Vitamins

Question 1

What is deficiency of vitamin A (retinol) associated with? (2)

Answer 1

• Ocular defects (particularly xerophthalmia

- Increased susceptibility to infections

Question 2

How is severe vitamin B deficiency that contributes to Wernicke’s encephalopathy and Korsakoff’s best treated?

Answer 2

Initially by parenteral administration of B vitamins (Pabrinex)
Followed by thiamine

Question 3

What are the indications for Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride)

Answer 3

Deficiency states

Isoniazid neuropathy (prophylaxis and treatment)

Idiopathic sideroblastic anaemia

Prevention of penicillamine-inducd neuropathy in Wilson’s disease

Premenstrual syndrome

Question 4

Which B vitamin inhibits the synthesis of cholesterol and triglycerides?

Answer 4

Nicotinic acid (B3)

Question 5

Which two B vitamins are used in the treatment of megaloblastic anaemia?

Answer 5

Folic acid (B) and B12

Question 6

What does vitamin C famously cure the travellers of the sea from?

Answer 6

Scurvy and possibly helps with fighting the Kraken

Question 7

Vitamin D has a range of compounds that can prevent or cure which disease that affects bone development in children.

Answer 7

Rickets

Question 8

Specifically, which vitamin D compounds can be used to prevent and treat vitamin D deficiency? (2)

Answer 8

Ergocalciferol (vitamin D2)
or
Colecalciferol (vitamin D3)
daily.

Question 9

Which 2 vitamin D derivatives should be prescribed in patients with severe renal impairment require vitamin D therapy?

Answer 9

Alfacalcidol
or
Calcitriol

Question 10

What is the daily requirement of vitamin E?

Answer 10

Probably 3 to 15 mg daily

Question 11

Which vitamin K derivative can be given to prevent deficiency in malabsorption syndromes?

Answer 11

Medadiol sodium phosphate