Fat soluble vitamins Flashcards
1
Q
What are the two forms of Vitamin A and where are they found?
A
Retinol is the active form of vitamin A. It can be made from B carotene.
- Retinol: animal sources e.g. liver, full fat dairy - milk, cheese, eggs
- B Carotene: vegetable sources e.g. carrots, sweet potato, green leafy vegetables
2
Q
What is the function of Vitamin A?
A
- Maintains retina tissues
- Differentiation of tissues
- Immune system health
- Growth and health of skin and mucous membranes
3
Q
What can vitamin A deficiency cause?
A
- Night blindness
- Xerophthalmia - dryness of the eyes - can cause permanent blindness if allowed to continue.
- Impaired immune function
4
Q
What is the name for vitamin D?
A
cholecalciferol
5
Q
Who is particularly at risk of vitamin D deficiency?
A
- Dark skin - do not make as much from sunlight
- Elderly - do not go out as much
- Pregnant women who are breastfeeding
- People who cover themselves for religious reasons.
6
Q
What is the function of Vitamin D?
A
- increases absorption of calcium and phosphate in the gut.
- increased bone mineralisation
- cell differentiation especially immune cells
- immune support
- reduce cancer cell growth
7
Q
What are some sources of vitamin D?
A
Oily fish Eggs Margarine Butter Fortified foods
8
Q
What are the results of vitamin D deficiency?
A
- Rickets - skeletal deformity, bone pain, muscle weakness
- Oesteomalacia in adults - soft bones, easily fractured
- Stunted growth
- Delayed tooth eruption
9
Q
What is the function of vitamin E?
A
- Antioxidant - protects cell membranes and tissues from damage.
- Aids formation of red blood cells
- Health circulatory system
