Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies

Question 1

What is a Thiamin deficiency called?

Answer 1

Beriberi

Question 2

Where can Thiamin occur?

Answer 2

In alcoholics and where refined grains (rice) are eaten [Philippines]

Question 3

What causes Thiamin deficiency in alcoholics?

Answer 3

1) B1 is required as a coenzyme for the enzyme that breaks down alcohol
2) Alcoholism leads to decreased absorption
3) Tend to have poor diets

Question 4

What are the symptoms of Thiamin deficiency?

Answer 4

Muscle weakness, neurological changes, coordination affected, tingling, numbness, eventual death.

Question 5

What is Riboflavin deficiency called?

Answer 5

Angular stomotitis - very rare

Question 6

What are the symptoms of Riboflavin deficiency?

Answer 6

Cracking at the corner of the mouth.

Question 7

What is Niacin deficiency called?

Answer 7

Pollagra

Question 8

What are the symptoms of Niacin deficiency?

Answer 8

Weakness, three D’s: dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia

Question 9

What are the symptoms of B6 deficiency?

Answer 9

Abnormalities in protein and amino acid metabolism, microcytic hypochromic anemia.

Question 10

What does B6 deficiency mimic?

Answer 10

Iron deficiency.

Question 11

What is Anemia?

Answer 11

Any type of reduced oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood.

Question 12

What are the effects of B12 deficiency?

Answer 12

1. Progressive nerve degeneration, leading to death

2. Results in Megaloblastic anemia

Question 13

What is Vitamin C deficiency called?

Answer 13

Scurvy.

Question 14

What are the characteristics of Vitamin C deficiency?

Answer 14

1. Affects and weakens collagen structure throughout the body. Teeth fall out and there can be the rupturing of major blood vessels.
2. Reopening of previously closed wounds.
3. Psychological change leads to depression, psychosis.

Question 15

What deficiencies will cause a person to look like they have a Vitamin A deficiency, even if they have enough Vitamin A?

Answer 15

A deficiency in overall protein and/or zinc.

Question 16

What is the first symptom of Vitamin A deficiency?

Answer 16

Night blindness.

Question 17

What is Xerophthalmia?

Answer 17

A Vitamin A (Retinoic Acid) deficiency in the Corneal Epithelia.

Question 18

What symptoms does Vitamin A deficiency in the Cornea Epithelia cause?

Answer 18

Night blindness, if the deficiency continues, drying out of coajunctiva, and the cornea becomes dry and opaque. Up to this point, these symptoms are all reversible with adequate nutrition. After this point, there is irreversible scarring in deeper layers causing loss of sight and loss of lens, and the cornea will ‘melt’.

Question 19

What is the main characteristic of Vitamin D deficiency?

Answer 19

It affects the bones because it is involved in a lack of calcium absorption.

Question 20

What are the symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency in children?

Answer 20

It can cause Rickets, which is the bowing of legs and the curve of the spine and ribcage. It can mean lack of bone mineralization (hardening).

Question 21

What are the symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency in adults?

Answer 21

Demineralization, osteromalacia which involves the softening of bones and fractures.

Question 22

What damage does a Vitamin E deficiency cause?

Answer 22

Damage to cell membranes, especially in the tissues exposed/that use oxygen (Red Blood Cells, Lung Tissues, Cornea, Retina, Brain)

Question 23

What is Cataracts?

Answer 23

Due to Vitamin E deficiency, the oxidized damage of retina proteins and membranes.

Question 24

Is it possible to have Vitamin K deficiency?

Answer 24

Very rare, but can happen if someone is taking long term antibiotics because it can reduce colonic production of menaquinone.

Question 25

What are the three stages of Iron Depletion?

Answer 25

1. Progressive reduction in liver stores [Serum Ferritin levels decline]
2. Complete exhaustion of all liver stores of iron [Serum transferrin], exercise exhaustion
3. Hemoglobin decreased; iron deficiency anemia

Question 26

What is iron deficiency anemia?

Answer 26

Microcytic hypochromic red blood cells.