Ch. 8: Vitamins and Phytochemicals

Question 1

What are vitamins?

Answer 1

Essential organic substances (containing carbon) needed in small amounts in the dietary pattern for normal function growth, and maintenance of the body.

Question 2

What vitamins are fat-soluable?

Answer 2

Vitamins A, D, E, and K

Question 3

What vitamins are water-soluable?

Answer 3

Vitamins B and C

Question 4

Why are vitamins considered essential?

Answer 4

Because they cannot be synthesized in the human body or produced in sufficient amounts.

Question 5

Where are fat-soluable vitamins stored in the body?

Answer 5

In the liver and fatty tissues.

Question 6

Unlike fat-soluable vitamins, how are water-soluable vitamins handled in the body?

Answer 6

They are broken down from their coenzyme forms into free vitamins in the stomach and small intestine.They are then absorbed and transported to body tissues.

Question 7

Excretion of vitamins varies primarily on their __________.

Answer 7

Solubility

Question 8

Why does fully ripe food tend to have more vitamins?

Answer 8

Because storage time and environmental factors can impact the vitamin content of foods.

Question 9

What are functional foods?

Answer 9

Foods that are sources of the chemicals that provide health benefits beyond being essentail dietary nutrients

Question 10

Which foods tend to be rich with phytochemicals?

Answer 10

Fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, etc.

Question 11

Where is vitamin A stored?

Answer 11

90% is stored in the liver, while 10% is in adipose tissue, kidneys, and lungs.

Question 12

Vitamin A is in groups of two groups of compounds. What are they, and where can they be found?

Answer 12

Retinoids (animal products) and carotenoids (plants)

Question 13

What are some functions of vitamin A and carotenoids?

Answer 13

Epithelial cellhealth/immune function, eye health and vision, growth and development, cardiovascular disease prevention, and cancer prevention

Question 14

What are the three main problems seen in people with vitamin A deficiency?

Answer 14

Impaired vision, weakened immune function, and stunted growth

Question 15

Intakes in excess of the UL for vitamin A are linked to what?

Answer 15

Birth defects and liver toxicity

Question 16

In what two ways is vitamin D different from other vitamins?

Answer 16

Not only is it also a hormone, but it also can be produced in the skin through exposure of UV light.

Question 17

What are the functions of vitamin D?

Answer 17

Blood calcium regulation and gene expression/cell growth

Question 18

What happens when some is deficient in vitamin D?

Answer 18

Less calcium is absorbed, resulting in weaker bones that do not develop properly.

Question 19

What is the best source of vitamin D?

Answer 19

Sunlight

Question 20

Which two organs are involved in the activation of vitamin D in the body?

Answer 20

Liver and kidney function

Question 21

Where is vitamin E primarily found in the body?

Answer 21

In adipose tissue and in the lipid bilayers of cell membranes

Question 22

What are the functions of vitamin E?

Answer 22

It serves as an antioxidant, helps with early human development, and improves vitamin A absorption

Question 23

What can happen if you have too much vitamin E?

Answer 23

It can lead to hemorrhage, due to it interfering with vitamin K’s role in the clotting mechanism

Question 24

What are the three forms of vitamin K?

Answer 24

Phylloquinone, menaquinone, and menadione

Question 25

What are the functions of vitamin K?

Answer 25

It assists with blood clotting and helps with bone health

Question 26

What is hemostasis?

Answer 26

A process that stops blood loss when tissues are damaged

Question 27

Newborn infants are often born with low stores of which vitamins?

Answer 27

Vitamins E and K

Question 28

Someone is diagnosed with excessive bleeding; what could the reason be for this?

Answer 28

A deficiency of vitamin K

Question 29

B vitamins function as ___________, small molecules that interact with enzymes to enables the enzymes to function.

Answer 29

Coenzymes

Question 30

What is the main function of vitamin B?

Answer 30

They help play key roles in metabolism.

Question 31

Where do B vitamin-deficiency symptoms usually occur?

Answer 31

In the brain and nervous system, skin, and GI tract

Question 32

What are the functions of thiamin?

Answer 32

It helps release energy from carbohydrates, helps produce ATP, and functions in chemical reactions that make RNA, DNA, and neurotransmitters.

Question 33

What happens when you become deficient in thiamin?

Answer 33

You get a disease called beriberi, in which you get weakness, loss of appetite, and irritability.

Question 34

What are some functions of riboflavin?

Answer 34

Helps with many energy-yielding pathways, helps metabolize vitamins and minerals, and helps with antioxidation.

Question 35

What is the main function of niacin?

Answer 35

It helps generate energy (ATP).

Question 36

What are the functions of vitamin B-6?

Answer 36

It helps with the metabolism of amino acids and protein, as well as synthesis of neurotransmitters

Question 37

What happens when you are deficient in vitamin B-6?

Answer 37

There is decline in multiple body systems, as well as overall energy metabolism.

Question 38

What happens when you have too much vitamin B-6?

Answer 38

You can get possible nerve damage

Question 39

What is the main function of pantothenic acid?

Answer 39

It’s required for the synthesis of coenzyme A, which allows the release of energy from macronutrients.

Question 40

What is the main function of biotin?

Answer 40

It assists in the dozens of chemical reactions

Question 41

What is the main function of folate?

Answer 41

To supply or accept single carbon compounds

Question 42

What happens when you are deficient in folate?

Answer 42

You get immature blood cells, which may lead into macrocytic anemia.