Water soluble vitamins

Question 1

Some broad general functions of vitamins?

Answer 1

Maintenance of metabolism
Assist with energy production
Cellular differentiations, growth and function

Question 2

Name the water soluble vitamins?

Answer 2

B and C

B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7 (Inositol), B9 (Folate) and B12

Question 3

Name the fat soluble vitamins?

Answer 3

ADEK

Question 4

Two primary functions of Vitamin C?

Answer 4

Enzyme co-substrate + antioxidant

Question 5

B1 is also called…?

Answer 5

Thiamin

Question 6

B2 is also called…?

Answer 6

Riboflavin

Question 7

B3 is also called…?

Answer 7

Niacin

Question 8

B5 is also called…?

Answer 8

Pantothenic acid

Question 9

B6 is also called…?

Answer 9

Pyridoxine

Question 10

B7 is also called…?

Answer 10

Biotin

Question 11

B9 is also called..?

Answer 11

Folate

Question 12

B12 is also called…?

Answer 12

Cyanocobalamin

Question 13

Precursor to niacin?

Answer 13

Tryptophan

Question 14

Coenzymes for B1 (thiamin)

Answer 14

TPP, TMP, TTP

Question 15

Coenzymes for B2 (riboflavin)

Answer 15

FAD, FMN

Question 16

Coenzymes for B3 (niacin)

Answer 16

NAD, NADP, NADH, NADPH

Question 17

Coenzyme for B5 (pantothenic acid)

Answer 17

Coenzyme A

Question 18

B12 and what other B vitamin depend on each other for activation?

Answer 18

B12 and folate

(B12 removes a methyl group to activate the folate coenzyme and when folate gives up methyl group then B12 is activated)

(folate may mask a B12 deficiency)

Question 19

Describe the steps in B12 absorption

Answer 19

Stomach: hydrochloric acid and enzyme pepsin release B12 from proteins (food)

The stomach secretes intrinsic factor (molecules).

Small intestine: B12 and intrinsic factor binds and at the end of the small intestine, receptors recognise this complex (don’t recognise B12 by itself) and degrade intrinsic factor before gradually absorbing B12 into bloodstream.

Question 20

Why is B12 deficiency rare or slow to occur?

Answer 20

B12 is stored in the liver and is reabsorbed/recycled (through bile > small intestines)

Question 21

What does a folate deficiency impair?

Answer 21

1. cell division
2. protein synthesis
3. replacement of red blood cells (resulting in anaemia*)
4. replacement of GI tract cells

*folate deficiency is characterised by large immature red blood cells that cannot carry oxygen or travel through capillaries efficiently (macrocytic or megablastic anaemia)

Question 22

What are some dietary sources high in vitamin C?

Answer 22

• lime
• capsicum
• nori
• chilli
• kale
• broccoli
• kiwifruit

Question 23

Basic functions of vitamin C?

Answer 23

1. antioxidant
2. cofactor in collagen synthesis
3. energy production and iron absorption
   (enables hydroxylation of carnitine for transport of fatty acids to mitochondria for ATP production; this improves absorption of non-haem iron)
4. stress and immunity
   (vit C requirements increase w stress > highest levels of it are in adrenal glands)
5. hormone and neurotransmitter production
   (promotes conversion of tryptophan to serotonin + phenylalanine to tyrosin - component of dopamin, norepinephrine and epinephrine | supports thryoid function)

Question 24

Factors that increase demand of vitamin C

Answer 24

1. stress
2. disease/illness, including burns and inflammation
3. increased oxidative stress (heavy metals)
4. chronic substance use (smoking, alcohol, some medications - pill, aspirin)
5. life stages (elderly, pregnancy, growth/development)
6. professional athletes and strenuous exercise

Question 25

Signs/symptoms of vitamin C deficiency

Answer 25

1. scurvy
2. fatigue
3. bleeding gums
4. anaemia
5. bone fragility/joint pain
6. frequent infections
7. low mood
8. rough skin