May 14: Fat Soluble Vitamins

Question 1

Vitamin D function

Answer 1

Calcium metabolism:
Calcium absorption
Regulation of blood calcium levels (kidneys)
Bone mineralization by maintaining calcium concentrations

Question 2

What are some possible additional functions of vitamin D?

Answer 2

Possibly cancer prevention?
(Low circulating vitamin D linked to increased cancer risk)
Protection against cardiovascular disease and hypertension
Prevention of autoimmune diseases

Question 3

Where is vitamin D deficiency a problem?

Answer 3

It is a problem in areas with reduced exposure to sunlight

Question 4

What can vitamin D deficiency cause?

Answer 4

Rickets in children
Overgrowth of cartilage
Enlarged head

Question 5

Rickets

Answer 5

Soft bones

Question 6

How can vitamin D need be met?

Answer 6

Through 30 minutes to 2 hours of daily sunlight exposure

Question 7

RDA for vitamin D

Answer 7

600 IU (international units) for ages 1-70
800 IU for 70+ age

Question 8

Food sources of vitamin D

Answer 8

Fatty fish, fortified milk, mushrooms (grown under UV light)

Question 9

Vitamin D toxicity

Answer 9

2-3 times the RDA is toxic to children

Question 10

Vitamin A function

Answer 10

Vision cycle - ability to perceive black/gray/white/night vision
Maintenance of epithelial tissue (“covering tissue”)

Question 11

Vitamin A deficiency

Answer 11

Can cause night blindness, xerophthalmia, infection

Question 12

Xerophthalmia

Answer 12

Cornea sloughs off, causing blindness
500,000 children < 5 years old go blind yearly due to vitamin A deficiency

Question 13

Food sources of vitamin A

Answer 13

Animal sources, beta carotene (any green, orange, or red fruit/veg. This is converted to vitamin A)

Question 14

What if you eat too much beta carotene or vitamin A?

Answer 14

Beta carotene isn’t toxic so this isn’t a problem; it acts as an antioxidant

However, vitamin A can be toxic. It is stored in the liver and excess can lead to birth defects, enlarged liver

Question 15

Vitamin E function

Answer 15

Antioxidant: protects cell membranes from oxidation

Prevents lipid “peroxidation”

Question 16

Vitamin E deficiency

Answer 16

Hemolytic anemia: red blood cells break

Takes about 7 years to become deficient

Question 17

RDA for vitamin E

Answer 17

Male/female: 15 mg (22 IU)

Tolerable upper limit: 1000 mg

Question 17

Food sources for vitamin E

Answer 17

Vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, whole grains

Question 18

Which nutrients function as antioxidants in the body?

Answer 18

Vitamin E, Vitamin C, beta carotene

Question 19

Why might one need a vitamin/mineral supplement?

Answer 19

If calorie intake is <1,500 kcal/day (female, older age)
If alcohol is heavily consumed
If pregnant (iron)
If they have irregular eating habits and limited selection of food

Question 20

Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act 1994

Answer 20

Label statements may describe effects of ingredients on body as “structure” or “function” but can’t state a “drug-like” effect or “disease cure”

Question 21

For accurate supplement info

Answer 21

Look for sites operated by the government, health organizations, or universities
Check the Office of Dietary Supplements website