Vitamins and Minerals in Nursing Care

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins are organic compounds essential in small amounts for the proper functioning of the human body
The body cannot synthesize vitamins, so they must be obtained from dietary sources
There are 13 essential vitamins and 22 minerals that are necessary for the body

Classification of Vitamins

There are two types of vitamins: water-soluble and fat-soluble
Water-soluble vitamins: can be dissolved in water, excess amounts are excreted in the urine, and need to be consumed daily
Fat-soluble vitamins: can be dissolved in fat, excess amounts are stored in the liver and fatty tissues, and can be toxic in high doses

Vitamin A (Retinol)

Important for vision, skin, and mucous membranes
Can be obtained from animal products (liver, eggs, milk, and cheese) and carotenoids (orange/yellow fruits and vegetables)
RDA: 900 micrograms for males, 700 micrograms for females
Deficiency: night blindness, lowered immune system
Toxicity: skin orange, fatigue, weakness, headache, blurred vision, hair loss, and joint pain

Vitamin D (The Sunshine Vitamin)

Essential for building and maintaining bones and teeth
Responsible for absorption and utilization of calcium
RDA: 5 micrograms until age 50, 10 micrograms/day until 70, and 15 micrograms/day at 70+
Deficiency: rickets in children, osteoporosis in adults
Toxicity: hypercalcaemia, bone loss, and organ calcification

Vitamin E

Acts as an antioxidant, preventing free radical damage
Important for red blood cells, muscles, and other tissues
Deficiency: rare, but can cause hemolytic anemia and peripheral neuropathy
Foods: vegetable oils, salad dressings, whole grain cereals, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and seeds

Vitamin K

Important for blood clotting and bone health
Made in the intestines, and obtained from green leafy vegetables and liver
Deficiency: hemorrhagic disease of the newborn, osteoporosis

Water-Soluble Vitamins

Thiamin (Vitamin B1)
- Essential for energy metabolism
- Deficiency: fatigue, nausea, depression, nerve damage
- Foods: pork, beef, liver, peas, seeds, legumes, and whole grain products
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
- Essential for energy metabolism and red blood cell production
- Deficiency: dry, scaly skin
- Foods: milk, yogurt, cheese, whole grain breads, green leafy vegetables, and eggs
Niacin (Vitamin B3)
- Essential for energy metabolism and skin, nerve, and digestive system health
- Deficiency: rare, but causes diarrhea, dermatitis, dementia, and death
- Foods: meat, poultry, liver, eggs, brown rice, baked potatoes, fish, and whole grain foods
Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5)
- Essential for energy metabolism
- Deficiency: rare, but can cause "burning feet syndrome"
- Foods: ubiquitous, present in all foods
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxal phosphate)
- Essential for amino acid metabolism and energy production
- Deficiency: inflammation of the tongue, lip, and mouth
- Foods: meat, fish, milk, and nuts
Biotin
- Essential for energy metabolism and hormone production
- Deficiency: rare, but can cause hair loss, skin rash, and neurological symptoms
- Foods: egg yolks, liver, and whole grain cereals
Folate (Vitamin B9)
- Essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell production
- Deficiency: megaloblastic anemia and neural tube defects
- Foods: green leafy vegetables, liver, and whole grain cereals
Cobalamin (Vitamin B12)
- Essential for nervous system, red blood cell production, and DNA synthesis
- Deficiency: pernicious anemia and nervous system disorders
- Foods: only found in animal products, such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and milk products

Minerals

Calcium: essential for bone and tooth health
Phosphorus: essential for bone and DNA synthesis
Magnesium: essential for muscle and nerve function
Potassium: essential for heart function and blood pressure regulation
Sodium: essential for nerve and muscle function
Chloride: essential for fluid balance and digestive system health
Iron: essential for red blood cell production
Zinc: essential for immune system function and wound healing
Iodine: essential for thyroid function
Selenium: essential for antioxidant function
Copper: essential for connective tissue health
Manganese: essential for bone and metabolism health
Molybdenum: essential for sulfur amino acid metabolism
Fluoride: essential for tooth health### Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin C levels can be measured in white blood cells (“buffy coat”) through diagnostic tests.
Dietary sources of vitamin C include fresh fruit, particularly citrus fruits, and vegetables.
A deficiency in vitamin C can lead to impaired synthesis of collagen, causing scurvy, characterized by bleeding gums, bruising, and poor wound-healing.
Vitamin C supplements can improve wound-healing and decrease skin-bruising in some types of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome.
Vitamin C is essential for bone health, blood vessel health, cell structure, and the absorption of iron.