vitamins Flashcards
Vitamin C also called ascorbic acid.
Found in fruits and vegetables
especially citrus fruits
Supports the immune system
tissue repair
Lack of vitamin C can cause scurvy
which is characterised by fatigue
B Vitamins:
B Vitamins include B1 (thiamine)
B2 (riboflavin)
Common sources include whole grains
beans
B Vitamins are essential for energy production
amino acid metabolism and cell division.
Deficiency in certain B vitamins can lead to conditions such as beriberi
pellagra
Absorption and Transport:
Water-soluble vitamins are easily absorbed by the body directly into the bloodstream.
They are not easily stored in the body. Any excess vitamins beyond what’s needed is typically excreted in urine
making consistent dietary intake important.
Unlike fat-soluble vitamins
they typically don’t pose a risk for toxicity when consumed in excess amounts from food sources.
Cooking and Preservation:
Water-soluble vitamins are sensitive to light
heat
They can be destroyed by overcooking. To preserve these vitamins
it’s best to steam
They can leach into water during cooking. If possible
use cooking water in sauces or soups to retain the vitamins.
