Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of vitamins in the body?
Who is most likely to experience vitamin deficiencies?
Which of the following vitamins is NOT fat-soluble?
What happens to fat-soluble vitamins when exposed to mineral oil?
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Which group of vitamins includes carotenoids?
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In which part of the body can excess fat-soluble vitamins be stored?
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Which of the following vitamins is classified as water-soluble?
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Which group of individuals is less likely to develop vitamin deficiencies?
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What is the characteristic of fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies compared to water-soluble vitamins?
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Which of the following is a function of vitamin A?
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What should be avoided regarding fat-soluble vitamins?
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What is the active form of vitamin A known as?
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Which food is NOT a good source of preformed vitamin A?
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What is the best source of beta-carotene?
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How do antioxidants interact with free radicals?
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What is the preferred way to obtain the required amounts of vitamin A?
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Which group of people should especially ensure adequate intake of vitamin D?
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What is the recommended daily amount of vitamin D achieved by drinking vitamin D-fortified fat-free milk?
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What condition can result from a deficiency of vitamin D in young children?
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What is hypervitaminosis D primarily associated with?
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What function does vitamin E serve in the body?
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Which food source is considered the best for obtaining vitamin E?
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How does the requirement for vitamin E change with polyunsaturated fatty acid intake?
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Which vitamin is particularly aided by selenium and vitamin C in its antioxidant function?
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What can cause serious neurological defects in children related to vitamin E?
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Which vitamin is referred to as phylloquinone?
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Which of the following is a good dietary source of vitamin K?
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What is one of the main functions of vitamin K in the body?
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How frequently should vitamin K be ingested according to requirements?
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What can cause human deficiency of vitamin K?
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What condition may result from ingesting excessive amounts of synthetic vitamin K?
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Which population is at risk for vitamin E deficiency?
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What is a potential cause of intrinsic factor deficiency?
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Which of the following is NOT a sign of vitamin B12 deficiency?
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What is the daily requirement of folate for adult males and females?
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Which food source is specifically mentioned as containing folate?
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How does folic acid contribute to health?
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What happens to folate during food processing?
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When is the requirement for folate increased?
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Which vitamin deficiency can lead to damage to the nervous system?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Vitamins
- Vitamins are organic compounds crucial for body processes, required in small amounts.
- They do not provide energy directly; instead, they assist the body in utilizing energy from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
- Excessive intake (megadoses) can lead to toxicity.
- There are 13 known vitamins, often named for their chemical composition or functions in the body.
Vitamin Deficiencies
- Vulnerable populations include individuals with poor diets, alcoholics, the elderly, and young children lacking proper care.
- Chronic diseases affecting appetite can also lead to deficiencies.
- Fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies commonly arise in malabsorption conditions like cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, and Crohn's disease.
Classification of Vitamins
- Vitamins are classified by solubility:
- Fat-soluble: Vitamins A, D, E, and K
- Water-soluble: B complex and C
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
- Fat-soluble vitamins are not easily lost in cooking but can be lost when mineral oil is ingested.
- They are transported via lipoproteins due to their poor water solubility.
- The body can store excess amounts in the liver, making vitamin deficiencies slower to manifest.
Vitamin A
- Exists as two forms:
- Preformed (retinol) - active form found in animal products.
- Carotenoids - inactive form found in plants; examples include beta-carotene.
- Functions include vision, growth, reproduction, cell division, immune regulation, and acting as an antioxidant.
- Sources of retinol include liver, dairy products, and egg yolks, while beta-carotene sources include carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens.
Vitamin D
- Limited dietary sources, primarily obtained from fortified milk, are essential for people with low sun exposure.
- Daily intake of two cups of fortified milk meets the Adequate Intake (AI) level for individuals aged 0-50 years.
- Vitamin D deficiencies can lead to rickets in children and osteomalacia (soft bones) in adults.
- Hypervitaminosis D can damage soft tissues, kidneys, and bones.
Vitamin E
- Functions as an antioxidant alongside vitamins C and selenium, helping to prevent hemolytic anemia in premature infants and enhance immune response.
- Best sources include vegetable oils (corn, soybean), nuts, and leafy greens.
- Deficiency may lead to neurological issues, especially in low-birth-weight infants and individuals with malabsorption issues.
Vitamin K
- Exists as K1 (phylloquinone) and K2 (menaquinone); mostly obtained from green leafy vegetables and synthesized by gut bacteria.
- Vital for synthesizing prothrombin, essential for blood clotting.
- Requirements include daily intake as a limited supply is stored in the body.
Vitamin B12
- Deficiency can impair myelin synthesis, leading to neurological damage.
- Symptoms include loss of appetite, glossitis, pallor, emotional disturbances, and weight loss.
Folate (Folic Acid)
- Crucial for DNA synthesis, protein metabolism, and hemoglobin formation.
- Linked to cancer prevention and increased levels of homocysteine which help prevent strokes and diseases like Alzheimer's.
- Sources include fortified cereals, green vegetables, legumes, and fruits; however, folate can be destroyed by heat and light, making uncooked consumption preferable.
- Daily requirement is 400 µg for adults, increasing to 600 µg during pregnancy for fetal development.
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Description
This quiz delves into the essential role of vitamins in body processes and highlights the significance of preventing vitamin deficiencies. Learn about the different types of vitamins, their functions, and the consequences of excessive intake. Ideal for those studying nutrition or health sciences.
