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Questions and Answers
What is the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin A for adolescents?
What is the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin A for adolescents?
What is the primary reason a compound is classified as a vitamin?
What is the primary reason a compound is classified as a vitamin?
Which of the following is NOT a function of Vitamin A?
Which of the following is NOT a function of Vitamin A?
What type of changes result from Vitamin A deficiency?
What type of changes result from Vitamin A deficiency?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of water-soluble vitamins?
Which of the following is a characteristic of water-soluble vitamins?
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Which mineral is primarily responsible for maintaining fluid balance and blood pressure?
Which mineral is primarily responsible for maintaining fluid balance and blood pressure?
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What condition is a result of excess sodium in the body?
What condition is a result of excess sodium in the body?
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Which food source is rich in phosphorus?
Which food source is rich in phosphorus?
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Which of the following deficiencies can lead to symptoms like muscular weakness and abdominal distention?
Which of the following deficiencies can lead to symptoms like muscular weakness and abdominal distention?
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Which trace mineral is essential for oxygen delivery to muscles?
Which trace mineral is essential for oxygen delivery to muscles?
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Study Notes
Micronutrients Overview
- Micronutrients are essential for metabolism and tissue function.
- Vitamins and minerals are the primary categories of micronutrients.
Vitamins
- Vitamins are organic compounds vital for various enzymatic functions in metabolism.
- They must be obtained from the diet when not synthesized in adequate amounts by the body.
- Functions include acting as hormones (e.g., Vitamin D), antioxidants (e.g., Vitamin E), and mediators of cell signaling.
Vitamin Classification
- Divided into fat-soluble (Vitamins A, D, E, K) and water-soluble (Vitamin C, B vitamins).
- Fat-soluble vitamins require fats for absorption; water-soluble vitamins are easily excreted.
Vitamin A Functions
- Critical for immune function, vision, regulation of gene expression, and cellular growth and differentiation.
- Recommended daily allowance varies: 300-400 mg for infants, 400-600 mg for children, and 700-900 mg for adolescents.
Vitamin A Deficiency Effects
- Night blindness and xerophthalmia.
- Growth retardation, immune deficiencies, and keratinization of epithelial tissues.
Minerals
- Minerals are inorganic elements; trace minerals are required in smaller amounts.
- Classified into major minerals (e.g., calcium, phosphorus) and trace minerals (e.g., iron, zinc).
Sodium
- Acts as an electrolyte, aiding in fluid balance and blood pressure maintenance.
- Common sources include table salt, processed foods, and vegetables.
- Deficiency can lead to hyponatremia; excess can cause hypertension.
Potassium
- Important for fluid balance in cells and muscle function.
- Found in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
- Deficiency presents as hypokalemia; excess can lead to hyperkalemia.
Phosphorus
- Essential for bone structure and pH regulation.
- Found in dairy, meat, and legumes.
- Natural phosphates are generally safe in excess, but elemental phosphorus is toxic.
Sulfur
- Integral part of all living tissues and amino acids.
- Sufficient intake usually achieved through a protein-rich diet.
- Deficiency can result in conditions like cystinuria.
Trace Minerals
- Iron: Crucial for oxygen transport and hemoglobin formation; found in organ meats and legumes. Deficiency can lead to anemia.
- Copper: Necessary for brain function and tissue formation; found in nuts and beans. Deficiency can cause skin depigmentation and anemia.
- Iodine: Essential for thyroid hormone production; sources include seafood and iodized salt. Deficiency can cause goiter.
- Zinc: Vital for growth and immune function; found in meat and dairy. Deficiency leads to delayed growth and immune issues.
- Selenium: Important for reproductive health and thyroid function; found in organ meats and cereals.
Effects of Excess Minerals
- Overconsumption can lead to serious health issues:
- Hypercalcemia (elevated calcium levels).
- Dental fluorosis from excess fluoride.
- Hemolytic anemia due to excess selenium.
Dietary Sources of Micronutrients
- Diverse sources ensure an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals, emphasizing the need for a varied diet.
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Description
Explore the crucial role of micronutrients in metabolism and tissue function, with a focus on vitamins. This quiz covers the classification of vitamins, their functions, and the effects of deficiencies. Test your knowledge on daily allowances and the importance of vitamins in overall health.
