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Questions and Answers
What is the primary transport protein for Vitamin A in the blood?
What is the primary transport protein for Vitamin A in the blood?
Which form of Vitamin A is considered the active form?
Which form of Vitamin A is considered the active form?
What condition is primarily associated with Vitamin A deficiency and involves dryness and cloudiness of the cornea?
What condition is primarily associated with Vitamin A deficiency and involves dryness and cloudiness of the cornea?
Vitamin A can prevent which specific vision-related issue in low light conditions?
Vitamin A can prevent which specific vision-related issue in low light conditions?
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What is a consequence of Vitamin A deficiency on cellular behavior?
What is a consequence of Vitamin A deficiency on cellular behavior?
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Which of the following is NOT a function of retinoic acid, one of the active forms of Vitamin A?
Which of the following is NOT a function of retinoic acid, one of the active forms of Vitamin A?
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What can increase the risk of toxicity regarding fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin A?
What can increase the risk of toxicity regarding fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin A?
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Which form of Vitamin A is derived from animal sources and supports reproductive functions?
Which form of Vitamin A is derived from animal sources and supports reproductive functions?
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What is the primary function of Vitamin D in the body?
What is the primary function of Vitamin D in the body?
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Which vitamin has its RDA stated in micrograms of Retinol Activity Equivalent (RAE)?
Which vitamin has its RDA stated in micrograms of Retinol Activity Equivalent (RAE)?
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How is Vitamin D2 primarily obtained?
How is Vitamin D2 primarily obtained?
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Which of the following foods provides the highest amount of Vitamin A?
Which of the following foods provides the highest amount of Vitamin A?
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What form of Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin upon exposure to sunlight?
What form of Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin upon exposure to sunlight?
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Which carbohydrate is a precursor for the synthesis of Vitamin D?
Which carbohydrate is a precursor for the synthesis of Vitamin D?
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What is the active form of Vitamin D called?
What is the active form of Vitamin D called?
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What would be the RDA of Vitamin A for a female?
What would be the RDA of Vitamin A for a female?
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What is the recommended approach to determining the correct dose of Vitamin C for stopping a cold?
What is the recommended approach to determining the correct dose of Vitamin C for stopping a cold?
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Which vegetable has the highest Vitamin A content per cup?
Which vegetable has the highest Vitamin A content per cup?
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Based on the studies, which finding is consistent across the research regarding Vitamin C and colds?
Based on the studies, which finding is consistent across the research regarding Vitamin C and colds?
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In which organ is Vitamin D converted to its active form?
In which organ is Vitamin D converted to its active form?
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What negative effect can overdosing Vitamin C have on immune defense?
What negative effect can overdosing Vitamin C have on immune defense?
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What cooking method is least advisable to preserve Vitamin C content in vegetables?
What cooking method is least advisable to preserve Vitamin C content in vegetables?
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What mineral should be avoided in cookware to prevent Vitamin C degradation during cooking?
What mineral should be avoided in cookware to prevent Vitamin C degradation during cooking?
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Which product is not subject to mandatory addition of Vitamin C according to Canadian regulations?
Which product is not subject to mandatory addition of Vitamin C according to Canadian regulations?
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Which factor contributes to the instability of Vitamin C in a solution?
Which factor contributes to the instability of Vitamin C in a solution?
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How does the dosage of Vitamin C that might reduce the duration of cold symptoms vary?
How does the dosage of Vitamin C that might reduce the duration of cold symptoms vary?
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What is a primary reason for prothrombin deficiency in newborn infants?
What is a primary reason for prothrombin deficiency in newborn infants?
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Which of the following could lead to a secondary deficiency of Vitamin K?
Which of the following could lead to a secondary deficiency of Vitamin K?
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Which food is considered the best dietary source of Vitamin K?
Which food is considered the best dietary source of Vitamin K?
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How does the metabolism of Vitamin K get affected by anticonvulsants?
How does the metabolism of Vitamin K get affected by anticonvulsants?
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What is the maximum allowable dose of vitamins and minerals in supplements regulated by Health Canada typically based on?
What is the maximum allowable dose of vitamins and minerals in supplements regulated by Health Canada typically based on?
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What percentage of the required Vitamin K does bacterial synthesis in the digestive tract provide?
What percentage of the required Vitamin K does bacterial synthesis in the digestive tract provide?
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What is a significant action recommended regarding vitamin and mineral supplements?
What is a significant action recommended regarding vitamin and mineral supplements?
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What is the typical recommended daily intake of Vitamin K for males?
What is the typical recommended daily intake of Vitamin K for males?
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Which condition in children is characterized by delayed closing of the fontanel due to Vitamin D deficiency?
