Vitamins Flashcards
organic molecules needed in small quantities for normal metabolism and other biochemical functions such as growth and tissue repair
they attach to enzymes to activate anabolic processes
insufficient amounts can result to deficiencies
vitamins and minerals
water soluble vitamins
vitamin C and B vitamin complex (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin)
dissolved easily in water
easily excreted in the urine
daily intake NEEDED to prevent deficiencies
fat soluble vitamins
vitamin A, D, E and K
present in both plants and animal food
stored in the liver and fatty tissues
slow metabolism
excreted via faeces
daily intake not required as deficiency only occurs after prolonged deprivation
CAN BE TOXIC if overdosed
minerals
iron
calcium
magnesium
phosphorous
zinc
iodine
vitamins that our own body can synthesise
vit K and B complex obtained by normal bacteria synthesis in the small intestine - broad spectrum abx can affect the production of these vitamins
vit D - synthesised by skin from sunlight
nursing considerations for vitamins and minerals
diagnose and treat causes of vitamin deficiencies
take food supplements when dietary sources are inadequate
ALWAYS use oral formulations
DO NOT over-supplement - risk of toxicity
associated with ocular defects and an increased to susceptible infections.
Vitamin A deficiency
high levels of vitamin A in pregnancy can
cause birth defects
vit D benefits
improve calcium absorption
vit D deficiency risks
rickets (softening of bones in children)
osteoporosis, insulin resistance and impaired immunity
can occur in people who are limited to sunshine exposure, who are dark skinned and deficient vit D diet
vitamin D deficiency
vit D deficiency treatment
adequate calcium
oral supplement - colecalciferol or vitamin D3
manufactured by gut microorganisms
vitamin b12
vit B12 benefits
manufacture haemoglobin
groups who are at risk of vit B12 deficiency
elderly, vegetarians, vegans and pts who undergone weight loss surgery
vit B12 deficiency symptoms
weakness, numbness, difficulty walking, yellowish skin and memory loss
risk of prolonged vit b12 deficiency
macrocytic anemia
peripheral neuropathies
cancer
Alzheimer’s
cause vit B12 deficiencies
malabsorption
inadequate diet
vitamin that can prevent birth defects of the brain and spine. recommended for pregnant women
vitamin B9 or folic acid
minerals that is key component of haemoglobin
iron
iron deficiency can cause
microcytic anemia
cause of iron deficiency
blood loss
inadequate diet
malabsorption
pregnancy
treatment for iron deficiency related anaemia
ferrous fumarate
ferrous sulfate
vitamin C- improves absorption of iron
adverse effects of iron supplements
constipation or diarrhoea
GI disturbance
