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.