Vitamins Flashcards
What is the function of Vitamin A
Boosts immune system, vision and skin health
Sources of Vitamin A
Cheese, eggs, oily fish, liver products (very rich)
Vitamin A and pregnancy
Teratogenic in pregnancy - avoid
How is isotretinoin linked to vitamin A
It is a vitamin A analogue - PPP applies
What Vitamin B deficiency is most common
B12
What B vitamin is lacked by alcoholics
B1 (thiamine)
What is the treatment of Vitamin B deficiency
Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2) and nicotinamide
What is the treatment of Wernickes encephalopathy + Korsakoff’s psychosis
IV vitamin B followed by oral thiamine
IV vitamin B can cause serious adverse reactions but this should not put anyone off due to fear of this)
What is the treatment of megaloblastic anaemia
Folic acid + B12
What is the treatment of isoniazid and penicillamine SE
Pyridoxine (vitamin B6)
What is used in association with cytotoxic therapy in megaloblastic anaemia
Folinic acid
What can the long term use of pyridoxine cause
200mg
What is vitamin C also known as
Ascorbic acid
What does vitamin C deficiency lead to
Scurvy (bleeding gums)
What is Vitamin C found in
Fruits (oranges etc)
What is vitamin C contraindicated in
Cardiac dysfunction
Where is vitamin D naturally found
Sunlight - vital in production of vitamin D
What can vitamin D toxicity lead to
Hypercalcaemia
Who is at risk of vitamin D deficiency
Dark skin
Individuals >65 years
No sun exposure e.g. indoors all the time
Pregnant and breastfeeding
Under 4 years
What is another name for vitamin E
Tocopherol
Does vitamin E have any scientific value
No
Why do we need vitamin K
Production of blood clotting factors
Also given to newborn babies if their mothers are on epileptic medications
What foods contain vitamin K
Green leafy veg
What drugs should you be careful in whilst taking vitamin K
Caution in taking oral anticoagulants because they antagonise the effects of vitamin K
