First Aid Nutrition: Other Vitamins and Stuff

Question 1

Vitamin C is also called what? Why is it important?

Answer 1

Ascorbic Acid We find it in fruits and vegetables. Acts as an antioxidant and facilitates iron absorption by reducing it to Fe2+. Secondarily important for turning dopamine to NE and for generating collagen via hydroxylation of proline and lysine

Question 2

Yarrgh, what be the result of no Vitamin C? What about too much?

Answer 2

In insufficient amounts it causes Scurvy, which presents as swollen gums, bruising, hemarthrosis, anemia, poor wound healing (all secondary to a deCreased Collagen Creation).

Too much though will give you Calcium stones and abdominal discomfort (N/V/D)

Question 3

Vitamin E other names and what deficiency can lead to

Answer 3

Tocopherol/Tocotrienol

Antioxidant that protects RBCs and membranes from free radical damage

Deficiency means weaker RBCs, so hemolytic anemia, acanthocytosis, muscle weakness and oddly enough, neurological similarities to Vitamin B12.

Question 4

Vitamin K function and what a loss means, with special consideration for neonates

Answer 4

This is the cofactor for gamma carboxylation of glutamic acid residues on various proteins required for blood Klotting and is made by our intestinal flora (so be careful with the antibiotics)

Deficiency means increased PT and aPTT.

Neonates can’t get this from breast milk, so they need injections.

Question 5

Zinc functions and what losses means

Answer 5

Zinc is essential for the activity of 100+ enzymes and is important in forming zinc-finger motifs for transcription factors.

Loss of this means delayed wound healing, hypogonadism, loss of hair (all over), and may predispose to alcoholic cirrhosis.