Vitamins Flashcards
Which vitamins are fat-soluble?
- K
- A
- D
- E
List 2 properties of fat-soluble vitamins.
- They’re heat stable (not lost during cooking)
- They can be stored in the liver, so taking them daily is not as important
What are other names for vitamin A?
- Plant form: carotene
- Animal form: retinol
Which is the function of vitamin A?
- Needed for good eyesight
- Antioxidant
What are 3 things a deficiency of vitamin A causes?
- Night blindness (it speeds up adjustment to low lighting)
- Higher chance of infection
- Stunted growth
List 5 sources of vitamin A.
Retinol:
- Liver
- Egg yolk
- Oily fish
Carotene:
- Fortified margarine
- Orange or yellow fruit and vegetables
What is the function of vitamin D?
- It helps the absorption of various minerals, such as calcium (needed for the development of healthy bones and teeth)
What does a deficiency of vitamin D cause?
- Rickets in children
- Osteomalacia (softening of the bones) in adults, and even osteoporosis
What are 4 sources of vitamin D?
- Oily fish (salmon, sardines)
- Egg yolks
- Fortified margarine
- Sunlight, as it is then produced under the skin
What are the functions of vitamin E?
- It keeps the skin and eyes healthy
- Improves the immune system
- Antioxidant
- Decreases the risk of some cancers
What is caused by a deficiency of vitamin E?
(Is rare.)
- Weak muscles
- Problems with sight
Where is vitamin E found?
- Vegetable oils
- Leafy greens
- Nuts
What does vitamin K do?
- Involved in the normal clotting of blood
What does a deficiency of vitamin K cause?
(Is rare.)
- Blood doesn’t clot properly
Where is vitamin K found?
- Leafy greens
- Cereals
- Vegetable oils