Vitamins Flashcards
What are essential organic substances needed because the body cannot synthesize them sufficiently?
Vitamins
What food sources provide vitamins?
Found in almost all foods, but no single food group provides all vitamins.
What functions do vitamins perform in the body?
Antioxidants
Enzyme cofactors
Hormones
Blood cell maturation
Bone formation
Energy metabolism
What are the two main types of vitamins?
Fat-Soluble: A, D (D2, D3), E, K
Water-Soluble: B (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12), C, Biotin, Carnitine, Folic Acid
What is the chemical name of Vitamin A?
Retinol
What functions does Vitamin A serve?
Vision
Infection resistance
What conditions result from Vitamin A deficiency?
Night blindness
Growth retardation
Abnormal taste response
Dermatitis
What are the chemical names of Vitamin D?
Vitamin D2: Ergocalciferol
Vitamin D3: 1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol
What functions does Vitamin D serve?
Promotes bone health
Supports immune function
Aids in growth and development
Enhances calcium absorption
What conditions result from Vitamin D deficiency?
Children: Rickets
Adults: Osteomalacia
What are the different forms of Vitamin E?
Tocopherols (α, β, δ, γ)
What is the function of Vitamin E?
Acts as an antioxidant and supports cellular respiration.
What conditions result from Vitamin E deficiency?
Mild hemolytic anemia (newborns)
RBC fragility
Ataxia
What is the chemical name of Vitamin K?
Phytomenadione
What functions does Vitamin K serve?
Serves as a cofactor for procoagulants like prothrombin
Supports bone health
What conditions result from Vitamin K deficiency?
Bleeding disorders
Hemorrhages
What is the chemical name of Vitamin B1?
Thiamine
What is the function of Vitamin B1?
Enzyme cofactor
What conditions result from Vitamin B1 deficiency in infants?
Dyspnea
Cyanosis
Diarrhea
Vomiting
What conditions result from Vitamin B1 deficiency in adults?
Beri-beri
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
What is the chemical name of Vitamin B2?
Riboflavin
What functions does Vitamin B2 serve?
Enzyme cofactor
Redox reactions (energy production)
Maintenance of mucous membranes
What symptoms result from Vitamin B2 deficiency?
Angular stomatitis (cracked lips)
Cheilosis (inflammation of the lips)
Glossitis (swollen tongue)
Seborrheic dermatitis (scaly patches)
Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
Anemia
What is the chemical name of Vitamin B3?
Niacin
What functions does Vitamin B3 serve?
Enzyme cofactor
Energy generation (CHO metabolism)
What condition results from Vitamin B3 deficiency?
Pellagra (Dermatitis, Diarrhea, Dementia, Death)
What additional symptoms are caused by Vitamin B3 deficiency?
Nerve problems
Unhealthy skin
Poor digestive system
Weight loss
What is the chemical name of Vitamin B5?
Pantothenic acid
What functions does Vitamin B5 serve?
Enzyme cofactor
Fats and carbohydrate metabolism
RBC production
Hormone synthesis (adrenal)
What symptoms result from Vitamin B5 deficiency?
Headache
Fatigue
Irritability
Disturbed sleep
Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps
Numbness or burning sensation in hands or feet
Muscle cramps
What foods are rich in Vitamin B5?
Sunflower seeds
Chicken liver
Avocado
etc.
What is the chemical name of Vitamin B6?
Pyridoxine, Pyridoxal
What functions does Vitamin B6 serve?
Enzyme cofactor
Amino acid metabolism
Glycogenolysis
What symptoms result from Vitamin B6 deficiency in infants?
Irritability
Seizures
Anemia
What symptom results from Vitamin B6 deficiency in adults?
Facial seborrhea
What is the chemical name of Vitamin B7?
Biotin
What is the function of Vitamin B7?
Enzyme cofactor
What symptoms result from Vitamin B7 deficiency?
Dermatitis
Hair loss
Depression
What foods are rich in Vitamin B7?
Meat
Eggs
Milk
Vegetables
What is the chemical name of Vitamin B9?
Folic Acid, Folate
What functions does Vitamin B9 serve?
Amino acid synthesis
DNA synthesis
What condition results from Vitamin B9 deficiency?
Megaloblastic anemia
What conditions are associated with Vitamin B9 deficiency?
Anencephaly
Cardiovascular disease
Spina bifida
What foods are rich in Vitamin B9?
Vegetables
What is the chemical name of Vitamin B12?
Cyanocobalamin
What functions does Vitamin B12 serve?
DNA synthesis
Folate synthesis
What symptoms result from Vitamin B12 deficiency?
Megaloblastic anemia
Neurologic abnormalities
What additional symptoms are associated with Vitamin B12 deficiency?
Dizziness
Heart disease
Hearing loss
Vision loss
Poor digestion
Tingling in limbs
What is the chemical name of Vitamin C?
Ascorbic acid
What functions does Vitamin C serve?
Collagen hydroxylation
Redox reactions
What symptoms result from Vitamin C deficiency?
Scurvy
Swollen gums
Bruising
What is the chemical name of Carnitine?
Levocarnitine
What is the function of Carnitine?
Fat catabolism
What symptoms result from Carnitine deficiency?
Muscle weakness
Fatigue