Which condition in children is characterized by delayed closing of the fontanel due to Vitamin D deficiency?
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What is the primary symptom of resistance to Vitamin D absorption?
What is the primary symptom of resistance to Vitamin D absorption?
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What is a possible consequence of excessive Vitamin D supplementation?
What is a possible consequence of excessive Vitamin D supplementation?
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How does skin pigmentation affect Vitamin D synthesis from sunlight?
How does skin pigmentation affect Vitamin D synthesis from sunlight?
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What is the main function of Vitamin E in the body?
What is the main function of Vitamin E in the body?
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Which environmental factors can destroy Vitamin E?
Which environmental factors can destroy Vitamin E?
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What role does Vitamin E play in relation to free radicals?
What role does Vitamin E play in relation to free radicals?
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What is a common presentation of rickets observed in the skeletal structure?
What is a common presentation of rickets observed in the skeletal structure?
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During winter, which geographical factor can limit Vitamin D synthesis?
During winter, which geographical factor can limit Vitamin D synthesis?
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Which vitamin neutralizes free radicals by donating an electron?
Which vitamin neutralizes free radicals by donating an electron?
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What is a consequence of Vitamin E toxicity?
What is a consequence of Vitamin E toxicity?
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What condition can result from the deficiency of Vitamin E?
What condition can result from the deficiency of Vitamin E?
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Which vitamin is noted for potentially increasing the risk of heart disease when supplemented?
Which vitamin is noted for potentially increasing the risk of heart disease when supplemented?
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What is the DRI for Vitamin E?
What is the DRI for Vitamin E?
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Which of the following is a natural form of Vitamin K?
Which of the following is a natural form of Vitamin K?
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Vitamin K is essential for the synthesis of which protein necessary for blood clotting?
Vitamin K is essential for the synthesis of which protein necessary for blood clotting?
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What is a primary dietary source of Vitamin E?
What is a primary dietary source of Vitamin E?
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What can a deficiency of Vitamin K lead to?
What can a deficiency of Vitamin K lead to?
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Studies have shown that excess Vitamin E supplementation increases the risk of what?
Studies have shown that excess Vitamin E supplementation increases the risk of what?
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What is the form of Vitamin K that is formed as a result of bacterial action in the intestinal tract?
What is the form of Vitamin K that is formed as a result of bacterial action in the intestinal tract?
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Which of the following foods is highest in Vitamin E content?
Which of the following foods is highest in Vitamin E content?
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What mechanism do antioxidants like vitamin E use to protect cells?
What mechanism do antioxidants like vitamin E use to protect cells?
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What may Vitamin C do in relation to Vitamin E's activity?
What may Vitamin C do in relation to Vitamin E's activity?
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Study Notes
Vitamins C, A, D, E, and K
- Vitamin C (Chapter 8)
- Vitamins A, D, E, K (Chapter 9)
Vitamin C: History
- Scurvy is the oldest vitamin deficiency known, described as early as 1500 BC.
- In 1535, Jacques Cartier's voyages suffered high rates of scurvy, a deadly disease affecting sailors. Symptoms included swollen limbs, bleeding gums and skin, tooth loss, and severe weakness.
- In 1747, James Lind, a British physician, conducted one of the first scientific experiments on scurvy. He divided 12 scurvy-stricken sailors into six groups, assigning each a different diet. The group given oranges and lemons recovered, leading Lind to conclude that something in citrus fruits prevents scurvy.
- In the 1970s, Linus Pauling promoted high doses of vitamin C to prevent and cure the common cold. He theorized the high doses of vitamin C stop colds by consuming 18 grams daily (with 75-90 mg being the Recommended Dietary Allowance). Despite the claims, large-scale studies later proved his theory incorrect.
- More research followed the 1970s, with randomized control trials generally showing no effect of Vitamin C on the severity or length of colds, though some studies show a slight reduction in symptoms. High doses of vitamin C are not recommended.
Vitamin C: Properties
- Water-soluble, making it unstable
- Easily oxidized by light, air, heat, and iron/copper
- Added to various food products, such as infant formula and fruit-flavored drinks (mandated in some places)
Vitamin C: Cooking Implications
- Minimize air exposure to prevent oxidation
- Boil vegetables in already boiling water for faster cooking and reduced nutrient loss
- Cook vegetables until tender, but not overcooked
- Chop vegetables before cooking
- Store cut foods in airtight containers in the refrigerator
- Avoid using iron or copper cookware
Vitamin C: Functions
- Collagen formation: crucial for healthy tissue, including skin, joints and blood vessels.
- Antioxidant: protects cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Aids in iron absorption: increases the body's ability to use iron.
