Vitamin Deficiency Flashcards
What is vitamin A?
retinol, fat soluble vitamin
What is its main function of vit A?
necessary for normal eyesight, body tissues, growth and bone formation, resistance to infection, colour and night vision
When should high levels of vit A be avoided?
in pregnancy
Where is vitamin A acquired from?
liver, fish liver oils, whole or fortified milk, eggs, carrots and dark-green leafy vegetables, peaches, apricots
What are signs of deficiency of vitamin A?
poor night vision or night blindness, loss of appetite(LOA), increased susceptibility to infection and changes in the skin and teeth. Dryness of conjunctiva and cornea
What is vitamin B1?
thiamine
What is the function of vitamin B1?
vital for normal functioning of all body cells, especially nerves
helps body break down carbs, protein and fat for energy
What is the important safety advise given by the MHRA/CSM for vitamin B1?
potentially serious allergic adverse reactions when given IV
Where is vit B1 acquired?
pulses, brewers yeast, liver/pork, dried beans and peas, collard greens, oranges, wheat germ, breads and cereals whole grain, peanuts
What are signs of deficiency of vit B1?
fatigue, LOA, weight loss, GI upsets, N/weakness, mental confusion, muscular weakness, paralysis of extremities, heat problems, loss of reflexes
what is a severe deficiency of vit B1? How is treated?
Wernickes encephalopathy - especially seen in chronic alcoholism
INITIALLY with PABRINEX (contains Vitamin B1,2,3,6 AND Vitamin C) followed by oral administration of thiamine in the long run.
What has been associated with parenteral administration of thiamine?
serious anaphylaxis
What is vitamin B2
riboflavin
what is vit B2 necessary for?
normal release of energy from carb, protein and fat in food. growth development of normal hormones
what sources is vit b2 attained from?
dairy products, meat, fish, grains, cereals, broccoli, asparagus, spinach
what are signs of deficiency of vit b2?
soreness of mouth, lips and tongue, burning and itching of the eyes
What is vitamin B3 and what is it essential for?
niacin
release of energy from carbs, aids breakdown of protein and fats/synthesis of fat and hormones and formation of red blood cells
Where is vit b3 attained from?
meat, fish, wheat flour, eggs and milk
what are signs of deficiency of vit b3? What is a severe deficiency associated with vit b3?
weakness, LOA, indigestion, skin inflammation, lethargy
severe deficiency results in disease pellagra - causes scaly skin, swollen tongue, tremors and damage to the central nervous system
What is vit B6? What is its main function? What source is it found in?
pyridoxine
same as the other vitmains B’s plus processing amino acids which aids formation and maintenance of the nervous system
found in chicken, fish, kidney, liver, eggs
What are signs of deficiency of vit b6?
depression, vomiting, increased susceptibility to disease and infection, skin and nerve inflammation, anaemia, Nausea and lethargy
What is a risk factor when taking vit b6?
risk of neuropathy with high doses
Prolonged use of 10mg/day is considered safe but long-term use of pyridoxine in a dose of >200mg/day has been associated with neuropathy SO AVOID OVERDOSE.
What is vit B7? What are its functions etc?
Biotin - same as all other vitamin B’s
What is the main function of vit b12?
which group of people lack this vitamin?
Which drug causes vit b12 deficiency?
same as others
Vegans
metformin
