[08] Vitamins and Minerals Flashcards
What are vitamins?
Organic compounds required as nutrients in tiny amounts by an organism.
What are minerals?
Inorganic substances needed by the human body for good health.
Name the two types of vitamins.
- Fat-soluble
- Water-soluble
What are fat-soluble vitamins?
Vitamins A, D, E, and K.
What are water-soluble vitamins?
B-vitamins and vitamin C.
What is the role of vitamin A?
Vision, immune function, reproduction, and cellular communication.
What is the role of vitamin D?
Calcium absorption for bone health.
What is the role of vitamin E?
Acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage.
What is the role of vitamin K?
Aids in blood clotting and bone metabolism.
What is the role of B-vitamins?
Energy production, immune function, and iron absorption.
What is the role of vitamin C?
Collagen synthesis, immune function, and acts as an antioxidant.
Name some essential minerals.
- Calcium
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Zinc
What is the role of calcium?
Bone health, muscle function, and nerve signaling.
What is the role of iron?
Required for the production of hemoglobin.
What is the role of magnesium?
Required for many biochemical reactions in the body.
What is the role of zinc?
Needed for immune function, protein synthesis, and DNA synthesis.
What are trace minerals?
Minerals needed in very small amounts, such as iodine, selenium, and copper.
What is the role of iodine?
Required for thyroid function and making thyroid hormones.
What is the role of selenium?
Important for reproduction, thyroid gland function, DNA production, and protecting the body from damage caused by free radicals.
What is the role of copper?
Aids in iron absorption, helps with energy production, and is necessary for some antioxidant defense.
