Vitamins

Question 1

Who is the father of vitamin therapy?

Answer 1

Casimir Funk (Polish) coined the term ‘vitamines’ in 1911

Discovering ‘beriberi’ - diet of white rice. Lack of Thiamine (B1) > neurological symptoms, incl numbness.

Question 2

What are different chemical forms of a vitamin called?

Answer 2

Vitamers eg B3 vitamers: Niacinamide or nicotinic acid (otherwise known as niacin).

Question 3

How many vitamins are there?

Answer 3

13 - A, C, D, E, K and eight B vitamins.

Question 4

Definition of a vitamin?

Answer 4

Carbon-containing compounds that are essential to the body in small amounts for growth and function.

The body cannot produce vitamins (except D).

Vitamins facilitate physiological functions in the body. eg vit C facilitates collagen synthesis.

Question 5

Why do supplements not offer the same therapeutic advantages as consuming a spectrum of nutrients via food?

Answer 5

Work best alongside other nutrients - working together synergistically.

Question 6

Give an example of a vitamin-dependent enzyme?

Answer 6

Vitamins are required for the activation of vitamin-dependent enzymes. Eg B-vitamins are vital co-factors for the action of CYP450 enzyme system needed for phase 1 liver detoxification.