Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is the earliest symptom associated with Vitamin A deficiency?
Which of the following is the earliest symptom associated with Vitamin A deficiency?
- Xerophthalmia
- Night blindness (correct)
- Hemolytic anemia
- Liver damage
A patient is diagnosed with osteomalacia. Which vitamin deficiency is most likely the cause?
A patient is diagnosed with osteomalacia. Which vitamin deficiency is most likely the cause?
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin D (correct)
Which of the following vitamins primarily functions as an antioxidant, protecting cells, especially red blood cells, from oxidative stress?
Which of the following vitamins primarily functions as an antioxidant, protecting cells, especially red blood cells, from oxidative stress?
- Vitamin E (correct)
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin K
Newborns are typically given a Vitamin K injection shortly after birth. What is the primary reason for this practice?
Newborns are typically given a Vitamin K injection shortly after birth. What is the primary reason for this practice?
Scurvy, a condition characterized by bleeding gums and poor wound healing, is caused by a deficiency in which vitamin?
Scurvy, a condition characterized by bleeding gums and poor wound healing, is caused by a deficiency in which vitamin?
Which of the following vitamins is essential for DNA synthesis and is particularly important during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects?
Which of the following vitamins is essential for DNA synthesis and is particularly important during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects?
Pernicious anemia, a condition caused by impaired absorption of Vitamin B12, is most commonly seen in which of the following populations?
Pernicious anemia, a condition caused by impaired absorption of Vitamin B12, is most commonly seen in which of the following populations?
A patient presents with fatigue and weakness and is diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia. Which dietary recommendation would be most effective in increasing iron absorption?
A patient presents with fatigue and weakness and is diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia. Which dietary recommendation would be most effective in increasing iron absorption?
Individuals with lactose intolerance are at a higher risk of developing a deficiency in which mineral?
Individuals with lactose intolerance are at a higher risk of developing a deficiency in which mineral?
Which mineral is critical for muscle and nerve function, acts as an enzyme cofactor, and supports bone health?
Which mineral is critical for muscle and nerve function, acts as an enzyme cofactor, and supports bone health?
Endurance athletes who sweat excessively during prolonged exercise are at risk of losing which electrolyte, potentially leading to hyponatremia?
Endurance athletes who sweat excessively during prolonged exercise are at risk of losing which electrolyte, potentially leading to hyponatremia?
Which vitamin can interfere with blood-thinning medications if taken in excessive amounts?
Which vitamin can interfere with blood-thinning medications if taken in excessive amounts?
Which of the following micronutrients is synthesized in the skin upon exposure to sunlight?
Which of the following micronutrients is synthesized in the skin upon exposure to sunlight?
Beriberi, characterized by muscle weakness and nerve damage, is a deficiency syndrome associated with which vitamin?
Beriberi, characterized by muscle weakness and nerve damage, is a deficiency syndrome associated with which vitamin?
A diet heavily reliant on corn is most likely to lead to a deficiency in which of the following vitamins?
A diet heavily reliant on corn is most likely to lead to a deficiency in which of the following vitamins?
Flashcards
Vitamin A Functions
Vitamin A Functions
Vision, cell growth, immune function, and antioxidant activity.
Vitamin A Deficiency
Vitamin A Deficiency
Night blindness and Xerophthalmia.
Vitamin D Functions
Vitamin D Functions
Calcium absorption, bone health, immune support.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D Deficiency
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Vitamin E Functions
Vitamin E Functions
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Vitamin E Deficiency
Vitamin E Deficiency
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Vitamin K Function
Vitamin K Function
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Vitamin K Deficiency
Vitamin K Deficiency
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Vitamin C Functions
Vitamin C Functions
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Vitamin C Deficiency
Vitamin C Deficiency
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Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) Function
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) Function
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Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) Deficiency
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) Deficiency
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Iron Functions
Iron Functions
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Iron Deficiency
Iron Deficiency
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Calcium Functions
Calcium Functions
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Study Notes
- Topic is Micronutrients
- Key vitamins and minerals are essential for various bodily functions
Fat-Soluble Vitamins (A, D, E, K)
Vitamin A
- Functions include vision, cell growth and differentiation, immune function, and antioxidant properties.
- Retinal is a component of rhodopsin in the retina.
- Important, especially in skin and mucous membranes.
- Supports white blood cell production.
- Animal sources include liver, dairy, eggs, and fish.
- Plant sources include carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach, containing beta-carotene.
- Night blindness is an early symptom of deficiency.
- Xerophthalmia is a severe deficiency that can lead to blindness.
- Toxicity can cause liver damage, birth defects, nausea, and dizziness.
