage to cells by free radicals

• Increased risk of CHD, cancers & strokes

What is the RDA of Vitamin A for children?

400-500ug

What is the RDA of Vitamin A for teenagers & adults?

600-700ug

What is the RDA of Vitamin A for pregnant women?

700ug

What is the RDA of Vitamin A for women who are lactating?

950ug