Macronutrients Flashcards
What is the origin of the term ‘vitamin’?
Derived from the Latin ‘vita’ meaning ‘life’ and originally thought to contain the amine functional group.
The term was modified when it was discovered that not all vitamins contain the amine group.
Define a vitamin.
An organic compound essential in small amounts for the proper functioning of the human body, obtained from dietary sources.
The body cannot synthesize vitamins.
What are the two major classes of vitamins based on solubility?
- Water-soluble vitamins
- Fat-soluble vitamins
How many water-soluble vitamins are there?
Nine water-soluble vitamins.
How many fat-soluble vitamins are there?
Four fat-soluble vitamins.
Why must water-soluble vitamins be constantly replenished?
They are rapidly eliminated from the body in urine.
List the four fat-soluble vitamins.
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
What is the main function of vitamins in the body?
They build resistance against diseases and help maintain proper health.
True or False: Fat-soluble vitamins can accumulate in the body.
True.
What is the active form of Vitamin A found in animal tissue?
Retinol.
List three dietary sources of Vitamin A.
- Carrots
- Spinach
- Fish
What is the daily requirement of Vitamin D for men and women?
0.01 mg.
What is Vitamin E known as?
The anti-aging factor.
List two functions of Vitamin E.
- Antioxidant activity
- Protects cell membranes
What group of vitamins does Vitamin K belong to?
Fat-soluble vitamins.
True or False: Vitamin K is essential for blood coagulation.
True.
What is the primary role of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)?
Converting carbohydrates into energy.
List two dietary sources of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin).
- Milk
- Spinach
What is the daily requirement of Niacin (Vitamin B3) for men?
17 mg.
Fill in the blank: Vitamin B5 is also known as _______.
Pantothenic acid.
What is the main function of Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)?
Helping release energy from sugars, starches, and fats.
What is the primary role of Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)?
Acts as an antioxidant and is essential for collagen synthesis.
List the eight B vitamins.
- B1 - Thiamine
- B2 - Riboflavin
- B3 - Niacin
- B5 - Pantothenic acid
- B6 - Pyridoxine
- B7 - Biotin
- B9 - Folate
- B12 - Cobalamin
What is a common source of Vitamin D?
Sun rays.
True or False: Vitamins can be synthesized by the human body.
False.
What are the two forms of Vitamin D?
- Cholecalciferol (D3)
- Ergocalciferol (D2)
What is the significance of Vitamin K in the body?
It is essential for the synthesis of proteins required for blood coagulation.
What is one function of Vitamin B6?
It is involved in amino acid metabolism.
Fill in the blank: Vitamin B12 is essential for _______ synthesis.
DNA
What is the daily requirement of Vitamin A for adults?
600 mcg.
List three functions of Vitamin D.
- Calcium balance
- Cell differentiation
- Development of bones and teeth
What is the term for compounds that include both tocopherols and tocotrienols?
Vitamin E.
What is the primary dietary source of Vitamin B1?
Tuna.
What is the chemical name for Vitamin B5?
Pantothenic Acid
What are the daily requirements of Vitamin B5 for men and women?
10 mg
Name three dietary sources of Vitamin B5.
- Chicken liver
- Avocado
- Salmon
List two functions of Vitamin B5.
- Helps release energy from sugars, starches, and fats
- Important for the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol
True or False: Vitamin B5 can aid in wound healing.
True
What is another name for Vitamin B7?
Biotin
What is the daily requirement of Vitamin B7 for adults?
100-200 mcg
List two dietary sources of Vitamin B7.
- Egg
- Yeast
What role does Vitamin B7 play in metabolism?
Converts food into glucose and produces fatty acids and amino acids
What is the chemical name for Vitamin B9?
Folic Acid
Name three dietary sources of Vitamin B9.
- Beans
- Spinach
- Cabbage
What is one function of Vitamin B9 related to pregnancy?
Essential for the health of the pregnant woman and her developing fetus
What vitamin is crucial for the formation and maturation of red blood cells?
Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
What is the main dietary source of Vitamin B12?
Animal products such as meat, shellfish, milk, cheese, and eggs
List two functions of Vitamin B12.
- Essential for the production of red blood cells
- Important for metabolism of fat, carbohydrates, and proteins
What deficiency is associated with Vitamin B12?
Megaloblastic or pernicious anemia
What is the common name for Vitamin C?
Ascorbic Acid
List two dietary sources of Vitamin C.
- Potato
- Mango
What is the daily requirement of Vitamin C for adults?
70-90 mg
What is one key function of Vitamin C?
Synthesis of collagen
What is the deficiency disease associated with Vitamin C?
Scurvy
What are two symptoms of Vitamin C deficiency?
- Fragility of blood vessels
- Easy bruising