- Infants, pregnant women, and people with fat malabsorption disorders are at risk of deficiency.
- Absorption is enhanced by dietary fat and bile salts.
- Absorption is inhibited by excessive alcohol and a low-fat diet.
Vitamin D
- Functions include calcium absorption, bone health, immune system support, muscle function, and cardiovascular health.
- Animal sources include fatty fish (salmon, tuna), egg yolks, and fortified dairy products.
- Synthesized in skin when exposed to sunlight.
- Rickets (soft bones) occurs in children with deficiency.
- Osteomalacia (weak bones) occurs in adults with deficiency.
- Toxicity leads to hypercalcemia (excess calcium in blood) and kidney damage.
- The elderly, people with limited sun exposure, and those with darker skin are at risk.
- Absorption is enhanced by the presence of dietary fat and adequate sun exposure.
- Absorption is inhibited by lack of sunlight and low dietary fat intake.
Vitamin E
- Functions as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative stress.
- Maintains membrane integrity, especially in red blood cells, and supports immune function.
- Sources include vegetable oils (sunflower, safflower), nuts (almonds, hazelnuts), and seeds.
- Deficiency can result in hemolytic anemia due to red blood cell breakdown and neuromuscular dysfunction.
- Toxicity can increase the risk of bleeding and impair blood clotting.
- Premature infants and individuals with fat malabsorption disorders are at risk.
- Absorption is enhanced by dietary fat.
- Absorption is inhibited by high heat and food processing.
Vitamin K
- Functions include blood clotting by activating clotting factors and bone mineralization involved in osteocalcin activation.
- Sources include leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale, broccoli) and some synthesis by gut bacteria.
- Deficiency leads to increased bleeding time.
- Toxicity is rare but can interfere with blood-thinning medications.
- Newborns receive a Vitamin K injection at birth, and people on long-term antibiotics are at risk.
- Absorption is enhanced by dietary fat.
- Absorption is inhibited by excessive vitamin E intake.
Water-Soluble Vitamins
Vitamin C
- Functions: collagen synthesis for skin, blood vessels, and wound healing, antioxidant properties, and enhances iron absorption (especially non-heme iron).
- Sources: citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
- Deficiency: results in scurvy (bleeding gums, poor wound healing).
- People at Risk: smokers and individuals with poor fruit/vegetable intake.
- Enhanced by: presence of iron
- Inhibited by: heat and prolonged storage.
Vitamin B Group
| Vitamin | Functions | Food Sources | Deficiency Symptoms | People at Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B1 (Thiamin) | Energy metabolism, nerve function | Whole grains, pork, legumes | Beriberi (muscle weakness, nerve damage) | Alcoholics, malnourished individuals |
| B2 (Riboflavin) | Energy production, skin and eye health | Dairy, eggs, leafy greens | Cracks at mouth corners, inflamed tongue | Individuals with poor dairy intake |
| B3 (Niacin) | Energy metabolism, skin and digestive health | Meat, fish, whole grains | Pellagra (diarrhea, dermatitis, dementia) | Populations with diets reliant on corn |
| B6 (Pyridoxine) | Amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis | Poultry, bananas, potatoes | Depression, confusion | Alcoholics, individuals on certain medications |
| B9 (Folate) | DNA synthesis, prevents neural tube defects | Leafy greens, legumes, fortified grains | Megaloblastic anemia, neural tube defects | Pregnant women, alcoholics |
| B12 (Cobalamin) | Red blood cell formation, nerve function | Meat, dairy, eggs, fortified cereals | Pernicious anemia, nerve damage | Vegetarians, elderly with reduced stomach acid |
Key Minerals
| Mineral | Functions | Food Sources | Deficiency Symptoms | People at Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | Oxygen transport, enzyme function | Red meat, poultry, fish (heme); Beans, spinach, fortified cereals (non-heme) | Iron-deficiency anemia (fatigue, weakness) | Women with heavy periods, vegetarians |
| Calcium | Bone health, muscle contraction, nerve function | Dairy, leafy greens, fortified foods | Osteoporosis (weak bones, fractures) | Postmenopausal women, lactose-intolerant individuals |
| Magnesium | Muscle and nerve function, enzyme cofactor, bone health | Nuts, seeds, whole grains, leafy greens | Muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat | Alcoholics, chronically ill individuals |
| Sodium | Fluid balance, nerve | Salt, processed foods, soy | Hyponatremia (weakness, confusion) | Endurance athletes, people with excessive sweating |
| Potassium | Muscle contraction, nerve function, blood pressure regulation | Bananas, potatoes, beans, dairy | Muscle Weakness, irregular heartbeat | Individuals on diuretics, high sodium intake |
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