10 - Water-Soluble Vitamins

thiamin

a vitamin component of a coenzyme that is important for energy metabolism as part of thiamin pyrophosphate (TPP)

neurotransmitter

a chemical produced by nerve cells that enables the cells to communicate with other nerve cells

beriberi

a thiamin deficiency disease characterized by weakness, poor muscular coordination, and abnormal functioning of the cardiovascular, digestive, and nervous systems

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

a degenerative brain disorder associated with a deficiency of thiamin and most commonly caused by excessive alcohol consumption

riboflavin

an important for energy metabolism as part of flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)

ariboflavinosis

a riboflavin deficiency disease characterized by fatigue, inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the mouth and throat, and glossitis

glossitis

a swollen and sore tongue

cheilosis

a scaling and cracking of the skin around the corners of the mouth

niacin

a vitamin important for energy metabolism as part of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP)

pellagra

a niacin deficiency disease characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and death

pantothenic acid

a vitamin component of coenzyme A (CoA)

biotin

a vitamin component of a coenzyme that participates in chemical reactions that add carbon dioxide to other compounds

avidin

a protein found in raw egg whites that binds biotin, thus preventing absorption of the vitamin

vitamin B-6

a B-vitamin component of the coenzyme pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) important for energy metabolism, particularly protein metabolism

hemoglobin

an iron-containing protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen

peripheral neuropathy

a condition characterized by severe sensory nerve damage

folate

a B vitamin that is a component of the coenzyme tetrahydrofolate (THF), includes folic acid, and is important for energy metabolism, DNA synthesis, and homocysteine metabolism

megaloblastic anemia

a type of anemia characterized by large, immature red blood cells; deficiency of folate and/or vitamin B-12 can lead to this form of anemia

neural tube

an embryonic structure that eventually develops into the brain and spinal cord

spina bifida

a type of neural tube defect in which the spine does not form properly before birth and fails to enclose the spinal cord

anencephaly

a type of neural tube defect in which the brain does not form properly or is missing

vitamin B-12

a B vitamin that is a component of coenzymes that participate in a variety of cellular processes, including transfer of CH3 groups in the metabolism of folate

myelin sheath

a structure that wraps around and insulates a part of certain nerve cells

food-cobalamin malabsorption

a malabsorption of vitamin B-12 due to the inability to release the vitamin from animal protein during the digestive process

gastritis

an inflammation of the lining of the stomach

pernicious anemia

a condition caused by a lack of intrinsic factor and characterized by vitamin B-12 deficiency, nerve damage, and megaloblastic red blood cells

scurvy

a vitamin C deficiency disease

vitamin C

a cofactor that performs a variety of important cellular functions, primarily by donating electrons to other compounds

collagen

a fibrous protein that gives strength to connective tissue such as bone, cartilage, and tendons

prooxidant

a substance that promotes production of free radicals

vitamin-like compound

a substance that maintains normal metabolism but is not essential since the body can synthesize it

total parenteral solution

a liquid mixture that provides nourishment to those who are unable to eat normally

acetylcholine

a neurotransmitter associated with attention, learning and memory, muscle control, and other nervous system functions

lecithin

a phospholipid found in egg yolk that acts as an emulsifier in certain foods

malignant tumor

a mass of cancerous cells

metastasized

describes a cancer that has moved from one tissue to other parts of the body

benign mass

a noncancerous tumor that is usually harmless

carcinogen

an environmental factor, such as radiation, tobacco smoke, or a virus, that triggers cancer