Vitamins

Question 1

Casmir Funk

Answer 1

Coined term vitamines in 1911

Named thiamine go reflect belief all vitamins contained nitrogen, which then was wrong - vitamines changed to vitamins

Question 2

Vitamers

Answer 2

Different chemical forms of each vitamins

Generally similar in structure

Question 3

Key functions of vitamins

Answer 3

Immune system support
Regulating gene expression
Supporting neurological activity
Facilitating ATP production
Manufacturing blood cells
Regulation of hormones

Question 4

Vitamins

Answer 4

Carbon containing compounds

Absorbed in small intestine

Essential for normal growth and functioning

Some vitamins produced by intestinal bacteria

Question 5

Vitamin dependent enzymes

Answer 5

Required for activation of vitamin dependent enzymes (ie cofactors)

Eg B vits vital cofactor for action of CYP450 enzyme system, needed for phase 1 detox

Question 6

2 types of vitamins

Answer 6

Fat soluble
Absorbed with fat in small intestine into lymphatic capillaries and then into blood
Readily stored
Tighter range between efficacy and toxicity than water soluble

Water soluble
Absorbed into small intestine directly into blood
Storage is minimal (except B12) and easily excreted in excess

Question 7

Vitamin insufficiency to deficiency

Answer 7

1. Preliminary reduction of stores
2. Reduction of enzyme activity (infections, frequent herpes outbreak, low sleep, slow healing, cold dragging on)
3. Physiological impairment (more prone to infection, poor concentration, sleep issues, difficulty coping with stress, mouth ulcers, increased inflammation)
4. Classical deficiency symptoms (depression, mental health issues, chronic increase inflammation)
5. Terminal tissue pathology (body breaks down, no resilience, life ending)

True deficiency rate (except B12 & D). Most cases are insufficiency

Question 8

Provitamins

Answer 8

Substance that can be converted into a vitamin

Question 9

Pre-formed vitamin

Answer 9

Vitamin already formed