Nutrition & Biomolecules Flashcards
Define vitamin. Which are water-soluble and which are fat-soluble? Explain the consequences.
Organic compounds, other than carbohydrates, proteins and lipids, that are essential for health maintenance and production
Lipid-soluble: A, D, E, K
Water-soluble: *B & C
*B vitamins are a suite of vitamins associated with metabolism
Lipid-soluble: stays in body longer
Water-soluble: lost in urine; requires regular replenishment
What is the function of Vitamin D? What can lead to a deficiency? What are consequences of deficiency?
function: enhances calcium and phosphate uptake (also affects neuromuscular and immune functions)
Actual deficiency - low rate of synthesis + lack of dietary precursors
Pathway issues - liver and/or kidney does not produce sufficient or functional enzymes (or an issue with the organ itself)
Consequences
- induces Rickets/Osteomalacia (defective Ca/PO43- mineralization -> soft, fragile, malformed bones)
- exacerbates osteopenia/osteoporosis (decrease bone density; fragile, unusually porous bones)
Why is Rickets/Osteomalacia difficult to diagnose?
Can be caused by numerous things…….
What is the purpose of lipids in general?
What are EFAs? What is a significant characteristic with consequences?
How many EFAs do carnivores, omnivores, and/or herbivores need? Can people synthesize all of them?
In general: energy source & cellular structure (i.e. lipid membranes)
Essential Fatty Acids: three
arachidonic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid
Fxn: Cell membrane components, Hormone precursors (eicosanoids) – e.g. prostaglandins
Characteristic: Oxidize easily
People can synthesize all 3 EFAs. Herbivores arachadonic; the other two may not be
