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.
What happens if you are deficient in Vitamin B2?
Can cause skin disorders, sore throat, and cracks in the corners of the mouth (cheilosis).
Is there toxicity associated with Vitamin B2?
No known toxicity from excess riboflavin; it’s water-soluble and excreted in urine.
What is the main role of Vitamin B3?
Essential for energy metabolism and DNA repair.
What can niacin deficiency cause?
Pellagra, characterized by diarrhea, dermatitis, dementia, and Death
What is the role of Vitamin B5?
Involved in energy metabolism and the synthesis of hormones and cholesterol.
What happens if you take too much niacin?
High doses can cause skin flushing, liver damage, and gastrointestinal issues.
What happens if you have a deficiency in Vitamin B5?
Symptoms include fatigue, irritability, digestive issues, and muscle cramps.
What happens if you consume too much Vitamin B5?
No known toxicity, as excess is excreted in urine
What is the function of Vitamin B6?
Important for protein metabolism, brain development, and immune function.
What are the symptoms of Vitamin B6 deficiency?
Anemia, depression, confusion, and irritability.
What can happen if you take too much Vitamin B6?
High doses can cause nerve damage (neuropathy) and skin lesions.
What is the primary function of Vitamin B7?
Involved in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism.
What happens if you are deficient in biotin?
Symptoms include hair loss, skin rashes, and brittle nails.
Is there toxicity associated with Vitamin B7?
No known toxicity; excess biotin is excreted in urine.
What is the function of Vitamin B9 (folate)
Essential for DNA synthesis, cell division, and the formation of red blood cells.
What are the symptoms of folate deficiency?
Anemia, fatigue, and neural tube defects in developing fetuses.
What happens if you have too much folate?
High levels can mask a Vitamin B12 deficiency, leading to neurological damage.
What is the function of Vitamin B12?
Important for nerve function, red blood cell production, and DNA synthesis.
What happens if you’re deficient in Vitamin B12?
Pernicious anemia, fatigue, weakness, and neurological issues.
What happens if you consume too much Vitamin B12?
No known toxicity, as excess B12 is excreted in the urine.
What are the symptoms of calcium deficiency?
Osteoporosis, rickets (in children), and muscle cramps.
What is the role of phosphorus in the body?
Works with calcium to build bones and teeth, involved in energy metabolism (ATP), and helps in DNA and RNA formation.
What is the main function of calcium in the body?
Calcium is essential for bone and teeth formation, muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and blood clotting.
What happens if you have excessive calcium intake?
Kidney stones, constipation, and interference with the absorption of other minerals like magnesium and iron.
What are the consequences of phosphorus toxicity?
Imbalanced calcium levels, bone loss, and cardiovascular problems.
What happens when you have too much magnesium?
Diarrhea, low blood pressure, and respiratory issues, especially from supplements.
What can phosphorus deficiency cause?
Weakened bones, muscle weakness, and fatigue.
What does magnesium help regulate in the body?
Muscle and nerve function, blood pressure, energy production, and DNA synthesis.
What are symptoms of magnesium deficiency?
Muscle cramps, fatigue, irritability, irregular heartbeat, and weakened bones.
What is sodium’s primary function in the body?
Regulates fluid balance, blood pressure, and nerve and muscle function.
What are the effects of sodium deficiency?
Hyponatremia (low sodium levels), headaches, nausea, and confusion.
What happens if you consume too much sodium?
High blood pressure (hypertension), fluid retention, and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
What is the role of potassium in the body?
Supports heart function, muscle contractions, and nerve transmission.
What are symptoms of potassium deficiency?
Muscle weakness, fatigue, cramps, arrhythmias, and in severe cases, paralysis.
What happens if potassium levels are too high?
Hyperkalemia, causing irregular heart rhythms, cardiac arrest, or death.
What is the function of chloride in the body?
Works with sodium to regulate fluid balance, helps with digestion as part of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, and maintains pH.
What happens if chloride levels are too low?
Fluid imbalances and digestion problems.
What is the primary role of iron in the body?
Essential for the formation of hemoglobin and myoglobin, which carry oxygen in the blood and muscles
What happens if you are deficient in iron?
Iron deficiency anemia, leading to fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and poor immune function.
What happens if you have too much chloride?
High chloride levels often cause high blood pressure and dehydration, usually linked with high sodium levels.
What are the consequences of iron toxicity?
Organ damage, particularly in the liver, and gastrointestinal issues.
What are the effects of zinc deficiency?
Growth retardation, hair loss, diarrhea, delayed wound healing, and impaired immune function.
What functions does zinc serve in the body?
Supports immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing, and DNA synthesis
What happens if you take too much zinc?
