Nutrition 6: Vitamin Deficiencies

Question 1

Fat soluble vitaminsa and water-soluble vitamins

Answer 1

ADEK: fat-soluble vitamins

B and C: Water-soluble vitamins

Question 2

Vitamin A deficiency

Deficiency effects, benefits, sources

Answer 2

Retinol is vitamin A:

Deficiency is associated with:
Ocular effects (poor night vision), dry eyes and risk of infection

Benefits:
Night vision, immune system, healthy skin

Sources:
Fish liver oil, raw eggs, liver pates

Retinol is teraogenic, should not be used in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Should be avoid sources

Question 3

Vitamin C Deficiency

Deficiency effects, benefits, sources

Answer 3

Ascorbic acid is vitamin C

Deficiency is Associated with:
scurvy, gingival bleeding, petechiae (purple spots in skin)

Benefits:
Aids iron absorption, promote wound healing, improves common cold

Sources: Oranges, peppers, tomatoes, blackcurrants

Question 4

Vitamin D deficiency

Deficiency effects, benefits, sources

Answer 4

Calciferol is vitamin D and is available in many forms.
Vitamin D2 - ergocalciferol
Vitamin D3 - cholecalciferol

Vitamin D is hydorxylated by the kidneys into their active form. Already hydroxylated forms can be given in renal imapirement, these are: alfacalcidol and calcitrol

Deficiency:
ricketts, Osteomalacia,

Causes
Rotti
Insufficient sunlight

Benefits:
Needed for absorption of dietary calcium. Maintains calcium and phosphate levels. Healthy bones and teeth

Question 5

Nausea and vomiting occuring in calciferol supplements

Answer 5

Check plasma calcium concentraton as it may indicate toxicity

Question 6

Vitamin E deficiency

Deficiency effects, benefits, sources

Answer 6

Tocopherol is vitamin E deficiency

Benefits:
Powerful antioxidant and protects the body from oxidative stress. Inhibits platlet aggregation. Interacts with warfarin as it increases bleeding

Sources:
Plants oil such as olive oil, nuts, seeds, wheat germ

Question 7

Vitamin K deficiency

Answer 7

Phytomenadione is vitamin K. This promotes blood clotting

As it is a fat soluble vitamin therefore in fat malabsorption such as liver disease, vitamin K deficiency can occur.
Menadiol is a water soluble version of vitamin K can be given in liver impairement

All neonates are given vitamin K to prevent neonatal intracranial haemorrhage and as they typically have low levels of vitamin K.

INTERACTS with warfarin as it antagonises its effect.

Source: Green leafy vegetables

Question 8

Vitamin B1

Cause, benefits, source

Answer 8

Thiamine is vitamin B1

Alcoholics with liver cirrhosis are typically vitamin b1 deficient can lead to Wernicke’s encephalopathy.

Vitamin b1 injections are associated with anaphylaxis - resuscitations facilities must be available

Benefits: Vitamin B1 release energy from foods

Sources: Fortified cereals, wholegrain

Question 9

Vitamin B2

Benfits, source

Answer 9

Riboflavin is vitamin B2

Benefits: Healthy skin, nerves and eyes

Sources: Milk, Eggs, fortified cerelas and rice

Question 10

Vitamin B3

Benefits, source

Answer 10

Niacin is vitamin B3. It is available as nicotinamide (preffered over nicotinic acid which causes vasodilation)

Benefits: reduces cholesterol, healthy skin and eyes

Souces: meat, fish, wheat flour, eggs, milk

Question 11

Vitamin B6

deficiency, benefits, source

Answer 11

Pyridoxine is vitamin B6

Deficiency:
associated with peripheral neuropathy. Pyridoxine deficiency can occur with isoniazid and penicillamine. Pyridoxine can be co-prescribed to prevent this

Benefits:
Helps PMS, helps make neurotransmitters, haemoglobin

Source:
Fortified foods, chicken, vegetables

Question 12

Vitamin B7

benefits, source

Answer 12

Biotin is Vitamin B7

Benefits: strengthens hair and nails

Sources: Range of foods, vegetables, whole cereals

Question 13

Vitamin B12

treatment, benefits, source

Answer 13

Cobalamin/hydroxocobalamin is vitamin B12

Typically used to treat megaloblastic anaemia. This form of deficiency is common in vegans

Benefits: Healthy nervous system, makes red blood cells, processes folic acid

Sources:
Meat, salmon, fortified cereals

Question 14

Vitamin B types

Answer 14

Thiamine - Vitamin B1
Riboflavin - vitamin B2
Niacin - Vitamin B3
Pyridoxine - Vitamin B6
Biotin - vitamin B7
Cobalamin/hydroxocobalamin - Vitamin B12

The Rythm Nearly Proved being Contagious

Question 15

Folic acid in pregnancy

Answer 15

Folic acid is taken by pregenant women to reduce the risk of neural tube defects e.g spina bifida

Question 16

Folic acid dose in pregnancy

Answer 16

Typically:
400mcg once daily before conception and until week 12 of pregnancy

If a women is in a high-risk group, the dose should be:
5mg once daily before conception and until wek 12 of pregnancy

Women with sickle cell disease must take folic aicd throughout the whole of the pregnancy

Question 17

Women in high-risk groups for neural tube defects

Answer 17

• anti-epileptic medication
• Diabetes mellitus
• Previous infant with neural tube defects
• Sickle cell disease
• Patients who are obese