Vitamins Flashcards
What is the primary form of Vitamin A?
Retinol
Retinol is also known as Vitamin A1 and is crucial for vision and skin health.
What are the two forms of Vitamin A?
- Retinol
- Retinal
Retinol and retinal are preformed vitamin A, while provitamin A includes carotenoids.
What is the function of retinoic acid?
It is involved in regulating gene expression and cell differentiation.
Retinoic acid is the active metabolite of retinol.
What are carotenoids?
Provitamin A compounds found in fruits and vegetables.
Carotenoids can be converted into retinol in the body.
What is a dietary source of Vitamin D?
Fatty fish and fortified foods.
Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone health.
What condition is caused by Vitamin D deficiency?
Osteomalacia
Osteomalacia leads to softening of bones due to inadequate mineralization.
What is the primary function of Vitamin K?
Blood clotting
Vitamin K is crucial for synthesizing proteins that mediate blood coagulation.
What are the two forms of Vitamin K?
- K1 (phylloquinone)
- K2 (menaquinones)
K1 is found in green leafy vegetables, while K2 is found in fermented foods and animal products.
What deficiency can lead to neonatal hemorrhagic disease?
Vitamin K deficiency
This condition is particularly concerning in newborns.
What is Thiamine also known as?
Vitamin B1
Thiamine is essential for carbohydrate metabolism and neural function.
What deficiency results in Beriberi?
Thiamine deficiency
Beriberi can manifest as ‘dry’ (neurological) or ‘wet’ (cardiovascular) forms.
What is Riboflavin also known as?
Vitamin B2
Riboflavin is important for energy production and cellular function.
What is the role of Niacin?
Supports metabolism and is involved in redox reactions.
Niacin is also known as Vitamin B3 and can be synthesized from tryptophan.
What deficiency is associated with Pellagra?
Niacin deficiency
Pellagra is characterized by the three D’s: dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia.
What is Pantothenic Acid also known as?
Vitamin B5
Pantothenic acid is necessary for synthesizing coenzyme A and fatty acids.