Vitamins Flashcards
What vitamins are made in the flora? Define what their functions in the body are.
Vitamin K - is important in blood clotting process Vitamin B7 (Biotin) - important in lipogenesis, protein catabolism
Define the function, source and deficiencies/toxicity associated with:
Vitamin A
Vitamin A (retinol) is found in green vegetables (high in beta-carotene). Vitamin A deficiency presents with poor night vision, dry skin. Toxicity is linked with vomiting and headaches.
Define the function, source and deficiency/toxicity associated with:
Vitamin D
Calcitriol, when activated in the kidneys, can be found in dairy, eggs and is made in the skin. It functions in Calcium homeostasis and cell differentiation. Deficiency presents as Rickets (in kids) and Osteopenia (in adults); also an increased risk of Alzheimer’s in elderly.
Define the function, source and deficiency/toxicity associated with:
Vitamin E
Tocopherol is found in veggie oils and SMASH fish. It functions as an antioxidant that reduces damage to lipids. Deficiency here presents as Hemolytic Anemia.
Pellagra can result as a deficiency in… This is associated with the 4 D’s of Pellagra which include…
Niacin (B3 aka Nicotinic Acid);
Dermatitis, Diarrhea, Dementia and Death
High doses of Niacin (B3) can help lower _____ and ____. What are the side effects of B3 toxicity?
B3 can lower Cholesterol esters and Triglycerides.
Side effects include flushing, itching, liver damage and impaired glucose tolerance.
A deficiency in Thiamin can result in… What are the features of this condition?
Thiamin (B1) deficiency can result in Beriberi. This is associated with dry (muscle wasting), wet (edema), infantile (heart failure) and alcoholic conditions. Too much alcohol can impact the liver leading to Wernicke-Korsakoff that is associated with memory loss and slower reflexes.
Deficiency in B6 (pyroxidine) can present as ______; whereas, toxicity in B6 can cause _______.
Low B6 = convulsions, microcytic anemia, increased risk of cardiovascular damage (high Homocysteine);
OD’d B6 = nerve damage
What are the functions of folate (B9) in the body? Why is it so significant?
Folate (B9) is involved with DNA and SAM synthesis and methionine recycling processes of the body. Low levels of it in uterus can lead to neural tube birth defects (i.e. spina bifida), megaloblastic anemia and high levels of homocysteine.
What are the consequences around the malabsorption of Folate (B9)?
Folate malabsorption can lower levels of B12 and increase the frequency of DNA strand breaks thus increasing the risk of cancer.
Name 3 effects of Folate Deficiency and briefly describe each.
- Folate malabsorption - increased dsDNA breaks = increased cancer risk; spina bifida of the fetus with low dietary intake in pregnant women.
- Increased homocysteine and SAM = higher risk of CV disease
- Megaloblastic anemia = large RBCs with >7 inclusions.
What is Vitamin C and its function?
Ascorbic acid is a water soluble vitamin obtained naturally from citrus fruits. It acts as an antioxidant that reduces the effects of free radicals in the body.
Vitamin C acts as a cofactors in what processes?
This is a cofactors in Collagen synthesis, and formation of neurotransmitters as well as other hormones. It can also increase the bio-availability of iron.
Where is Vitamin K made? What condition(s) can result if it’s deficient?
Vitamin K is made by bacteria in the colon. The prerequisites are acquired from dark green, leafy vegetables. Deficiencies are linked to hemorrhagic diseases (uncontrollable bleeding) since it plays a major role in the clotting cascade.
What are the functions, sources and deficiencies associated with:
Vitamin B2.
Riboflavin (B2) is a water soluble vitamin that’s involved in energy production (within the Kreb’s cycle; 2 FADH2), neurotransmitter metabolism and RBC production. It’s deficiencies can result in gloss ITIS (smooth tongue), dermatitis and cheliosis (bleeding at lip corners).
