Vitamins Flashcards
What are fat soluble vitamins?
They are only soluble in fat
The body can only absorb them when bile salts are available
Can be stored in the body when not in use
How are fat soluble vitamins absorbed?
Absorbed by fat globules that travel through the SI and are distributed through the body in the bloodstream
What are the 4 fat soluble vitamins?
Vitamin A
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
What are the functions of Vitamin A?
Essential for night vision
Regulation of immune system
Appetite and maintenance of skin and coat
What does excess Vitamin A lead to?
Abnormal bone formation or bone fusion
Skin changes
Joint problems
What does deficiency in Vitamin A lead to?
Poor skin and coat condition
Night blindness
Bone and teeth abnormalities
Weakened immunity
What are sources of Vitamin A?
Dart leafy green s
Carrots
Fish liver oil
Liver
Do cats synthesise Vitamin A?
No must be provided in their diet
What are functions of Vitamin D?
Increases amount of calcium and phosphorus absorbed by SI
maintains correct levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood
Helps with immunity and control of cell growth
What can excess vitamin D lead to?
Bone and tooth malformation
Slowed growth
Decreased appetite
What can deficiency in vitamin D lead to?
Weakened or softer bones as not enough calcium is being absorbed
Loss of bone mass
Weakened muscles
What are sources of vitamin D?
Cod liver oil
Dairy products
Eggs
Grass or hay
What does vitamin D stimulate?
The synthesis of calcium binding protein, necessary for absorption of calcium and phosphorus
What are the functions of Vitamin E?
Protection of cell membranes
Regulation of immune system
Acts as antioxidant - helps protect the cell from unstable molecules
What can deficient in Vitamin E lead to?
Widespread cell damage
Reproductive and immune response failure
Muscle weakness
Affects bowels
What are sources of vitamin E?
Vegetable oil
Grains
Nuts
Seeds
Leafy green vegetables
What are functions of vitamin K?
Play essential part in blood coagulation
Binds to calcium bone
Helps produce proteins for blood, bones and kidneys
What can deficiency in vitamin K lead to?
Anaemia or haemorrhaging
Blood clotting from mucous membranes
Bleeding from bowels
Increased blood clotting time
What are sources of vitamin K?
Dark leafy greens
Soybean oil
Live
Meat
What are water soluble vitamins?
Vitamins only soluble in water, the body can easily absorb them into tissues for immediate use
Found in foods or supplements
Where are water soluble vitamins stored?
Not stored in the body
Need to be replenished regularly in the diet
What B vitamins are included in water soluble vitamins?
Biotin
Folate
Niacin
Pantothenic acid
Riboflavin
Thiamine
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B12
What are functions of vitamin B?
Play role on many enzyme reactions of the metabolism
Helps maintain nervous system and blood cell production in bone marrow
Important in normal cardiovascular function
What can deficiency in vitamin B lead to?
Skin disorders - dermatitis, skin lesions, slow wound healing
Anaemia and lethargy
Vomiting and nausea
Moth ulceration
What are sources of vitamin B?
Fish
Organ meat
Eggs
Pulses
Nuts
Seeds
What are functions of Vitamin C?
Holds cells together through collagen synthesis
Aids in bone and tooth formation
Wound healing
Strengthens blood vessel walls
Functioning of immune system
What can deficiency in vitamin C lead to?
Scurvy or anorexia
Haemorrhages
Muscle and joint pain
What are sources of vitamin C?
Fruit and veg
Potatoes
Green leafy veg
