Dietary Reference Intake for Vitamins

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Questions and Answers

What condition is caused by folate deficiency?

Megaloblastic anemia (correct)

Osteoporosis

Rickets

Scurvy

Which vitamin is required for cell division and normal neurological function?

Vitamin D

Vitamin B-12 (correct)

Vitamin E

Vitamin K

Deficiency of which vitamin leads to pernicious anemia?

Vitamin B-12 (correct)

Folic acid

Biotin

Vitamin C

What is a main function of biotin?

Cofactor in gluconeogenesis Signup and view all the answers

Which vitamin is synthesized by microflora in the gastrointestinal tract?

Vitamin B-12 Signup and view all the answers

Antioxidants decrease the risk of which health condition?

Cancer Signup and view all the answers

Which vitamin is primarily responsible for forming rhodopsin, a protein crucial for vision?

Vitamin A Signup and view all the answers

What condition is caused by a deficiency of niacin?

Pellagra Signup and view all the answers

Which vitamin requires carrier proteins for transport in the bloodstream?

Vitamin D Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following vitamins acts as an antioxidant and protects fatty acids in cell membranes?

Vitamin E Signup and view all the answers

What deficiency is associated with weakness, anemia, and altered nerve function?

Vitamin B6 deficiency Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency?

Alcoholism Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI)?

To provide recommendations for vitamin and nutrient intake. Signup and view all the answers

Which vitamin needs to be monitored due to potential toxicity when supplemented, especially for those on anticoagulants?

Vitamin K Signup and view all the answers

Which vitamin enhances iron absorption, particularly due to its antioxidant properties?

Vitamin C Signup and view all the answers

Which vitamins are classified as fat-soluble?

A, D, E, K Signup and view all the answers

What is the condition called when there are insufficient vitamin stores in the body?

Hypovitaminosis Signup and view all the answers

Which vitamin is known to function like a hormone?

Vitamin D Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about hypervitaminosis is true?

It commonly arises from the use of supplements. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes fat-soluble vitamins in terms of storage?

They can be stored in body fat for later use. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Dietary Reference Intake (DRI)

DRI includes national recommendations for vitamin and nutrient intake for healthy individuals.
Tolerable Upper Intake Limit (UL) indicates potential toxicity from excessive vitamin doses.
Nurses advise on balanced vitamin intake from foods/supplements and the effects of higher doses.

Vitamins and Minerals

Considered micronutrients, required in small amounts for various bodily functions.
Play crucial roles such as cellular activity components, metabolic cofactors, coenzymes, and antioxidants.
Vitamin D acts hormone-like and serves as a pharmaceutical agent.

Hypovitaminosis and Hypervitaminosis

Hypovitaminosis occurs due to decreased vitamin intake, altered metabolism, or increased need.
Physical symptoms indicate long-term deficiencies and diminish vitamin stores.
Hypervitaminosis, an excess of vitamins, arises primarily from supplementation rather than food intake.

Classification of Vitamins

Vitamins are classified by solubility:
- Fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E, K; stored in body fat and require carriers.
- Water-soluble vitamins: B-complex and vitamin C; excreted through urine and circulate freely.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Store in body fat; can accumulate. Daily requirements vary, typically every week.
Key examples:
- Vitamin A: Vital for vision, growth, and epithelial health. Deficiency leads to conditions like xerophthalmia.
- Vitamin D: Crucial for bone health and immunity; synthesized by sun exposure. Deficiency can lead to rickets or osteomalacia.
- Vitamin E: An antioxidant protecting essential fatty acids; sources include vegetable oils and nuts. Rare deficiencies, but may occur with fat absorption disorders.
- Vitamin K: Essential for blood clotting and bone health; synthesized by intestinal bacteria. Deficiency can cause hemorrhagic disease in infants.

Water-Soluble Vitamins

Required every few days, easily flushed from the body.
Major functions:
- Vitamin C: Antioxidant, collagen formation, iron absorption. Deficiency leads to scurvy.
- B Vitamins:
  - Thiamine (B1): Energy metabolism; deficiency linked to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
  - Riboflavin (B2): Metabolism coenzyme; deficiency causes ariboflavinosis.
  - Niacin: Coenzyme role; deficiency results in pellagra symptoms.
  - Vitamin B6: Critical in over 100 metabolic reactions; deficiency linked to anemia and nerve issues.
  - Folate: Important for DNA synthesis and fetal development; deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia.
  - Vitamin B12: Necessary for cell division; deficiency can lead to pernicious anemia.
  - Biotin: Cofactor in metabolic reactions; synthesized in the gut.
  - Pantothenic Acid: Vital for metabolism; wide food availability makes deficiency rare.
  - Choline: Important for neurotransmitter synthesis; deficiency is uncommon.

Antioxidants

Include Beta carotene, Vitamins C and E, and selenium.
Associated with reduced risks for cancer and coronary artery disease.

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Description

This quiz covers the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) and Tolerable Upper Intake Limit (UL) for vitamins and minerals. It explores the advice given by nurses regarding healthy vitamin intake from food and supplements, as well as the potential toxicity from excessive doses. Understand the crucial roles of micronutrients in maintaining health.