Vitamins And Vitamin Deficiency

Question 1

What is meant by Intravenous Nutrition

Answer 1

Given when adequate nutrition is not possible

Given through 2 methods
Supplemental parental nutrition: addition to ordinary feeding
Total parental nutrition: sole source of nutrition

Infused through a central venous catheter or a peripherals vein

Question 2

What does IV nutrition contain

Answer 2

Contains amino acids, glucose, fat, electrolyte, trace elements and vitamins

-Protein given as synthetic L-amino - source of energy

-Perferred carb - glucose (infused through a central venous catheter to avoid thrombosis

-Phosphate: for phosphorylation of glucose and preventing hypophosphataemias

• fructose and sorbitol - prevents hyperosmolar hyperglycaemia non-ketoacidosis acidosis

Fat emulsions: high energy to fluid volume ratio (not to mix in additives)

Question 3

What are fat soluble vitamins

Answer 3

Vitamin A (retinol):
Deficiency = ocular defects and increased risk of infection
Avoid in pregnancy = (teratogenic)
Cheese, eggs, oily fish, milk, yoghurt, liver and liver products such as pate

Vitamin D (ergocalciferol (D2) , colecalciferol (D3) , Alfa alcohol, calcitriol
- deficiency leads to rickets
Deficiency occurs in reduced sunlight and diet intake
Normal dose 10mcg (400iu)
Oily fish, red meat, liver, egg yolk, fortified foods such as cereals

Avoid orilstat!!

Question 4

What are the following fat soluble vitamins

Answer 4

A , D, E and K

Question 5

What other Fat soluble vitamins are there

Answer 5

Vitamin E (tocopherol)
-deficiency leads to neuromuscular abnormalities
Plant oils, nuts, seeds and wheat germ

Vitamin K (Phytomenadione)
-blood clotting factors- reversal agent for warfarin
-Menadiol ( water soluble derivative) given orally in malabsorption syndrome
-green leafy greens, vegetable oils and cereal grains

Question 6

What are the two types of water soluble vitamins

Answer 6

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Deficiency leads to scurvy
Helps with wound healing and maintains healthy skin, blood vessels bone and cartilage
Oranges, peppers, strawberries, blackcurrants, broccoli, sprouts and potatoes

Vitamin B:
B1 (thiamine)- wernickes encephalopathy
B2 (riboflavin) - keeps skin, eyes and nervous system healthy
B6 (pyridoxine) - treats peripheral neuropathy associated with isonazid- used to treat TB
B12- (hydroxocobalamin)- used in the treatment of megaloblastic anaemia
Found in meats, cereals and vegetables