Vitamins Flashcards
collectively termed essential micronutrients. Adequate supplies of these heterogeneous nutrients are critical for health, development, and longevity. They are needed in small amounts for the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, and for the body’s structure (e.g., vitamin K in bone matrix). Many micronutrients are important antioxidants (e.g., vitamins C and E) or are cofactors for antioxidant enzymes (e.g., selenium in glutathione peroxidase). Recommended allowances reconcile optimum nutrition and the prevention of deficiency symptoms or diseases.
Twenty-three vitamins and trace elements
The requirements for most essential nutrients to maintain health are now fairly well
characterized.
● Organic molecules required for metabolism
● co-enzymes/cofactors
● Essential vs. Non-essential vitamins
● Fat-soluble vs. water-soluble
Vitamin A
● Retinol
● Caerotenoids
● mRNA synthesis
● Visual system
Vitamin A Increased Levels
● Liver damage
● Excessive intake
Vitamin A Decreased Levels
● Night blindness
● Groth retardation
● Dermatitis
● Fat malabsorption
Vitamin D
● Calciferol
● Sunlight vitamins
● Cholecalciferol/Vitamin D2
● Bone formation and neuromuscular activity
Vitamin D Increased Levels
● Hypercalcemia
● Renal damage
● Heart damage
Vitamin D Decreased Levels
● Hypoparathyroidism
● Liver disease
Vitamin E
● Tocopherol
● Antioxidant, neurologic function
● Partners: VLDL and Chylomicrons
Vitamin E Decreased Levels
● Normocytic normochromic anemia
● Abetalipoproteinemia
● Fat malabsorption
● Platelet aggregation
Vitamin K
● Menaquinone
● Coagulation factors
○ Protein C
○ Protein S
○ Factor II
○ Factor VII
○ Factor IX
○ Factor X
Vitamin C
● Ascorbic acid
● Collagen synthesis
● Reducing agent
● Scurvy
Vitamin B
● B1 (Thiamine)
● B2 (Riboflavin)
● B3 (Niacin)
● B5 (Pantothenic acid)
● B6 (Pyridoxal phosphate)
● B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
