Chapter 10

Question 1

Essential Nutrients

General Overview of Water-Soluble Vitamins

Answer 1

Essential Nutrients: Required in small amounts for regulating body processes and supporting life.

Question 2

Distinct from Macronutrients

General Overview of Water-Soluble Vitamins

Answer 2

Distinct from Macronutrients: They don’t yield energy directly; instead, they assist enzymes in energy release.

Question 3

Types of Solubility

General Overview of Water-Soluble Vitamins

Answer 3

Types of Solubility:

Water-Soluble: Transported freely in blood, excreted in urine, requires regular intake.
Fat-Soluble: Stored in liver/fat tissues, transported with proteins, consumed less frequently.

Question 4

Bioavailability

Vitamin Absorption, Toxicity, and Bioavailability

Answer 4

Bioavailability: Influenced by digestion, nutrient intake, food prep, source (natural vs. synthetic), and other foods consumed.

Question 5

Toxicity

Vitamin Absorption, Toxicity, and Bioavailability

Answer 5

Toxicity: Overconsumption can be harmful, even for water-soluble vitamins.

Question 6

Precursors

Vitamin Absorption, Toxicity, and Bioavailability

Answer 6

Precursors: Compounds that can convert to active vitamins, e.g., beta-carotene for Vitamin A.

Question 7

Nutrient Retention

Vitamin Absorption, Toxicity, and Bioavailability

Answer 7

Nutrient Retention: Vitamins are fragile and can be lost during processing, storage, or cooking.

Question 8

Thiamin (B1)

Specific B Vitamins

Answer 8

Thiamin (B1): Supports energy metabolism (TPP coenzyme); deficiency causes Beriberi (nervous or cardiovascular issues).

Question 9

Riboflavin (B2)

Specific B Vitamins

Answer 9

Riboflavin (B2): Coenzyme in TCA cycle, mainly in milk products; deficiency leads to membrane inflammation.

Question 10

Niacin (B3)

Specific B Vitamins

Answer 10

Niacin (B3): Forms NAD/NADP for metabolic reactions; deficiency causes Pellagra (dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia).

Question 11

Biotin

Specific B Vitamins

Answer 11

Biotin: Involved in TCA cycle, fatty acid synthesis; no known toxicity.

Question 12

Pantothenic Acid

Specific B Vitamins

Answer 12

Pantothenic Acid: Forms part of coenzyme A, important in energy metabolism and synthesis of essential compounds.

Question 13

Vitamin B6

Specific B Vitamins

Answer 13

Vitamin B6: Metabolism of amino acids, fatty acids, and neurotransmitters; deficiency leads to neurological issues.

Question 14

Folate

Specific B Vitamins

Answer 14

Folate: Important for DNA synthesis and cell division; crucial for pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects.

Question 15

Vitamin B12

Specific B Vitamins

Answer 15

Vitamin B12: Works with folate, needed for nerve protection and cell growth; deficiency can cause pernicious anemia, especially in the elderly.

Question 16

Antioxidant Properties

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Answer 16

Antioxidant Properties: Protects cells from oxidative damage, aids in iron absorption, and neutralizes free radicals.

Question 17

Roles in the Body

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Answer 17

Roles in the Body: Collagen synthesis, immune support, cofactor in hormone synthesis, and helps manage stress.

Question 18

Deficiency

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Answer 18

Deficiency: Causes scurvy, leading to gum bleeding, muscle degeneration, and in severe cases, death.

Question 19

Toxicity

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Answer 19

Toxicity: Excess can cause GI distress and may interact negatively with certain medical conditions.