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Questions and Answers
What is the main difference between water-soluble and lipid-soluble vitamins in terms of their storage in the body?
What is the main reason for vitamin deficiency in humans?
Which of the following vitamins is NOT a water-soluble vitamin?
What is the potential risk of excessive consumption of lipid-soluble vitamins?
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Which of the following groups may be at higher risk of vitamin deficiency?
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What is the main purpose of prescribing vitamins in general?
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What is the name of the form of Vitamin A?
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What is the reason for conducting large prospective placebo-controlled intervention trials?
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Study Notes
Vitamins and Minerals
- Vitamins are classified into two categories: water-soluble and fat-soluble.
- Water-soluble vitamins include:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
- Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
- Vitamin B12
- Fat-soluble vitamins include:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K (not listed but important)
- Minerals include:
- Iron
- Zinc
- Copper
- Iodine
- Selenium
Importance of Classification
- Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body and are excreted through urine when consumed in excess.
- Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in fatty tissues and the liver and are not excreted as readily, potentially leading to toxicity if consumed excessively.
General Physiology of Vitamins
- Humans are unable to synthesize adequate amounts of vitamins.
- Vitamin deficiency can result from:
- Inadequate dietary intake
- Increased demand (e.g. pregnancy or growth)
- Impaired absorption (e.g. coeliac disease, cystic fibrosis, pancreatic insufficiency or certain drugs)
- Vitamin deficiencies are rarely diagnosed in the UK, but their true incidence may be under-recognized, particularly in:
- Elderly
- Alcoholics
- Poor people
- Certain ethnic groups
Vitamin A (Retinoic Acid) and Its Derivatives
- Vitamin A exists in several forms that are interconverted.
- Retinol (vitamin A1) is a primary alcohol and is present in the tissues of animals and marine fishes.
- 3-dehydroretinol (vitamin A2) is present in freshwater fish.
- Retinoic acid has some but not all of the actions of retinol.
- Carotene is provitamin A and is readily converted into retinol in the body.
- Vitamin A has many physiological functions, including:
- Promoting growth and development
- Preventing night blindness
- Preventing keratomalacia and dry eyes
- Preventing keratinization of the skin
- Dietary sources of vitamin A include:
- Eggs
- Fish liver oil
- Liver
- Milk
- Vegetables
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Description
Learn about the different types of vitamins and minerals, including water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins, and essential minerals like iron and zinc.
