Basic Science Flashcards
What is the role of vitamin A in skin?
vital for epithelial proliferation, keratinisation and development
how does vitamin A deficiency present?
keratotic follicular (in hair follicles) papules on the thighs and upper arms and dry skin
How do you diagnose vitamin A deficiency?
measure serum vitamin A
what role does vitamin K have?
essential for several blood coagulation factors
how does vitamin K deficiency present?
bleeding tendency
seen in skin as purpura and easy bruising
How is vit K deficiency diagnosed?
measure coagulation and serum vit K
what is the role of vit B2 (riboflavin)?
essential co-factor in numerous metabolic reactions
how does vit B2 deficiency present?
lesions of the margins of the lips- cheilosis and the corners of the mouth - angular stomatitis
painful, red, dry tongue
how is vit B2 deficiency diagnosed?
measure the activity of the erythrocyte glutathione reductase (EGR)
what is the role of vit B3 (niacin)?
essential co-factor n numerous metabolic reactions
what is vit B3 found in?
meat, fish, nuts, coffee, also converted from dietary tryptophan (essential amino acids) in the body
deficiency common in countries high grain/ low meat diet e.g. indo-china
How does vit B3 deficiency present?
Pellagra (high grain/low meat)
Dermatitis (bilateral, symmetrical, itchy red rash, worse in areas of sun exposure)
Delirium (headaches, irritability and anxiety)
Diarrhoea (abdo pain, nausea and vomiting)
Death (4-5 years if not treated)
how is vit B3 deficiency diagnosed?
it’s a clinical diagnosis because niacin is so difficult to measure
nicotinamide supplementation brings rapid improvement
what is the role of vit B6?
co-enzyme for many processes
what is the presentation of vitamin B6 deficiency?
dermatitis of face, scalp, neck, shoulders, buttocks and perineum
tongue inflammation
how is vit B6 deficiency diagnosed?
measure serum or urinary B6
trial of supplementation
what is the role of folate and vit B12?
they are both critical co-enzymes in many processes with similar deficiency states
what is folate found in?
liver, green leafy veg, beans , nuts and milk
what is vit B12 found in?
foods of animal origin
how does folate and vit B12 deficiency present?
anaemia angular stomatitis glossitis hair depigmentation skin and mucous membrane pigmentation vit B12 deficiency has neurological symptoms
how do you diagnose folate and B12 deficiency?
measure serum folate and B12
What is the role of Biotin?
essential co-factor for carboxylase enzymes
how does biotin deficiency present?
Very rare- usually only malabsorptive states or inadequate parentral nutrition
facial dermatitis
glossitis
alopecia
how is biotin deficiency diagnosed?
measure serum biotin
