19 Fat-Soluble Vitamins: A Comprehensive Overview

These flashcards provide an overview of fat-soluble vitamins, their functions, sources, deficiencies, and relevance to health.

Fat-soluble vitamins

Vitamins that dissolve in fat and are absorbed along with dietary fat.

Vitamin A

Also known as retinol, it is essential for vision and immune function.

Vitamin D

Known as the sunshine vitamin, it helps with calcium absorption and bone health.

Vitamin E

A powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage.

Vitamin K

Essential for blood clotting and bone metabolism.

Retinoids

Compounds that are derivatives of vitamin A.

Rhodopsin

A light-sensitive receptor protein involved in visual phototransduction.

Chylomicron

A lipoprotein that transports dietary lipids from the intestines to other locations in the body.

Carotenoids

Pigments found in plants that can be converted into retinoids in the body.

Ophthalmopathy

A term referring to diseases of the eye, often related to vitamin A deficiency.

Night blindness

A condition that hampers the ability to see in low-light conditions, commonly caused by vitamin A deficiency.

Measles

An infectious viral disease that can exacerbate vitamin A deficiency.

Teratogen

An agent or factor that causes malformation or birth defects in a developing fetus.

Hypercalcemia

A condition characterized by an above-normal level of calcium in the blood, potentially caused by vitamin D toxicity.

Antioxidant

A substance that inhibits oxidation and protects cells from damage.

Osteoporosis

A medical condition where bones become weak and brittle, associated with vitamin D deficiency.

Immune function

The body's ability to resist infection and disease, supported by vitamin A.

Topical retinoids

Retinoid-based creams used in the treatment of skin conditions like acne.

Accutane

A medication derived from vitamin A used for severe acne.

Carotenemia

A condition caused by excessive intake of carotenoids leading to orange pigmentation of the skin.

Phototherapy

The use of light treatment for certain medical conditions, including skin disorders.

Vitamin A deficiency

A lack of sufficient vitamin A in the diet, leading to serious health issues including blindness.

Vitamin D synthesis

The process through which the skin converts UV light to vitamin D.

Calcium absorption

The process facilitated by vitamin D, crucial for bone health.

Vitamin E supplementation

The intake of vitamin E as a dietary supplement, which may not improve lung cancer outcomes.

Vitamin K antagonists

Substances that inhibit the activity of vitamin K, affecting blood coagulation.

Dermatologist

A doctor specializing in the treatment of skin disorders and diseases.

Vitamin intake

The process of consuming vitamins through diet or supplements.

Fat malabsorption

A condition where the body cannot properly absorb dietary fats, affecting fat-soluble vitamins.

Vitamin D food sources

Common sources include fatty fish, eggs, and fortified dairy products.

Skin pigmentation

The pigment/melanin in skin that affects vitamin D synthesis from sunlight.

Causal relationship

The connection between vitamin intake and health outcomes, which may not always be direct.

Vitamin A toxicity

A potentially dangerous buildup of vitamin A in the body, leading to adverse health effects.

Public health problem

A widespread issue affecting the health of a population, such as vitamin A deficiency related blindness.

Vitamin D deficiency symptoms

Can include muscle pain, weakness, and increased risk of bone diseases.

Vitamin A sources

Include animal products (retinoids) and plant sources (carotenoids) like carrots.

Vitamin K functions

Mainly involved in blood clotting and bone health.

Vitamin A storage

Vitamin A is stored in the liver for later use by the body.

Vitamin E functions

Arguably linked to heart disease prevention but lacks conclusive evidence.

Vitamin D's role in metabolism

Influences the metabolism of calcium, phosphorus, and bone health.

Fat-soluble vitamin storage

Fat-soluble vitamins can accumulate in the body's fat stores, leading to potential toxicity.

Supplemental vitamin D

Commonly recommended to prevent deficiency, especially in limited sunlight exposure.

Rickets

A condition in children caused by vitamin D deficiency, leading to weakened bones.

Vitamin K's discovery

Related to dairy cattle bleeding and the identification of its role in blood clotting.

Cholecalciferol

The form of vitamin D produced in the skin; also known as vitamin D3.

Retinoic acid

The active metabolite of vitamin A involved in growth and development.

Vitamin A and vision

Vitamin A is crucial for the production of rhodopsin, necessary for seeing in low light.