Vitamins and Minerals Flashcards
Fat soluble vitamins
K, A, D, E
Vitamin A family (retinoids)
retinol, retinal, retinoic acid, beta carotene
site of retinol storage
liver
retinol transportation
via plasma retinol binding protei
Retinol is reesterified to long chain FA in mucosa and…
..secreted with chylomicrons
Retinol activates gene transcription similar to:
steroid hormones
Vitamin A in vision
component of rhodopsin (11-cis retinal bound to opsin)
Vitamin A in growth
deprivation results in:
1) loss of appetite
2) bone growth slow
3) CNS damage
Retinol and retinal in reproduction
Support spermatogenesis and prevent fetal resorption.
Retinoic acid activity
Inactive in reproduction and vision but promotes growth and differentiation of epithelial tissue
Vitamin A functions
vision, growth, reproduction, differentiation
Sources of Vitamin A
Preformed: liver, kidney, cream, butter and egg yolk
Beta carotene in dark green and yellow fruits
Vitamin A deficiency leads to
Night blindness and xerophthalmia (dryness of conjunctiva which can lead to corneal ulcerations and blindness)
Vitamin A as treatment
for acne and psoriasis (topical application of all trans retinoic acid [tretinoin] for mild cases; 13-cis retinoic acid [isotretinoin] orally for severe cases)
Vitamin A for disease prevention
populations with high β-carotene have decreased heart disease, lung and skin cancer, cataracts and macular degeneration
Vitamin A toxicity
Hypervitaminosis A – exceeding 7.5 mg/day, dry skin, enlarged , cirrhotic liver, rise in intracranial pressure may mimic a brain tumor. Excess in pregnancy could cause congental malformation in fetus
Isotretinoin (13-cis retinoic acid) –teratogenic and absolutely contraindicated in women of childbearing potential unless have severe acne unresponsive to any other therapy. Prolonged treatment can lead to hyperlipidemia and increased LDL/HDL, increased risk for CVD
Vitamin D
cholecalciferol, sterols with hormone-like function
How is Vitamin D synthesized from light?
Hydroxylated in liver then kidney into 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-diOH D3)
Function of 1,25-diOH D3
Maintains adequate plamsa calcium levels via:
1) increasing uptake of calcium by intestine
2) decreasing calcium loss by kidney
3) stimulating resorption of bone if necessary
Sources of Vitamin D
fatty fish, liver, egg yolk
Vitamin D deficiency
Rickets in children (incomplete mineralization of bones), osteomalacia in adults (demineralization)
Hypoparathyroidism causes
hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia (related to vitamin D)
Vitamin D toxicity
MOST TOXIC. Loss of appetite, nausea, thirst, bone resorption and deposition of calcium in organs
Vitamin E
Family of 8 naturally occurring tocopherols,
alpha tocopherol is most active
Vitamin E function
antioxidant in cell lipid components
Vitamin E sources
Vegetable oils, liver, eggs