Ch. 8: Vitamins and Phytochemicals Flashcards
What are vitamins?
Essential organic substances (containing carbon) needed in small amounts in the dietary pattern for normal function growth, and maintenance of the body.
What vitamins are fat-soluable?
Vitamins A, D, E, and K
What vitamins are water-soluable?
Vitamins B and C
Why are vitamins considered essential?
Because they cannot be synthesized in the human body or produced in sufficient amounts.
Where are fat-soluable vitamins stored in the body?
In the liver and fatty tissues.
Unlike fat-soluable vitamins, how are water-soluable vitamins handled in the body?
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.
Excretion of vitamins varies primarily on their __________.
Solubility
Why does fully ripe food tend to have more vitamins?
Because storage time and environmental factors can impact the vitamin content of foods.
What are functional foods?
Foods that are sources of the chemicals that provide health benefits beyond being essentail dietary nutrients
Which foods tend to be rich with phytochemicals?
Fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, etc.
Where is vitamin A stored?
90% is stored in the liver, while 10% is in adipose tissue, kidneys, and lungs.
Vitamin A is in groups of two groups of compounds. What are they, and where can they be found?
Retinoids (animal products) and carotenoids (plants)
What are some functions of vitamin A and carotenoids?
Epithelial cellhealth/immune function, eye health and vision, growth and development, cardiovascular disease prevention, and cancer prevention
What are the three main problems seen in people with vitamin A deficiency?
Impaired vision, weakened immune function, and stunted growth
Intakes in excess of the UL for vitamin A are linked to what?
Birth defects and liver toxicity
In what two ways is vitamin D different from other vitamins?
Not only is it also a hormone, but it also can be produced in the skin through exposure of UV light.
What are the functions of vitamin D?
Blood calcium regulation and gene expression/cell growth
What happens when some is deficient in vitamin D?
Less calcium is absorbed, resulting in weaker bones that do not develop properly.
What is the best source of vitamin D?
Sunlight
Which two organs are involved in the activation of vitamin D in the body?
Liver and kidney function
Where is vitamin E primarily found in the body?
In adipose tissue and in the lipid bilayers of cell membranes
What are the functions of vitamin E?
It serves as an antioxidant, helps with early human development, and improves vitamin A absorption
What can happen if you have too much vitamin E?
It can lead to hemorrhage, due to it interfering with vitamin K’s role in the clotting mechanism
What are the three forms of vitamin K?
Phylloquinone, menaquinone, and menadione
What are the functions of vitamin K?
It assists with blood clotting and helps with bone health
What is hemostasis?
A process that stops blood loss when tissues are damaged
Newborn infants are often born with low stores of which vitamins?
Vitamins E and K
Someone is diagnosed with excessive bleeding; what could the reason be for this?
A deficiency of vitamin K
B vitamins function as ___________, small molecules that interact with enzymes to enables the enzymes to function.
Coenzymes
What is the main function of vitamin B?
They help play key roles in metabolism.
Where do B vitamin-deficiency symptoms usually occur?
In the brain and nervous system, skin, and GI tract
What are the functions of thiamin?
It helps release energy from carbohydrates, helps produce ATP, and functions in chemical reactions that make RNA, DNA, and neurotransmitters.
What happens when you become deficient in thiamin?
You get a disease called beriberi, in which you get weakness, loss of appetite, and irritability.
What are some functions of riboflavin?
Helps with many energy-yielding pathways, helps metabolize vitamins and minerals, and helps with antioxidation.
What is the main function of niacin?
It helps generate energy (ATP).
What are the functions of vitamin B-6?
It helps with the metabolism of amino acids and protein, as well as synthesis of neurotransmitters
What happens when you are deficient in vitamin B-6?
There is decline in multiple body systems, as well as overall energy metabolism.
What happens when you have too much vitamin B-6?
You can get possible nerve damage
What is the main function of pantothenic acid?
It’s required for the synthesis of coenzyme A, which allows the release of energy from macronutrients.
What is the main function of biotin?
It assists in the dozens of chemical reactions
What is the main function of folate?
To supply or accept single carbon compounds
What happens when you are deficient in folate?
You get immature blood cells, which may lead into macrocytic anemia.
