Nutrition: Niacin and Folate Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What are the two coenzymes for which niacin functions as a component?

NAD+ and NADP+

NAD and ATP

NADH and NADPH

NAD and NADP (correct)

What is one of the primary clinical symptoms of niacin deficiency known as pellagra?

Anemia

Fatigue

Dermatitis (correct)

Headaches

Which of the following best describes the dietary source of niacin found in corn?

Well absorbed without modification

Fortified with calcium to enhance bioavailability

Only present in animal products

Bound to other molecules and poorly absorbed (correct)

What is a potential effect of taking 75 mg or more of nicotinic acid?

Flushed skin from vasodilation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following nutrients co-deficient with niacin can contribute to the development of pellagra?

Riboflavin Signup and view all the answers

What can be a side effect of megadosing niacin?

Irregular heartbeat Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of folate for adults?

400 µg/day Signup and view all the answers

What cooking process can improve the bioavailability of niacin in corn?

Treatment with lime water Signup and view all the answers

Which population is recommended to consume the highest level of folate?

Pregnant women Signup and view all the answers

What is another name for biotin that was used during its early discovery?

Coenzyme R Signup and view all the answers

What is the upper limit of folate intake per day for adults?

1000 µg/day Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can result from excessive folate supplementation?

Vitamin B12 deficiency masking Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following nutrients is considered a non-essential nutrient?

Inositol Signup and view all the answers

What is Coenzyme Q10 commonly referred to as?

Ubiquinone Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following foods is the best source of folate?

1 cup of Lentils Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential benefit of high levels of folate for Alzheimer's patients?

Improve memory and reduce memory decline Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following nutrients is falsely claimed to enhance muscle development?

Carnitine Signup and view all the answers

What is another name for folate?

Folic acid Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding folate is true?

Folate is essential for new cell growth. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an actual B vitamin?

Vitamin B15 Signup and view all the answers

In which food products is folate added as per Canadian regulations?

White flour Signup and view all the answers

What is the source of folate that is commonly fortified in breakfast cereals?

Raisin bran cereal Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Vitamin O is correct?

It is a form of oxygenated salt water. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of folate as a coenzyme?

Helping make DNA for new cell growth Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of folate deficiency during pregnancy?

Megaloblastic anemia Signup and view all the answers

What condition can occur if there is inadequate folate during neural tube closure?

Spina bifida Signup and view all the answers

What has been observed since the fortification of cereals with folate began in 1996?

Decreased spina bifida rates Signup and view all the answers

How may folate fortification potentially affect cancer rates, according to some studies?

Increase in colon cancer rates Signup and view all the answers

What is the name given to the coenzyme form of folate involved in energy production?

THF Signup and view all the answers

What are megaloblastic blood cells characterized by?

Irregular shapes and larger size Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary dietary source of Vitamin B12?

Animal products Signup and view all the answers

Why might vegans need to consider supplements for Vitamin B12?

They do not consume sufficient Vitamin B12 from food. Signup and view all the answers

What has been proven about Vitamin B12 supplementation in non-deficient individuals?

It has no proven benefits. Signup and view all the answers

What compound does choline help synthesize that is essential for neurotransmission?

Acetylcholine Signup and view all the answers

Why was choline designated as an essential nutrient by the Institute of Medicine?

It is vital for muscle control and nerve function. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to healthy men on a choline-free diet according to research?

They developed liver damage. Signup and view all the answers

How is choline classified in nutritional science?

A conditionally essential nutrient Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome?

Excess alcohol consumption Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is commonly associated with dry Beri Beri?

Extreme weakness Signup and view all the answers

What are the best food sources of thiamin (B1)?

Pork and whole grains Signup and view all the answers

What can destroy riboflavin (B2)?

Exposure to light Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of riboflavin in the body?

Part of coenzymes for energy production Signup and view all the answers

During the Kreb’s cycle, what happens to FAD when it accepts hydrogens?

It becomes FADH2 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following foods is mandated to have riboflavin added under Canadian regulations?

White flour Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of FADH2 passing through the electron transport chain?

It generates ATP Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Vitamins

Vitamins are organic compounds vital for various bodily processes, from growth and reproduction to maintaining health.
They are needed in small amounts.
They function as part of coenzymes.
Vitamins are classified as water-soluble or fat-soluble.

Vitamins - General Information

Casmir Funk (1911) identified substances in foods vital to life, naming them vitamins.
The word "vita" means life, and "amine" refers to nitrogen-containing compounds.
- Not all vitamins contain nitrogen, however
Vitamins are often isolated and purified
They might be added to a food (fortification/enrichment) or pills (supplements).
Examples: naturally present in foods, added to foods, or consumed as natural health products are all part of the modern diet.
Key function: promote and regulate growth, reproduction, and health maintenance.

Classification of Vitamins

Water-soluble vitamins: dissolve in water
- Examples: B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, biotin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, Vitamin C)
Fat-soluble vitamins: dissolve in fat
- Examples: Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K

Thiamin (B1)

Thiamin (B1) - History

Beri beri, a disease involving symptoms like weakness, fatigue, and depression, was found to be related to a deficiency.
- Takaki (Japanese naval officer) observed that removing the outer husk from rice was a risk factor for this disease.
- Eijkmman later found that chickens receiving a diet solely of refined rice developed Beri Beri, but adding rice husks to the diet resolved symptoms.
The chemical structure was determined in 1936/37.
Thiamin is important for energy release.

Thiamin (B1) - Chemistry and Properties

Water-soluble; destroyed by heat and oxygen.
Canadian regulations added Thiamin in some processed foods.

