Vitamins Flashcards
Coenzymes and Cofactors
Coenzymes and cofactors are compounds or molecules that help enzymes work. For example, vitamin C is a coenzyme that helps make collagen.
Electron Transport Chain
A chemical process where most of the ATP in the body is produced – the basic principle behind the electron transport chain is that an electron gradient produces ATP.
Krebs Cycle
Also known as the Citric Acid cycle, a sequence of biochemical reactions through which most living organisms produce energy using aerobic metabolism (i.e., in the presence of oxygen).
what vitamins are needed for the Krebs Cycle?
Vitamin B1 and B2
what minerals are needed for the ETC?
iron and sulfur
Vitamin B1
Commonly referred to as thiamine, is critical in the metabolism of sugar and amino acids as well as central nervous system function.
Beriberi
A condition of thiamine deficiency that affects either the cardiovascular system, the nervous system, or both.
Wernicke Encephalopathy
A disease of the brain that is the direct result of thiamine deficiency – It causes confusion and makes people uncoordinated.
where is B1 stored in the body?
skeletal muscle
who might need more B1?
individuals who engage in high levels of physical activity
food sources of B1
-fortified grains
-meats
-squash
-black beans
-flaxseeds
Riboflavin
Also known as vitamin B2, critical in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fat.
Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide (FAD)
A key molecule in regulating oxidation-reduction reactions, which are responsible for managing the oxidative balance in the body.
what vitamin is part of the flavin adenine dinucleotide?
Vit B2/ riboflavin
Antioxidant System
A series of chemical reactions in the body that help balance out molecular damage due to increase levels of oxidative stress, also responsible for maintaining enough oxidants for the body to function properly.
Redox System
The process and reaction between two substances in which one substance is oxidized and the other reduced.
Deficiencies in vitamin B2 result in
dry skin, sore throats, and inflammation primarily due to its role in the antioxidant system
food sources of B2
beef, fish, pork, milk, mushrooms, peanuts, avocados, and eggs
Niacin
Commonly used name for vitamin B3, shares many similarities with vitamin B2 in that it is critical in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fat.
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD)
A molecule that carries hydrogen ions and is used to make ATP, provides energy for our body.
what vitamin is a component of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD)
Niacin
function of NAD
plays a critical role in the Kreb’s cycle and electron transport chain and is responsible for much of the ATP production in our cells.
involved in the production of many other macromolecules that are essential for optimal function, including cholesterol and fatty acids
vitamin B3 deficiency results in
inflammation of the skin, headache, diarrhea, memory loss, and, in severe cases, it can lead to death
food sources of B3
beef, fish, pork, milk, mushrooms, peanuts, avocados, and eggs
Pantothenic Acid
Commonly used name for vitamin B5, a component to co-enzyme A (CoA) – CoA serves as a molecular link between glycolysis and the Kreb’s cycle.
function of CoA
serves as a molecular link between glycolysis and the Kreb’s cycle, which means that it is involved in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fatty acids.
function of B5
plays a fundamental role in the production of cholesterol, fatty acids, and other molecules, such as coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
food sources of B5
enriched grains, fish, beef, chicken, lentils, seeds, and mushrooms.
Vitamin B6
Represents a class of several related, but different molecules, each of which are important for optimal health.
B6 molecules
pyridoxal, pyridoxine, and pyridoxamine
function of B6
involved in the breakdown of glycogen into glucose and the production of glucose and neurotransmitters.
appears to alter fuel metabolism slightly during exercise, shifting it to use more carbohydrates and less fat
food sources of B6
fortified grains and in dairy along with eggs, organ meats (e.g., liver), potatoes, bananas, parsnips, and some nuts (e.g., pistachios).
Biotin
Vitamin B7
Carboxylase Enzymes
Responsible for adding a carboxyl group to molecules – these carboxylation reactions are involved in almost every step in energy production.
function of biotin
cofactor in many carboxylase enzymes, which are responsible for transferring carbon dioxide molecules and the metabolism of carbohydrates, fatty acids, cholesterol, and amino acids
biotin deficiencies result in
hair loss (alopecia), dermatitis, and issues with nails
food sources of B7
organ meats, fish, nuts and seeds, and dairy.
-also synthesized by gut bacteria