Ch 8: Vitamins & Trace Elements Flashcards
What amount of retinol is equivalent to 24 mcg of beta-carotene from food?
A. 2 mcg
B. 4 mcg
C. 2mcg
D. 1mg
A. 2 mcg
1 mcg of retinol has the Vitamin A activity of 12 mcg beta-carotene. The
Which of the following nutrients does NOT engage in conversion of homocysteine to methionine?
A. Choline
B. Vitamin D
C. Vitamin B12
D. Folate
B. Vitamin D
B12/folate are main factors in conversion of homocysteine to methionine
Alternatively, choline may be used for this conversion.
The first B vitamin deficiency to manifest in people with alcoholism is usually:
A. Niacin
B. Pantothenic Acid
C. Vitamin B6
D. Thiamin
D. Thiamin
Small amounts of thiamin stored in liver = first to become deficient
in malabsorptive or inadequate intake situations
Which of the following trace elements is regulated at the level of absorption but not excretion?
A. Zinc
B. Copper
C. Manganese
D. Iron
D. Iron
The control mechanisms that keep iron levels stable in the body occur at the absorption phase.
It is very difficult to eliminate iron except in conditions of blood loss (e.g., blood donation or menstruation)
Estimated Average Requirement (EAR)
Intake that meets estimated nutrient needs of 50% of the individuals in a group
Must be derived from scientific studies
Serves as basis for RDA
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)
Intake that meets ENN of almost all (97-98%) individuals in that group
Adequate Intake (AI)
Established when evidence is insufficient to develop an RDA
Set at a level assumed to ensure nutritional adequacy
Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL)
The max intake = unlikely to pose risk of adverse health effects in almost all individuals
What are the 13 vitamins & 1 dietary component that are considered essential?
B-vitamins (8 total): thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, folate, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, biotin, and pantothenic acid)
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Fat soluble: A, D, E, K
Dietary component: choline
Fat soluble vitamin absorption
In duodenum: fat soluble vitamins → micelles → absorbed into enterocyte
In enterocyte: repackaged into chylomicrons (distribution to extrahepatic tissues)
What are Provitamins?
A substance that may be converted within the body to a vitamin
The term previtamin is a synonym
Retinol-binding protein (RBP)
Is synthesized in the liver
Required to transport retinol from liver to target tissues
Highly sensitive to nutrition status
What is RBP bound to in plasma?
RBP bound to prealbumin
(aka protein transthyretin, TTR)
4 functions of Vitamin A
Vision
Epithelial cell regulation
Wound healing
Bone and cellular health
How does Vitamin A impact corticosteroids in wound healing?
Reverses inhibitory effect of corticosteroids on wound healing
Vitamin A storage
Main: hepatocyte (liver)
Additional: adipose, kidneys, bone marrow, lung, eyes
Vitamin A excretion
Feces & Urine
increased amounts excreted in urine during sepsis
Vitamin A deficiency - disease states
Malabsorptive disorders (IBD, bariatric surgery, liver disease)
Pregnancy with low PO intakes
Alcoholism - impacts absorption, liver stores Vit A and processes ETOH
Vitamin A deficiency - signs and symptoms:
SKIN
- Follicular hyperkeratosis (keratin buildup around the hair follicles → bumps on the skin)
- Dry skin, itching, irritation
Vitamin A deficiency - signs and symptoms:
EYES
Roughened conjunctiva
Bitot’s spots (rough corneal keratin deposition)
Xerophthalmia (dry eyes)
Night blindness
Keratomalacia (cornea soft/cloudy, preceded by xerophthalmia)
Vitamin A deficiency - signs and symptoms:
BONES
Excessive bone deposition (new bone is formed)
Vitamin A deficiency - signs and symptoms:
OTHER
Impaired wound healing
Vitamin A toxicity - disease states
Renal failure (chronic and acute)
Binding capacity of RBP is exceeded → more Vit A circulating unbound → potential to damage cell membranes
Vitamin A toxicity - signs and symptoms:
SKIN
Pruritus (itchy skin)