Nutrition Module 7 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How are vitamins like minerals?

Both vitamins and minerals are micronutrients, found in food, required for health, and needed in milligram or microgram amounts.

How are vitamins different from minerals?

Vitamins are organic compounds, while minerals are inorganic elements.

What are the three most common individual elements in vitamins?

Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen.

Do vitamins contain energy?

False Signup and view all the answers

Vitamins are and minerals are .

organic; inorganic Signup and view all the answers

How are vitamins classified?

Vitamins are classified as fat-soluble or water-soluble. Signup and view all the answers

Which vitamins are fat-soluble?

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

In general, how do fat-soluble vitamins differ from water-soluble vitamins?

Fat-soluble vitamins can be stored in body fat for longer periods, while water-soluble vitamins need to be replenished more often. Signup and view all the answers

Which vitamins can be made by the body?

Vitamin D, Niacin, and Vitamin K. Signup and view all the answers

What are the forms of Vitamin A?

Retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid; beta-carotene as the precursor. Signup and view all the answers

What are the roles of vitamin A in the body?

Essential for night vision, protection against disease, normal growth, development, and eye cell health. Signup and view all the answers

What are the possible consequences of not getting enough Vitamin A?

Night blindness and total permanent blindness. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if an adult does not get enough iodine?

The thyroid enlarges, causing a goiter. Signup and view all the answers

What can happen to children born to women who were iodine deficient during their pregnancy?

They can be born both mentally and physically retarded. Signup and view all the answers

What are the sources of iodine in our diet?

Found in ocean and fish from the ocean, fortified salt. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to say that vitamin A (or any other compound) regulates gene expression?

It means it can turn genes on or off. Signup and view all the answers

Where do we see significant vitamin A deficiency in the world?

South Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. Signup and view all the answers

How are minerals classified?

Minerals are classified as major or macro-minerals and trace elements. Signup and view all the answers

What are some general functions of minerals?

They are required for health. Signup and view all the answers

What is the unique role of iodine in health?

Iodine is needed for the production of T3 and T4 hormones from the thyroid gland. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vitamins vs Minerals

Both vitamins and minerals are essential micronutrients required for health, found in food, and needed in small amounts (milligrams/micrograms).
Vitamins are organic compounds, while minerals are inorganic elements from the periodic table.

Common Elements in Vitamins

The three predominant elements in vitamins are carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

Energy Content

Neither vitamins nor minerals provide energy.

Organic Classification

Vitamins are classified as organic, while minerals are considered inorganic.

Vitamin Classification

Vitamins are categorized into two types: fat-soluble and water-soluble.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

The fat-soluble vitamins include A, D, E, and K.

Deficiency and Storage

Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in body fat and the liver, making deficiencies less likely compared to water-soluble vitamins, which require more frequent replenishment.

Body-Made Vitamins

The human body can synthesize Vitamin D, Niacin, and Vitamin K, the latter being produced by bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.

Forms of Vitamin A

Vitamin A exists in two forms: preformed vitamin A (retinol, retinal, retinoic acid) and its precursor, beta-carotene.
Preformed vitamin A is more toxic in excess.

Roles of Vitamin A

Vitamin A is crucial for night vision, immune function, growth, and eye health.
The retinal version aids in night vision while the retinoic version influences immunity by engaging genes that convert undifferentiated cells into immune cells.

Vitamin A Deficiency and Toxicity

Deficiency in Vitamin A can lead to night blindness or total permanent blindness.
Excessive intake of preformed Vitamin A may cause liver damage.

Gene Expression Regulation

Vitamin A regulates gene expression by activating or deactivating genes.

Global Vitamin A Deficiency

Significant deficiencies are prevalent in regions such as South Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean.

Classification of Minerals

Minerals are classified as major (macro-minerals) and trace elements based on their required amounts in the body.

Functions of Minerals

Minerals play a vital role in maintaining health.

Importance of Iodine

Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), regulating metabolism, growth, and body temperature.
Iodine deficiency in adults can cause goiter, and children born to iodine-deficient mothers may face mental and physical impairments.

Dietary Sources of Iodine

Iodine is abundant in oceanic sources, including fish, and can be consumed through iodized salt.

UN Initiatives

The UN is working to reduce iodine deficiency globally, including initiatives such as fortifying salt.

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Description

Explore the essential concepts of vitamins and minerals in this Module 7 flashcard quiz. Understand the similarities and differences between these vital micronutrients critical for health. Perfect for students looking to enhance their knowledge in nutrition and dietary science.