Impairs copper absorption, causes gastrointestinal distress, and reduces immune function.
What role does copper play in the body?
Necessary for iron metabolism, collagen formation, and immune system function.
What can iodine toxicity cause?
Thyroid dysfunction, including hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
What are symptoms of copper deficiency?
Anemia, bone abnormalities, and neurological issues.
What can happen with Copper toxicity?
Copper toxicity: Symptoms include liver damage, nausea, vomiting, and neurological symptoms, including tremors and personality changes.
What happens when you have too much copper?
Liver damage, gastrointestinal distress, and neurological problems.
What are the symptoms of iodine deficiency?
Goiter, hypothyroidism, and developmental issues in infants (cretinism).
What happens if you are deficient in Copper?
Copper deficiency can lead to:
Menke’s Disease: A genetic disorder that causes copper deficiency, leading to developmental delay, neurological problems, and early death.
Wilson’s Disease: A genetic disorder causing copper buildup in tissues, leading to liver damage, neurological issues, and psychiatric symptoms
What are the effects of selenium toxicity?
Selenosis, leading to nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and fatigue.
What happens if you are deficient in manganese?
Rare, but may cause bone malformation, poor growth, and fertility issues.
What is the role of fluoride in the body?
Helps in the formation of bones and teeth and prevents dental cavities.
What happens if you have a deficiency of fluoride?
Increased risk of dental cavities and potentially weaker bones.
What is the role of manganese in the body?
Involved in bone formation, blood clotting, and enzyme activation for metabolism.
What function does selenium serve in the body?
Acts as an antioxidant, supports immune function, and is involved in thyroid hormone metabolism.
What happens if you are deficient in selenium?
Keshan disease (heart condition) and Kashin-Beck disease (form of osteoarthritis).
What happens if you consume too much manganese?
Neurological issues similar to Parkinson’s disease (manganism).
What happens if you get too much fluoride?
Dental fluorosis (staining of teeth) and skeletal fluorosis (bone damage).
What is chromium’s function in the body?
Enhances insulin action and helps in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism.
What can chromium deficiency cause?
Impaired glucose tolerance, which can mimic type 2 diabetes.
What are the risks of chromium toxicity?
Kidney or liver damage, especially with high doses of supplements.
Where is Vitamin A stored in the body?
Stored primarily in the liver.
Where is Vitamin D stored in the body?
Stored in the liver and adipose (fat) tissue.
Where is Vitamin E stored in the body?
Stored in the liver and adipose tissue.
Where is Vitamin K stored in the body?
Stored in the liver.
Where is Vitamin C stored in the body?
Stored in the adrenal glands, pituitary gland, and white blood cells.
Where is Vitamin B2 stored in the body?
Stored in the liver in small amounts.
Where is Vitamin B1 stored in the body?
Stored in the liver and muscles in small amounts.
Where is Vitamin B3 stored in the body?
Liver
Where is Vitamin B5 stored in the body?
Stored in the adrenal glands and liver.
Where is Vitamin B6 stored in the body?
Liver
Where is Vitamin B7 stored in the body?
Stored in the liver and muscles.
Where is Vitamin B9 stored in the body?
Liver
Where is Vitamin B12 stored in the body?
Stored in the liver in significant amounts.
Where is Calcium stored in the body?
Stored primarily in bones and teeth.
Where is Phosphorus stored in the body?
Stored in bones and teeth.
Where is Sodium stored in the body?
Primarily in extracellular fluid, mainly in blood plasma.
Where is Potassium stored in the body?
Stored inside cells, particularly in muscle and bone tissues.
Where is Magnesium stored in the body?
Stored in bones, muscles, and soft tissues.
Where is Copper stored in the body?
Stored in the liver, muscles, and brain.
Where is Iron stored in the body?
Stored in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow.
Where is Zinc stored in the body?
Primarily in muscles, bones, and the liver.
Where is Manganese stored in the body?
Stored in the liver, bones, and kidneys.
Where is Iodine stored in the body?
Stored primarily in the thyroid gland.
Where is Selenium stored in the body?
Stored in the liver, kidneys, and thyroid gland.
Where is Chromium stored in the body?
Stored in the liver, kidneys, and spleen.
Where is Fluoride stored in the body
Stored primarily in bones and teeth.
What is the name of Vitamin B1?
Thiamine
What is the name of Vitamin B2?
Riboflavin
What is the name of Vitamin B3?
Niacin
What is the name of Vitamin B5?
Pantothenic Acid
What is the name of Vitamin B6?
Pyridoxine
What is the name of Vitamin B7?
Biotin
What is the name of Vitamin B9?
Folate (or Folic Acid in its synthetic form)
What is the name of Vitamin B12?
Cobalamin
