Chapter 8: Vitamins Flashcards
What are vitamins?
Essential nutrients.
Substances found in foods that can be converted into an active form once they are absorbed.
What is bioavailability?
The degree to which a nutrient is absorbed from foods.
Which vitamins are classified as fat-soluble?
A, D, E, K
What sources are rich in fat-soluble vitamins?
Fortified milk, oils
Which vitamins are classified as water-soluble?
B vitamins and C
What is a key characteristic of water-soluble vitamins?
Not stored in the body; excess is excreted.
Where are most water-soluble vitamins absorbed?
Upper part of the small intestine.
What happens to excess water-soluble vitamins in the body?
Excess is excreted.
Fill in the blank: Fat-soluble vitamins are _______ in the body.
stored
Fill in the blank: Water-soluble vitamins are absorbed with _______.
water
What is the risk associated with excess intake of fat-soluble vitamins?
Can be toxic in high doses.
What is the primary transport mechanism for fat-soluble vitamins?
Packed in micelles and chylomicrons.
True or False: Water-soluble vitamins can be toxic in high doses.
False
What is one way to improve the bioavailability of vitamins?
Reduce cooking time.
Also, keeping food stored in a cool place and add little water when cooking.
What is the main storage tissue for fat-soluble vitamins?
Adipose tissue
Fill in the blank: ____ vitamins are co-enzymes.
B.
What antioxidant vitamins are important for neutralizing free-radicals to counteract oxidation?
Vitamins (A,C,E) and beta carotene (vitamin A).
Taking megadose vitamin supplements can cause what toxicity?
Hypervitaminosis.
What is a vitamin has preformed vitamins that do not need to undergo conversion?
Vitamin A.
Preformed foods vs provitamin food examples for vitamin A?
Animal products found in preformed, vegetables like carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin in proformed options.
When absorbed, where do water soluble vitamins go?
Bloodstream.
Where are fat soluble vitamins stored?
Liver, fat, and muscle tissue
What is the primary function of Vitamin A?
Healthy vision, cell differentiation, reproduction, and immunity
Vitamin A is important for various bodily functions including maintaining healthy skin and mucous membranes.
What two deficiencies can result from a lack of Vitamin A?
Night blindness and Xerophthalmia (permanent damage to the cornea)
Xerophthalmia is characterized by dry eyes and can lead to blindness if untreated.