Vitamins and Minerals Flashcards
Vitamin A (Fat soluble)
- Requires fat and bile salts for absorption
- *Stored in the liver**
Function: Health and vigor of epithelial cells. Essential for formation of rhodopsin. Regulates activities of osteoblasts and osteoclasts.
If not present:
- increased infections, night blindness, slow and faulty development of bones and teeth,
Vitamin D (Fat soluble)
- Requires fat and bile salts for absorption
- *Stored in the tissues**
In presence of sunlight active form of Vit D
Functions: Essential for the absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorous from GI tract
Vitamin E (Fat soluble)
- Requires fat and bile salts for absorption
- *Stored in liver, adipose tissue, and muscles
Functions: Formation of DNA, RNA, and RBC’s
Vitamin K (Fat soluble) -Requires fat and bile salts for absorption
AquaMephyton (Synthetic Vit K given to treat hemorrhagic disease)
**Produced by intestinal bacteria
Function:
Co-enzyme believed essential for synthesis of prothrombin.
Vitamin K is needed for normal blood clotting
**If not present: EXCESSIVE BLEEDING
B1 (Thiamine) water soluble
Rapidly destroyed by the heat
Not stored in the body
Excessive intake eliminated in urine
- Acts as co-enzyme for many different enzymes involved in metabolism of pyruvic acid to CO2 and H2O.
- Essential for synthesis of acetylcholine
- Crucial for Kreb’s Cycle
Niacin (nicotinamide)
- Essential component of co-enzyme (NAD) concerned with energy-releasing reactions
- Water soluble
B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
- Water soluble
- Absorption from GI tract dependent of HCI and instrinsic factor secreted by gastric mucosa
- Co-enzyme necessary for red blood cells formation
Folic acid
- Water soluble
- Essential for normal production of red and white blood cells
Pantothenic acid (water soluble)
-Constituent of coenzyme A essential for transfer of pyruvic acid into Kreb’s cycle, conversion of lipids and amino acids into glucose, and synthesis of cholesterol and steroid hormones.
Biotin (water soluble)
Essential coenzyme for conversion of pyruvic acid to oxaloacetic acid
Vit C (ascorbic acid) water soluble
Promotes many metabolic reactions, particulary protein metabolism. Works with antibodies. Promotes wound healing.
IF VIT C IS NOT PRESENT IN THE BODY:
Scurvy, anemia; many symptoms related to poor connective tissue growth and repair. Poor wound healing
Potassium K+
Principal CATION in intracellular fluid
- May be given IV as potassium chloride
- *NEVER give it as an IV PUSH
- **It must be diluted in IV fluids (may be given PO as K-Dur or K-Tab)
- CAN CAUSE CARDIAC ARREST
Regulation: Renal excretion. Aldosterone increases its excretion. Movement into and out of cells.
** Insulin helps move K+ into cells; tissue damage and acidosis shift K+ out of cells into ECF.**
Function: Maintains ICF osmolality. Transmits nerve and other electrical impulses. Regulates cardiac impulse transmission and muscle contraction. It deals with skeletal and smooth muscle function.
Sodium Na+
MOST abundant CATION in extracellular fluids
Normal intake of NaCl (tablet salt) supplies required amounts
Regulation: Renal reabsorption or excretion. Aldosterone increases Na+ reabsorption in collecting duct of nephrons.
Function: Strongly affects distribution of water through osmosis. It’s a part in the bicarbonate buffer system. Regulates ECF volume and distribution. Maintains blood volume. Transmits nerve impulses and contracting muscles.
Calcium
MOST abundant CATION in body
About 99% is stored in bone and teeth.
Absorption only occurs in the presence of Vit D
Formation of bones and teeth, blood clotting, normal muscle and nerve activity.
Phosphorus
About 80% found in bones and teeth
More functions than any other mineral
Formation of bones and teeth
Important role in muscle contraction and nerve activity
Involved in transfer and storage of energy (ATP)
Component of DNA and RNA
