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Questions and Answers
Which vitamins are less likely to be toxic unless taken in large amounts?
Which vitamins are less likely to be toxic unless taken in large amounts?
- Vitamin C (correct)
- The B Vitamins (correct)
- Fat-Soluble Vitamins
- All of the above
Fat-soluble vitamins are dissolved in lipid materials.
Fat-soluble vitamins are dissolved in lipid materials.
True (A)
How are vitamins sourced for humans?
How are vitamins sourced for humans?
Dietary sources
The term 'vitamin' was originally '__________'.
The term 'vitamin' was originally '__________'.
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Which of the following statements about synthetic vitamins is true?
Which of the following statements about synthetic vitamins is true?
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All species can synthesize vitamin C.
All species can synthesize vitamin C.
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What are the two classes of vitamins based on solubility?
What are the two classes of vitamins based on solubility?
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Water-soluble vitamins must be constantly __________ due to rapid elimination via urine.
Water-soluble vitamins must be constantly __________ due to rapid elimination via urine.
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Study Notes
General Characteristics of Vitamins
- Essential organic compounds required in small amounts for proper bodily function.
- Cannot be synthesized by the body, must be obtained from dietary sources.
- Divided into two classes based on solubility: water-soluble and fat-soluble.
- Vitamins function as cofactors in conjugated enzymes and many enzymes incorporate vitamins into their structure.
- The term “vitamin” originates from “vitamine,” derived from the Latin word “vita” meaning "life."
- Daily requirements range from microgram to milligram levels, contrasting with macronutrients like carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.
Water-Soluble Vitamins
- Require constant replenishment due to rapid elimination through urine.
- Carried in the bloodstream and typically require frequent small doses.
- Less likely to be toxic unless taken in large amounts.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
- Stored in fat tissues and tend to accumulate in the body; thus, periodic doses are necessary.
- Carried by protein carriers in the blood.
- More likely to be toxic if consumed in excess.
Vitamin C
- Structurally the simplest of the 13 known vitamins, existing in two active forms: oxidized and reduced.
- Synthesized from glucose derivatives by plants and most animals.
- Humans, monkeys, apes, and guinea pigs are among the few species that require dietary sources for vitamin C, while other species can synthesize it from carbohydrates.
The B Vitamins (Vitamin B Complex)
- B vitamins serve as coenzymes in various biochemical reactions in humans and animals.
- Unlike many vitamins, they are rarely utilized by microorganisms in metabolic functions.
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