Vitamins Flashcards
Q: What are vitamins?
A: Vitamins are organic compounds required in small amounts for normal metabolism and health. They cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through diet.
Q: How are vitamins classified?
A: Vitamins are classified into two main groups: fat-soluble (A, D, E, K) and water-soluble (B-complex and C).
Q: What are fat-soluble vitamins, and how are they stored?
A: Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) are stored in the liver and fatty tissues. They are absorbed along with fats in the diet and are not easily excreted from the body.
Q: What are water-soluble vitamins, and how are they absorbed?
A: Water-soluble vitamins (B-complex and C) are not stored in the body in significant amounts. They need to be consumed regularly and are excreted in urine.
Q: What are the functions of Vitamin A?
A: Vitamin A is essential for vision, immune function, and skin health.
Q: What is the primary deficiency disease associated with Vitamin A?
A: Night blindness and xerophthalmia are common diseases associated with Vitamin A deficiency.
Q: What are the food sources of Vitamin A?
A: Liver, fish oils, milk, eggs, and orange or green vegetables such as carrots and spinach.
Q: What is the role of Vitamin D in the body?
A: Vitamin D is important for calcium absorption, bone health, and immune function.
Q: What can result from a deficiency in Vitamin D?
A: Rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.
Q: What are the sources of Vitamin D?
A: Sunlight exposure, fortified dairy products, fish liver oils, and egg yolk.
Q: What is the function of Vitamin E?
A: Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative stress.
Q: What are common sources of Vitamin E?
A: Nuts, seeds, spinach, and vegetable oils.
Q: What is the role of Vitamin K in the body?
A: Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and bone metabolism.
Q: What happens if someone is deficient in Vitamin K?
A: A deficiency in Vitamin K can lead to excessive bleeding and impaired blood clotting.
Q: What are the major dietary sources of Vitamin K?
A: Green leafy vegetables, broccoli, and fermented foods.
Q: What is the function of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)?
A: Vitamin C is important for collagen synthesis, antioxidant protection, and immune defense.
Q: What is a major deficiency disease related to Vitamin C?
A: Scurvy, which causes bleeding gums, bruising, and poor wound healing.
Q: What is the role of B-complex vitamins in general?
A: B-complex vitamins help with energy production, DNA repair, and maintaining nerve function.
Q: What is the function of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)?
A: Thiamine is crucial for glucose metabolism and nerve function.
Q: What condition can result from a deficiency in Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)?
A: Beriberi, which can affect the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
Q: What are common food sources of Vitamin B1?
A: Whole grains, legumes, and pork.
Q: What is the role of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)?
A: Riboflavin is important for energy production and maintaining skin and eye health.
Q: What deficiency disease is associated with Vitamin B2?
A: Ariboflavinosis, which can cause mouth sores, sore throat, and skin inflammation.
Q: What foods are high in Vitamin B2?
A: Dairy products, eggs, lean meats, and green vegetables.
