Ch.7 Vitamins

Question 1

bioavailability

Answer 1

The extent to which the body can absorb and use a nutrient.

Question 2

provitamin or vitamin precursor

Answer 2

A compound that can be converted into the active form of a vitamin in the body.

Question 3

coenzymes

Answer 3

Organic non-protein substances that bind to enzymes to promote their activity.

Question 4

antioxidant

Answer 4

A substance that is able to neutralise reactive oxygen molecules and thereby prevent cell damage.

Question 5

free radicals

Answer 5

One type of highly reactive atom or molecule that causes oxidative damage.

Question 6

beriberi

Answer 6

A thiamin deficiency disease that causes weakness, nerve degeneration, and in some cases, heart changes.

Question 7

neurotransmitter

Answer 7

A chemical substance produced by a nerve cell that can stimulate or inhibit another cell.

Question 8

pellagra

Answer 8

A disease resulting from niacin deficiency, which causes dermatitis, diarrhoea, dementia, and, if not treated, death.

Question 9

neural tube defects

Answer 9

Abnormalities in the brain or spinal cord that result from errors that occur during prenatal development.

Question 10

folic acid

Answer 10

An easily absorbed form of the vitamin folate that is used in dietary supplements and fortified foods.

Question 11

macrocytic anemia or megaloblastic anemia

Answer 11

A reduction in the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen that is characterised by abnormally large immature and mature red blood cells.

Question 12

pernicious anemia

Answer 12

A macrocytic anemia resulting from vitamin B12 deficiency that occurs when dietary vitamin B12 cannot be absorbed due to a lack of intrinsic factor.

Question 13

intrinsic factor

Answer 13

A protein produced in the stomach that is needed for the absorption of adequate amounts of vitamin B12.

Question 14

atrophic gastritis

Answer 14

An inflammation of the stomach lining that results in reduced secretion of stomach acid, microbial overgrowth, and, in severe cases, a reduction in the production of intrinsic factor.

Question 15

scurvy

Answer 15

A vitamin C deficiency disease characterised by bleeding gums, tooth loss, joint pain, bleeding into the skin and mucous membranes, and fatigue.

Question 16

retinoids

Answer 16

The chemical forms of performed vitamin A: retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid.

Question 17

carotenoids

Answer 17

Natural pigments synthesised by plants and many microorganism. They give yellow and red-orange fruits and vegetables their colour.

Question 18

gene expression

Answer 18

The events of protein synthesis in which the information coded in a gene is used to synthesise a protein.

Question 19

xerophthalmia

Answer 19

A spectrum of eye conditions resulting from vitamin A deficiency that may lead to blindness.

Question 20

hypercarotenemia

Answer 20

A condition caused by the accumulation of carotenoids in the adipose tissue, causing the skin to appear yellow-orange.

Question 21

parathyroid hormone (PTH)

Answer 21

A hormone released by the parathyroid gland that acts to increase blood calcium levels.

Question 22

rickets

Answer 22

A vitamin D deficiency disease in children, characterised by poor bone development resulting from inadequate calcium absorption.

Question 23

osteomalacia

Answer 23

A vitamin D deficiency disease in adults, characterised by loss of minerals from bone, bone pain, muscle aches, and an increase in bone fractures.