Module 8 ChatGPT Flashcards
What are vitamins
Vitamins are chemically diverse organic compounds essential for normal metabolism, often requiring dietary intake as the body cannot synthesize them sufficiently
How are vitamins classified
Vitamins are classified into fat-soluble (A, D, E, K) and water-soluble (B-complex and C) categories
What is the role of vitamins as micronutrients
Vitamins act as coenzymes, antioxidants, signaling molecules, and hormones
Which vitamins are fat-soluble
Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble
Which vitamins are water-soluble
The B-complex vitamins and vitamin C are water-soluble
What is the main source of vitamins
A balanced diet typically provides all necessary vitamins
What are the main causes of vitamin deficiencies
Malnutrition, malabsorption disorders, or restrictive diets
What is the main function of vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is essential for RBC formation and proper myelination of the nervous system
What condition is commonly associated with vitamin B12 deficiency
Pernicious anemia, an autoimmune disorder characterized by the absence of intrinsic factor
What are the clinical features of vitamin B12 deficiency
Signs of anemia, neurological disturbances like paresthesia, spasticity, ataxia, and neuropsychiatric disorders
How is vitamin B12 deficiency diagnosed
By detecting low serum vitamin B12 levels and identifying the underlying cause with tests like the Schilling test
What is the treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency
Parenteral supplementation, with possible long-term supplementation depending on the underlying cause
What role does folate play in the body
Folate is an essential coenzyme that enables critical biochemical reactions, particularly in DNA synthesis
What causes folate deficiency
Malnutrition and excessive alcohol use
What are the clinical manifestations of folate deficiency
Megaloblastic anemia without neurological manifestations
How is folate deficiency diagnosed
Through laboratory findings like macrocytosis, hyperhomocysteinemia, and normal methylmalonic acid levels
What is the treatment for folate deficiency
Oral folate supplementation
What is Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding of the Newborn (VKDB)
Spontaneous bleeding in a newborn due to a deficiency of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors
Why are vitamin K levels low in newborns
Vitamin K does not cross the placental barrier, is not present in breast milk, and is not synthesized in the sterile gut of a newborn
How is VKDB prevented in industrialized countries
Most newborns receive a vitamin K injection at birth
What are the categories of VKDB
Early-onset (within 24 hours after birth), classic (within 4 weeks), and late-onset (between 28 months)
What are common bleeding sites in VKDB
Intracranial, subgaleal, gastrointestinal, or nasal
How is VKDB treated
By managing the bleeding with transfusions and administering vitamin K
What is Vitamin A also known as
Retinol
What are the active forms of Vitamin A
Retinal and retinoic acid
What are the primary sources of Vitamin A
Plant sources (e.g., beta-carotene in vegetables) and animal sources (e.g., liver, fish, eggs)
How is Vitamin A stored in the body
In hepatic cells within the perisinusoidal space as retinyl esters
What is the role of Vitamin A in vision
Retinal is a component of rhodopsin in rods, necessary for vision
What is the role of Vitamin A in gene transcription
All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) binds to nuclear receptors, promoting gene transcription and cell differentiation
What is Vitamin A’s function in tissue maintenance
Retinoic acid promotes the differentiation of epithelium into specialized tissue
What are the common causes of Vitamin A deficiency
Fat malabsorption disorders and malnutrition
What are the ocular manifestations of Vitamin A deficiency
Night blindness, retinopathy, xerophthalmia, keratomalacia, and Bitot spots
What are the effects of Vitamin A toxicity
Acute toxicity: nausea, vomiting, vertigo. Chronic toxicity: alopecia, dry skin, hepatotoxicity, pseudotumor cerebri
Why is Vitamin A contraindicated in pregnancy
Vitamin A is teratogenic and can cause facial anomalies, cardiovascular abnormalities, and fetal death
What are the therapeutic uses of Vitamin A
Treatment of measles, severe cystic acne, and acute promyelocytic leukemia
Which condition is treated with isotretinoin
Severe cystic acne (e.g., nodulocystic) and rosacea
What is the impact of Vitamin A on measles
Vitamin A supplementation reduces complications and mortality in measles patients with vitamin A deficiency
How is Vitamin A toxicity typically caused
By increased intake via supplements or drugs
What are the teratogenic effects of Vitamin A
Facial anomalies, microcephaly, cleft palate, thymic agenesis, and neurodevelopmental disabilities
How does Vitamin A affect the immune system
Vitamin A deficiency increases the risk of severe measles infection
How is retinol transported in the body
Via retinol-binding protein in the serum
Where is Vitamin A primarily stored
In the hepatic cells within the perisinusoidal space of Disse
Which vitamin deficiency increases the risk of severe measles
Vitamin A deficiency
What is the significance of retinoic acid in gene transcription
Retinoic acid binds to nuclear receptors, facilitating the transcription of genes responsible for cell growth and differentiation
How does Vitamin A function as an antioxidant
Vitamin A protects cells from free radical damage
What are the main dietary sources of folate
Leafy green vegetables, fruits, liver, supplements, and fortified foods
Which vitamins are commonly associated with coenzyme functions
B vitamins, vitamins A and K
Which vitamin is essential for collagen synthesis
Vitamin C
What role does vitamin E play in the body
Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage
What is the main function of vitamin D
Vitamin D regulates calcium and phosphate metabolism, essential for bone health
What are the symptoms of vitamin K deficiency
Prolonged bleeding, easy bruising, and hemorrhage
How is vitamin K involved in blood clotting
Vitamin K is necessary for the synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X
What are the potential consequences of excessive vitamin D intake
Hypercalcemia, nephrocalcinosis, and cardiovascular complications
