VITAMINS Flashcards
Vitamin A
Xerophthalmia (hardening of cornea), Night blindness
Vitamin B₁ (Thiamine)
Beri beri (loss of appetite, retarded growth)
Vitamin B₂ (Riboflavin)
Cheilosis (fissuring at mouth corners), digestive disorders, burning skin sensation
Vitamin B₆ (Pyridoxine)
Convulsions
Vitamin B₁₂
Pernicious anaemia (RBC deficient in haemoglobin)
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)
Scurvy (bleeding gums)
Vitamin D
Rickets (bone deformities in children), Osteomalacia (soft bones, joint pain in adults)
Vitamin E
Increased fragility of RBCs and muscular weakness
Vitamin K
Increased blood clotting time
Who coined the term “vitamine”?
The term “vitamine” was coined from “vital” + “amine” because early compounds were thought to contain amino groups.
Why was the letter ‘e’ dropped from “vitamine”?
Later research showed that most vitamins do not contain amino groups
What does the word “vitamin” originate from?
“Vitamin” comes from “vital” (essential for life) and “amine” (initially thought to contain amino groups).
How are vitamins classified?
Vitamins are classified based on their solubility into fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins.
Which vitamins are fat-soluble?
Vitamins A D E K
Where are fat-soluble vitamins stored in the body?
Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the liver and adipose (fat-storing) tissues.
Which vitamins are water-soluble?
B-group vitamins and vitamin C are water-soluble.
Why must water-soluble vitamins be supplied regularly in the diet?
Water-soluble vitamins are excreted in urine and cannot be stored in the body (except vitamin B12).
What are vitamins?
Vitamins are organic compounds required in small amounts in the diet to perform specific biological functions for normal growth and health.
Why are vitamins important?
Vitamins help maintain optimum growth and health by supporting essential biological functions.
Can the body produce vitamins?
Some vitamins are produced by gut bacteria
