topic 2 Flashcards
the fat soluble vitamins are…
A,D,E,K
the water soluble vitamins are…
vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and all Bs: thiamine (B1), riboflavin(B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B4), biotin (B7), folate (B9), cobalamin (B12)
why do we use international units (IU) to describe vitamin quantities?
We use it to note the amount of the vitamin we are describing, regardless of the source. This is because different foods often require different consumed amounts to get the same quantity of a vitamin. To standardize the unit of measure when compounds with different levels of bioavailability can be sources of the vitamin.
what vitamin deficiency can be associated with a vegan diet and feeling tired, weak, and tingling extremities,
A vitamin B12 deficiency
what does folic acid do for pregnant women? what is a food with this vitamin?
It reduces the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs). Spinach is rich in folate.
T or F: Fat soluble vitamins are not capable of being stored in the body.
False, fat soluble vitamins can be stored in the body.
T or F: water soluble vitamins are stored in the body.
False, water soluble vitamins are excreted through urine.
Why is vitamin D given the name the sunshine vitamin?
Sunshine (or rather UVB rays) causes the body to undergo a series of reactions that synthesize vitamin D in the body.
Prothrombin needs vitamin K to be activated in the body, but what does this protein do?
It acts in blood clotting processes.
The body cannot produce all vitamins, so we get them from….
Foods, the sun
where does the word vitamin come from?
Vitamin = vital amine
vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency is associated with…
beriberi
pellagra is caused by…
a vitamin B3 (niacin) deficiency
vitamin D deficiency is associated with…
Ricketts (a bone disease caused by lack of sun)
scurvy is caused by…
a lack of vitamin C
Describe B12
-It is a water soluble vitamin,
-involved in the formation of red blood cells,
-only found in animal products,
-people with gastro-intestinal issues may have a deficiency of this vitamin due to malabsorption,
-pernicious anemia arises from lack of B12
Why does a lack of vitamin B often cause sleepiness, weakness?
Because vitamin B acts as a coenzyme (protein that enhances rxns) and are involved in energy production. As a result, less vitamin B = less energy
Vitamin A is found in…
animal products: eggs, butter
foods with pro-vitamin A (betacarotene): carrots, peppers, oranges, tomatoes
retinitis pigmentosa may be slowed by…
vitamin A as it is essential to healthy vision
T or F: beta-carotene supplements decrease smokers’ risk for lung cancer.
False, it increases the risk for lung cancer in smokers
Osteoporosis arises from…
a vitamin D deficiency. As a result, it is supplemented in milk
True or False: Vitamin D
- it prevents/reduces respiratory tract infections
- improves depression, treats rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, reduces mortality
- high doses increase the risk of falls and fractures
- it must be taken with calcium to reduces falls and fractures in the elderly
- false
-false
-true
-true
Describe vitamin E? What does vitamin E do in the body?
- needed for structural & functional maintenance of skeletal, cardia, and smooth muscle. Assists in red blood cell formation, maintains stores of vitamin A, vitamin K, Fe, and Se.
- It has an antioxidant effect.
- It is a mix of tocopherol and tocotrienol.
- Derived from plant sources.
- May increase risk in heart failure.
Describe vitamin K. What does it do in the body? Where can it be found? Who shouldn’t take it?
- mix of compounds, needed for the synthesis of some proteins that are pre-requisites for blood coagulation and needed for controlling binding of Ca to bones and tissues.
- Prothrombin (protein that acts in blood clotting processes) needs vitamin K to be activated in the body. Osteocalcin needs vit. K.
-Not to be taken by people who take coumadin (blood thinner). - High in leafy greens (kale, broccoli, spinach)
What does vitamin C do?
It aids with the functioning of the immune system, it is necessary in our bodies, it increases the absorption of Fe.
True or false: vitamin C prevents the common cold.
False, trials did not show this, this is anecdotal and has not been provable in studies.
Describe vitamin A
- discovered by McCollum,
- found in animal foods, but also when consuming pro-vitamin A carotenoids (beta carotene) that are then transformed into vit. A in the body (e.g. Foods that are orange like carrots, tomatoes, peppers, oranges).
- It is needed for bone growth, reproduction, immune system, helps skin & mucous membranes repel bacteria and viruses, essential to healthy vision,
- Lack of night vision can be caused by its deficiency.
- Foods enriched with it aim to help improve vision (e.g. Golden rice, golden potato).
