Biochem - Nutrition (Part 3: Vitamins E, K, Zinc, Ethanol metabolism, & Malnutrition) Flashcards
Pg. 96-97 in First Aid 2014 Sections include: -Vitamin E (tocopherol/tocotrienol) -Vitamin K -Zinc -Ethanol metabolism -Malnutrition
What are 2 other names for Vitamin E?
Vitamin E (tocopherol/tocotrienol)
What is the function of Vitamin E (tocopherol/tocotrienol)?
Antioxidant (protects erythrocytes and membranes from free radical damage); Think: “E is for Erythrocytes”
With what drug in particular can Vitamin E interact, and how so?
Can enhance anticoagulant effects of warfarin
What are 4 signs/symptoms associated with Vitamin E (tocopherol/tocotrienol) deficiency?
(1) Hemolytic anemia (2) Acanthocytosis (3) Muscle weakness (4) Posterior column and Spinocerebellar tract demyelination
Compare/Contrast Vitamin E (tocopherol/tocotrienol) deficiency to Vitamin B12 deficiency.
Neurological presentation may appear similar to vitamin B12 deficiency, but without megaloblastic anemia, hypersegmented neutrophils, or increase serum methylmalonic acid levels
What is the function of Vitamin K?
Cofactor for the gamma-carboxylation of glutamic acid residues on various proteins required for blood clotting; Think: “K is for Koagulation”
What synthesizes Vitamin K?
Synthesized by intestinal flora
What are the clotting factors and/or anticoagulatory proteins for which Vitamin K is necessary?
Necessary for the activation of clotting factors II, VII, IX, X, and proteins C and S.
What drug functions as a Vitamin K antagonist?
Warfarin - Vitamin K antagonist
In what patient population does Vitamin K deficiency typically present, and why? What are 3 lab findings of significance in this presentation?
Neonatal hemorrhage with increased PT and increased aPTT but normal bleeding time (neonates have sterile intestines and are unable to synthesize vitamin K).
Besides in neonates, in what other context can Vitamin K deficiency occur?
Can also occur after prolonged use of board-spectrum antibiotics
What are the considerations/approaches for Vitamin K deficiency prevention in neonates?
(Vitamin K) Not in breast milk; Neonates are given vitamin K injection at birth to prevent bleeding diathesis
What are important functions of Zinc?
Essential for activity of 100+ enzymes. Important in the formation of zinc fingers (transcription factor motif).
What are 6 signs/symptoms associated with Zinc deficiency?
(1) Delayed wound healing (2) Hypogonadism (3) Decreased adult hair (axillary, facial, pubic) (4) Dysgeusia (5) Anosmia (6) Acrodermatitis enteropathica
To what condition may Zinc deficiency predispose patients?
May predispose to alcoholic cirrhosis