Nutrition material 8

Introduction to Nutrients Involved in Metabolism

• Estimation of nutrients such as vitamins and minerals is essential to understanding their role in energy metabolism.

• Case study of Pop Katz illustrates the importance of vitamin B12 in energy metabolism and neurological functions.

B-Vitamins and Energy Metabolism

• Vitamin B12 Deficiency Case

  • Healthy lifestyle prior to severe decline in health.

  • Symptoms: confusion, difficulty walking, neurologic issues.

  • Treatment: vitamin B12 injection led to improvement but with lasting damage.

• Function of B-Vitamins

  • Do not provide calories directly but assist in the metabolism of macronutrients.

  • Vital for energy production from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

• Types of B-Vitamins

  • Thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, niacin, folate, vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, and biotin.

  • Except B12, water-soluble and require regular intake due to low body storage.

Role of B-Vitamins in Metabolic Pathways

• Coenzymes

  • 6 B-vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, biotin) primarily function as coenzymes.

  • Folate and B12 play complementary roles mainly in red blood cell synthesis.

• Metabolic Processes

  • Thiamin: involved in glucose metabolism via thiamin diphosphate (TDP).

  • Riboflavin: part of FMN and FAD, crucial for glucose and fatty acid metabolism.

  • Niacin: forms NAD and NADP, essential for carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism.

Key B-Vitamins' Functions and Deficiency Risks

• Thiamin (Vitamin B1)

  • Important for carbohydrate metabolism; deficiency leads to beriberi.

• Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

  • Critical for energy production; deficiency termed ariboflavinosis.

• Niacin (Vitamin B3)

  • Involved in metabolic reactions and DNA repair; deficiency causes pellagra.

Other Micronutrients in Metabolism

• Iodine

  • Component of thyroid hormones, regulates metabolism and is crucial for growth and development.

  • Sources include iodized salt and seafood.

  • Iodine deficiency leads to goiter and severe developmental issues.

• Chromium

  • Enhances insulin function and glucose transport; supports RNA and DNA metabolism.

  • Chromium deficiency leads to impaired glucose tolerance; sourced from whole grains and meats.

• Manganese

  • Role in protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism; also structural for bones.

  • Common in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

• Sulfur

  • Essential for the synthesis of certain B-vitamins and detoxification processes.

Physical Implications of Low B-Vitamin Intake

• Poor intake of B-vitamins is linked to decreased physical activity efficiency.

• Studies showed significant drops in performance in individuals with low B-vitamin levels after controlled dietary interventions.

• Recommended dietary practices emphasize whole foods rich in micronutrients for optimal activity performance.

Summary of Nutrient Roles

• B-Vitamins support metabolic functions essential for energy conversion from macro sources.

• Micronutrients have specialized functions that either enhance energy transport or regulate metabolic pathways.