Chapter 7: Vitamins Flashcards
What are the two major classifications for vitamins?
Vitamins are organized and classified by how they are absorbed and stored in the body: through fat or water.
The first are fat-soluble vitamins. We require the presence of fat to use these vitamins and to store them in the body. This category has 4 vitamins in it. We have vitamin A, D, E, and K. These vitamins can be stored in large amounts in the liver and fat tissue. Because of this, we may reach toxic levels when consuming too much, since we store it in our fat. Low-fat diets may cause issues in the use of these vitamins.
Water-soluble vitamins are the ones that are used in the body regardless of fat. These vitamins include the entire family of B vitamins and vitamin C. The vitamins are not stored in the body in major levels as they do dissolve in water and leave the body through urine. Regular intake is vital to avoid deficiencies and interference with normal metabolic functions. The B vitamins act as coenzymes and have significant functions in metabolism of the macronutrients. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, and it boosts the immune system.
What are the main fat-soluble vitamins? Give the main functions for all four.
Vitamins A, D, E, and K are all the fat-soluble vitamins. They play some important roles in the body.
Explain the roles that vitamin C plays in the body.
Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid. It plays many vital roles in the body, like:
a. The promotion of healthy capillaries, gums, and teeth.
b. The aiding in intestinal iron absorption, transport, and storage.
c. The prevention of the oxidation of folacin.
d. Helping to heal wounds.
e. It may provide resistance to infections in the body.
f. Aids in the metabolism of tyrosine and phenylalanine.
g. Boosting of the immune functions.
h. Protection of the cells from free radical damage.
What occurs during a deficiency in Vitamin C?
The deficiency of vitamin C leads to a serious disease called scurvy. This disease is characterized by the weakening of the connective tissues. The result may be capillary hemorrhaging. It is a disease rarely seen in adults in the US, but it may be seen in the very young and the very old.
What are the Vitamin-like compounds?
Choline and inositol (B8)
The vitamin-like compounds are classified as such because they are neither fat nor water- soluble. They are still important compounds in cellular metabolism and body processes.
Choline - fatty acid metabolism, liver function, and structural integrity of the cell membranes.
Inositol (B8) - Like choline, this is a lipotropic agent. It is a natural carb in the body that plays a role in fatty acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and intracellular calcium mobilization.
Vitamin A
One of the main fat soluble vitamins.
Vit A is also known a retinol and beta-carotene. This vitamin plays important roles in eye health and vision, the immune system, reproduction, and fetal development. Beta- carotene is a precursor for the usable form of vitamin A called retinol. The body is able to convert carotenoids into vitamin A and retinol when needed.
Vitamin D
One of the main fat soluble vitamins.
Vitamin D is known also as calciferol. It has many important functions and is needed for the normal growth and development of humans. The main function is the absorption of calcium and phosphorous to support mineralization and hardening of the bones and teeth. Vitamin D also has evidence of improving muscle strength, maintenance of immune function, and reduction of the risk of osteoporosis and has some involvement in cell division.
Vitamin E
One of the main fat soluble vitamins.
Vitamin E is also known as Alpha Tocopherol. The main function is as an antioxidant for the prevention of free-radical reactions and the protection of fatty acids with the cell membranes. Some other major functions include the red blood cells forming and the synthesis of prostanoids. Vitamin E also serves to prevent blood clots, retard the oxidation of other fat-soluble vitamins, and participate in cell respiration.
Vitamin K
One of the main fat soluble vitamins.
Vitamin K is also known as phylloquinone, menaquinone, and menadione. This last fat- soluble vitamin is used to promote the formation of procoagulants and prothrombin. It is a coenzyme. This vitamin is involved in the maintenance of bone tissue.
What are the B vitamin classifications?
This Really Nice Pet Played By Frisbee Catching
B1 Thiamin
B2 Riboflavin
B3 Niacin
[skip]
B5 Pantothenic acid
B6 Pyridoxine
B7 Biotin
[skip]
B9 Folate
B12 Cobalamin
Purpose of B vitamins
These vitamins help a variety of enzymes do their jobs, ranging from releasing energy from carbohydrates and fat to breaking down amino acids and transporting oxygen and energy-containing nutrients around the body.
