Vitamins Flashcards
Which vitamins are fat soluble?
Vitamins A, D, E & K
Which vitamins are water soluble?
Vitamins B & C
How are fat soluble vitamins absorbed?
They follow the pathway of fat absorption
How are water soluble vitamins absorbed?
By diffusion or mediated transport
Where is vitamins C absorbed?
Jejunum
Where are the B vitamins absorbed?
Ileum
What does vitamin B12 require for absorption?
Intrinsic factor
What is the role of vitamin A?
Cellular growth and differentiation, immune system (lymphocyte production) and appetite regulation
What is the role of B vitamins?
Involved in cell metabolism - mainly coenzymes
What is the role of vitamin C?
Synthesis of collagen, NT, acts as antioxidant, aids non-heme iron absorption
What is the role of vitamin D?
Enhances intestinal absorption of calcium, phosphate, iron, magnesium & zinc
Note: main two to acknowledge are calcium & phosphate
What is the role of vitamin E?
Antioxidant
What is the role of vitamin K?
It is needed for blood clotting & healthy bones
What are the sources of vitamin A?
Liver
Diary products
Oily fish
What are the sources of B vitamins?
Pulses Beans Grains Potatoes Bananas
What are the sources of vitamin C?
Citrus fruits
Green veg
Potatoes
Kidneys
What are the sources of vitamin D?
Most is synthesised in the skin using UV from sunlight
Some is gained through diet such as oily fish & eggs
What are the sources of vitamin E?
Plant oils Soya Corn Olive oil Nuts & seeds
What are the sources of vitamin K?
Leafy vegetables
Vegetable oils
Cereal grains
What can happen if you are deficient in vitamin A?
Night blindness Dry eyes Impaired hearing Impaired taste and smell Increased susceptibility to infection
What can happen if you are deficient in B12?
B12 & B9 (folate) deficiency can affect DNA synthesis in red blood cells and lead to macrolytic anaemia (where RBC are larger than normal but have decreased haemoglobin)
What can happen if you are deficient in vitamin C?
Weakness
Shortness of breath
Aching bones
What can happen if you are deficient in vitamin D?
Bone deformities in children (Rickets)
Bone pain in adults (osteomalacia)
What can happen if you are deficient in vitamin E?
Red cell destruction
Retinopathy
Note: these are less likely as vitamin E is stored