Fat-Soluble Vitamins Flashcards
What are vitamins and why are they essential for the body?
Vitamins are essential nutrients needed by the body in small amounts to maintain normal bodily functions.
What are the potential health impacts of vitamin deficiencies and excess?
Deficiencies of vitamins prevent the body from operating at full capacity, while excess vitamins can be toxic.
How are vitamins classified?
Vitamins are classified into water-soluble and fat-soluble categories.
Why do water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water before the body can absorb them?
Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water before the body can absorb them.
Where are fat-soluble vitamins stored in the body?
Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the liver and fatty tissue.
Why do fat-soluble vitamins last longer in the body compared to water-soluble vitamins?
Fat-soluble vitamins last longer in the body because they are not needed every day and can be stored until required.
How are fat-soluble vitamins absorbed and excreted?
Fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed through the small intestine with dietary fat and are excreted slowly.
What are the risks associated with the toxicity of fat-soluble vitamins?
Toxicity risks arise because fat-soluble vitamins are stored longer and not excreted quickly, leading to potential imbalances.
How do fat-soluble substances get absorbed by the body?
Fat-soluble substances are absorbed by the body through the lymphatic system.
In which tissues are fat-soluble vitamins stored?
Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the liver and adipose tissue.
How do fat-soluble vitamins accumulate to toxic levels?
They accumulate to toxic levels if consumed in excess because they are stored in the body’s fatty tissues and liver.
Which organs are primarily responsible for the storage of fat-soluble vitamins?
The liver and adipose tissue are primarily responsible for the storage of fat-soluble vitamins.
How does vitamin A contribute to vision and immune function?
Vitamin A helps with good vision, immune function, and reproductive systems, and is essential for bone growth and tooth development.
What roles does vitamin A play in bone growth and tooth development?
Vitamin A helps in forming and maintaining healthy teeth, skeletal and soft tissue, mucus membranes, and skin.
How does vitamin D contribute to bone health?
Vitamin D, along with calcium, keeps bones strong and helps prevent diseases such as rickets and osteoporosis.
What is the role of vitamin E as an antioxidant?
Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals and boosts the immune system.
How does vitamin K facilitate blood clotting?
Vitamin K allows the blood to clot and helps in making proteins for healthy bones and tissues.
What are the general functions of fat-soluble vitamins in the body?
Fat-soluble vitamins act as antioxidants and play roles in bone health, blood clotting, and immune function.
What is the primary function of vitamin A in the retina?
Vitamin A produces pigments in the retina, essential for good eyesight, especially in low light.
Which foods are good sources of vitamin A?
Good sources of vitamin A include liver, butter, whole milk, egg yolks, mangos, papaya, carrots, cantaloupes, sweet potatoes, and maize.
How are carotenoids converted to vitamin A in the body?
The body converts certain carotenoids, especially beta-carotene, to vitamin A.
What are the main sources of vitamin D?
Vitamin D sources include liver, butter, fatty fish, and egg yolks.
How does vitamin D promote calcium absorption?
Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption in the gut, maintains adequate serum calcium and phosphate concentrations, and prevents involuntary muscle contraction.
What are the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency?
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include fatigue, bone pain, depression, hair loss, muscle weakness, and frequent illness.
What are the potential consequences of vitamin D toxicity?
Vitamin D toxicity can cause hypercalcemia, leading to nausea, vomiting, weakness, and frequent urination.
What is the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin D?
The RDA for vitamin D is 15 mcg per day for children and adults, and 25 mcg per day for those over 70.
How does vitamin E protect cell membranes from oxidative damage?
Vitamin E protects cell membranes from oxidative damage.
Which foods are rich in vitamin E?
Rich sources of vitamin E include vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and wheat germ.
What are the signs of vitamin E deficiency?
Signs of vitamin E deficiency include nerve and muscle damage, loss of body movement control, muscle weakness, and vision problems.
How can vitamin E be administered aside from oral intake?
Vitamin E can also be administered parenterally through intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intraperitoneal injection.
What is the upper limit for vitamin E supplementation in adults?
The upper limit for vitamin E supplementation in adults is 1,000 mg/day for supplements.
What role does vitamin K play in bone health?
Vitamin K helps to make various proteins needed for blood clotting and building bones.