Thiamin (B1) - Function

Thiamin pyrophosphate (TPP) is a coenzyme in energy-releasing reactions.
It is needed in pyruvate-acetyl CoA and ketoglutarate-succinyl CoA reactions.
TPP is a part of nerve cells.

Thiamin (B1) - Deficiency

Symptoms of deficiency include beri beri (including 4 forms: infantile, wet, dry, and cerebral).
Cerebral beri beri also known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is linked to alcohol consumption.

Thiamin (B1) - Food Sources

Pork and whole grains are good sources of thiamin.

Riboflavin (B2) - History

The second B vitamin discovered.
Another name is Vitamin B2

Riboflavin (B2) - Chemistry and Properties

Water-soluble
Susceptible to light.
Canadian regulations added Riboflavin in processed foods.

Riboflavin (B2) - Function

Part of coenzymes FMN and FAD needed in energy-producing processes of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Riboflavin (B2) - Deficiency

Deficiency disease is called Ariboflavinosis.
Symptoms include cheilosis, glossitis, and ocular disorders (including eye inflammation, itching, and sensitivity to light)

Riboflavin (B2) - Food Sources

Grains, milk and milk products, and meat are good sources of riboflavin.

Niacin (B3) - History

The third B vitamin discovered.
Another name is vitamin B3
Major discovery was due to researching pellagra

Niacin (B3) - Chemistry and Properties

Water-soluble
Canadian regulations added Niacin in processed foods.

Niacin (B3) - Function

Part of coenzymes NAD and NADP used in energy-releasing processes.
Needed for tryptophan conversion into niacin

Niacin (B3) - Deficiency

Deficiency causes pellagra
Symptoms include dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia

Niacin (B3) - Food Sources

Protein rich foods are good sources.

Biotin (B7) -

Biotin - General Information

Also called coenzyme R or vitamin H
Water soluble.
Found in most foods

Biotin - Function

Serves as a coenzyme in metabolic processes.

Biotin - Deficiency

Deficiency is rare.
Raw egg whites contain avidin that binds to biotin inhibiting absorption, causing deficiency.

Biotin - Toxicity

There is generally no toxicity known.

Biotin - Food Sources

All foods

Pantothenic Acid (B5) -

Pantothenic Acid (B5) - General Information

Also called vitamin B5
Found in many foods

Pantothenic Acid (B5) - Biochemistry and Properties

Often susceptible to damage by heat/acid

Pantothenic Acid (B5) - Function

Part of CoA coenzyme used in energy extraction

Pantothenic Acid (B5) - Deficiency

There is no known deficiency

Pantothenic Acid (B5) - Toxicity

Potentially causes diarrhea in large doses

Pantothenic Acid (B5) - Food Sources

All foods

Vitamin B6 :

Vitamin B6 - General Information

A complex of three related compounds.
Also referred to Pyridoxine , pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine.
Water soluble.

Vitamin B6 - Function

Part of co-enzymes needed for protein metabolism

Vitamin B6 - Deficiency

Deficiency is rare, but can lead to anemia and other symptoms

Vitamin B6 - Food Sources

Common in protein-rich foods

Folate -

Folate - General Information

Also called folic acid or PGA
Water-soluble

Folate - History

Dr. Lucy Wills discovered that folate was necessary to prevent anemia during pregnancy.

Folate - Function

Part of coenzyme THF vital in protein metabolism and DNA synthesis

Folate - Deficiency

Deficiency causes anemia and neural tube defects like spina bifida.
Particularly during pregnancy.

Folate - Toxicity

Excessive intake (not common from diet alone)

Folate - Food Sources

Common in green vegetables, legumes, and some fortified foods

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 - History

Researchers observed pernicious anemia linked to low liver quantities of a substance named B12.
Found that large quantities of liver cured anemia
Its structure was later determined and named "cobalamin."

Vitamin B12 - Chemistry and Properties

B12 is stored in the liver and its absorption requires intrinsic factor in the stomach.
It's a relatively long-lasting nutrient in the body; therefore, less frequent consumption is required.

Vitamin B12 - Function

A part of coenzymes important for cell growth and DNA production

Vitamin B12 - Deficiency

Leads to pernicious anemia due to poor absorption linked to intrinsic factor.

Vitamin B12 - Food Sources

Primarily found in animal products.

Choline -

Choline - General Information

A water-soluble compound.
Used by the body to make acetylcholine and phospholipids for cell structure, and is needed for muscle control.

Choline - Biochemistry

The body can make sufficient choline amounts when processed by intestinal cells.
Reconfigured into lecithin molecules.

Choline - Nutritional Considerations

The body can synthesize sufficient amounts; nevertheless, research shows that choline-deficient diets can damage the liver.
Classified as a conditionally essential nutrient.

Vitamin B Imposters -

Compounds marketed as B vitamins that are not actual B vitamins include inositol and lipoic acid.
They're made by the body and plentiful in foods, so they're considered non-essential.
Other imposters include Vitamin P, Coenzyme Q10, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B15, Vitamin B17, Vitamin O, and Vitamin B4.

Important Metabolic Pathways

Many metabolic pathways utilize these B vitamins in critical roles, like energy production from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Note:

Information on toxicity, deficiency symptoms, and dietary sources needs to be further dissected across each vitamin.

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Description

Test your knowledge on niacin and folate, two essential nutrients. This quiz covers their functions, dietary sources, clinical symptoms of deficiencies, and more. Challenge yourself with questions about dietary recommendations and coenzymes related to these critical vitamins.