Vitamin C: Deficiency
- Scurvy: results from severe vitamin C deficiency; characterized by bleeding, swollen gums, wounds that do not heal, dry skin, muscle cramps, skeletal changes in children, and joint pain.
Vitamin C: Toxicity
- Large quantities of vitamin C (greater than 2000mg/day) can cause adverse effects (diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps, kidney stones, acidic urine, etc).
Vitamin C: Dietary Sources
- Fruits like oranges, kiwi, and berries, tomatoes, and broccoli are rich sources of Vitamin C.
Vitamin A: Properties and Functions
- The first vitamin to be discovered
- Fat-soluble, stored in the liver
- Destroyed by light and oxygen
- Retinol Binding Protein: a transport protein that picks up Vitamin A from the liver
- Occurs in two forms:
- Retinoids: the active form found in animal products.
- Retinol: involved in reproduction
- Retinal: participates in vision
- Retinoic acid: regulates growth, tooth and bone development, and maintaining skin
- Carotenoids (precursors): found in plants.
- Beta-carotene: converted to vitamin A; functions as an antioxidant
- Retinoids: the active form found in animal products.
- Important to maintain vision and various cellular functions.
Vitamin A: Deficiency
- Xerophthalmia: eye disorder associated with vitamin A deficiency; begins with night blindness, then progressing to dryness in the eye, wrinkling, cloudiness, and softening of the cornea (keratomalacia). Without treatment, it can cause rupture and infection leading to persistent blindness.
- Damage to epithelial tissues leads to keratinization (hardened skin).
Vitamin A: Toxicity
- Hypervitaminosis A (Vitamin A poisoning); characterized by nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, lack of muscle coordination, weak bones, birth defects, increased tumor size in lung cancer patients, dry skin resulting from medications created from Vitamin A.
- Beta-carotene toxicity: does not cause the same problems as the intake of Vitamin A; instead, excess beta-carotene is stored in fat tissue, and the skin may turn yellow.
Vitamin A: Dietary Sources
- Best sources are milk and milk products, liver, eggs, butter. Yellow and orange vegetables (like carrots), and dark green leafy vegetables contain beta-carotene, a Vitamin A precursor.
Vitamin D: Properties and Functions
- Vitamin D can be synthesized by the body through exposure to sunlight.
- Vitamin D can be acquired from animal products.
- Essential for bone mineralization, calcium absorption. Active form: calcitriol.
Vitamin D: Deficiency
- Rickets (in children): characterized by beaded ribs and a delayed closing of the fontanels (soft spots in the skull), leading to bone malformation and weak, brittle bones.
- Osteomalacia (in adults): adult form of rickets with similar symptoms.
Vitamin D: Toxicity (Hypervitaminosis D)
- Excessive Vitamin D intake can lead to hypercalcemia, characterized by excess calcium in the body.
- Excess calcium can accumulate in soft tissues, causing calcification and potentially damaging blood vessels, leading to kidney stones.
Vitamin D: Dietary Sources
- Fortified milk (a great source)
- Egg yolks
- Liver
- Fatty fish (salmon, sardines)
Vitamin E: Properties and Functions
- Also called tocopherol; this compound was initially discovered as an essential chemical for reproduction in rats.
- Fat-soluble (stored in body fat)
- Sensitive to oxygen, light, heat, and metals.
- Functions as a powerful antioxidant; protect cell membranes from damage caused by free radicals.
Vitamin E: Deficiency
- Red blood cell breakdown. Can lead to anemia.
- May interfere with vitamin K's role in blood clotting.
Vitamin E: Toxicity
- High intake may interfere with vitamin K absorption. Research suggests it can increase the risk for heart disease.
Vitamin E: Dietary Sources
- Vegetable oils (e.g., wheat germ oil, sunflower oil)
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Green leafy vegetables
- Some fish such as salmon and sardines
Vitamin K: Properties and Functions
- The compound was first discovered when attempting to treat hemorrhagic disease in chickens.
- Involved in blood clotting (synthesis of clotting factors); prothrombin plays a key role.
Vitamin K: Deficiency
- Inability/Inadequate absorption from the small intestine
- Liver impairment
- Infants are susceptible to prothrombin deficiency; given an injection shortly after birth due to difficulties in placental transfer
- Secondary deficiencies can result from antibiotics that disrupt synthesis, and anticoagulant/anticonvulsant medications.
Vitamin K: Dietary Sources
- Key to the diet; found in green leafy vegetables (e.g., broccoli, kale, spinach), other vegetables, and some fruits. Milk, eggs, and certain oils may contain modest amounts.
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Description
Test your knowledge on essential vitamins, including Vitamin C's history and its significance in preventing diseases like scurvy. This quiz covers Chapters 8 and 9, focusing on vitamin functions and historical findings related to vitamin deficiencies.
