Vitamins and Minerals Flashcards
What is the primary function of Vitamin A in the body?
Essential for vision, immune function, skin health, and cell growth
What happens if you consume too much Vitamin A?
Toxicity can cause nausea, dizziness, headaches, liver damage, and even death (especially from supplements).
What are the symptoms of Vitamin A deficiency?
Night blindness, dry skin, and impaired immune function.
What disease is associated with Vitamin A deficiency?
Xerophthalmia (a severe form of dry eye leading to blindness) and keratomalacia.
What is the main function of Vitamin D in the body?
Promotes calcium absorption, bone health, and supports immune function.
What can happen with a deficiency in Vitamin D?
Rickets (in children) and osteomalacia (in adults), leading to weak bones.
What are the symptoms of Vitamin D toxicity?
Hypercalcemia, kidney stones, nausea, and calcification of soft tissues.
What disease is related to Vitamin D deficiency?
Rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.
What are the signs of Vitamin E deficiency?
Muscle weakness, vision problems, and impaired immune function.
What is the primary function of Vitamin E?
Acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative damage.
What are the symptoms of Vitamin E toxicity?
Increased risk of bleeding and hemorrhage, especially when combined with blood thinners.
What disease is related to Vitamin C deficiency?
Scurvy, which causes bleeding gums, fatigue, and impaired wound healing.
What happens if you are deficient in Vitamin K?
Increased bleeding, easy bruising, and slow blood clotting.
What is the main function of Vitamin K?
Essential for blood clotting and bone health.
What happens if you take too much Vitamin C?
Diarrhea, nausea, and kidney stones, especially with high doses from supplements.
What disease can result from Vitamin E deficiency?
Hemolytic anemia (due to the breakdown of red blood cells).
What can happen if you consume too much Vitamin K?
Excess Vitamin K from supplements can interfere with anticoagulant medications (e.g., warfarin).
What disease is linked to Vitamin K deficiency?
Bleeding disorders (e.g., hemorrhagic disease of the newborn).
What is the main function of Vitamin C?
Acts as an antioxidant, promotes collagen formation, and aids in iron absorption.
What is the function of Vitamin B1?
Essential for carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function.
What can a deficiency of Vitamin C cause?
Scurvy, leading to fatigue, bleeding gums, and poor wound healing.
What are the symptoms of thiamine deficiency?
Beriberi, which includes symptoms like fatigue, nerve damage, and muscle weakness.
What happens if you have too much Vitamin B1?
No known toxicity from excess thiamine; it’s water-soluble and excess is excreted in urine.
What does Vitamin B2 do in the body?
Involved in energy production and helps maintain healthy skin, eyes, and nervous system.