What are Vitamins?

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of vitamins in the body?

To provide energy to the body

To serve as coenzymes for enzymatic reactions (correct)

To regulate body temperature

To synthesize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins

How are vitamins classified based on their solubility?

Based on their function in the body

Based on their solubility in water or fat (correct)

Based on their molecular structure

Based on their source in food

What is the term for the amount of vitamins available from foods?

Nutrient density

Micrograms

Bioavailability (correct)

Milligrams

What is the term for inactive forms of vitamins found in foods?

Precursors Signup and view all the answers

Why are vitamins essential for the body?

Because they are required for multiple biochemical reactions Signup and view all the answers

How do vitamins differ from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins?

In their structure and function Signup and view all the answers

What is the unit of measurement for the amounts of vitamins people ingest daily?

Micrograms Signup and view all the answers

What happens to precursor vitamins once they are ingested?

They are converted to active forms of the vitamin Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to handle vitamins with care during storage and cooking?

Because they are organic and can be destroyed Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why foods stored in transparent glass containers are likely to lose riboflavin?

Because of the ultraviolet rays of the sun or fluorescent light Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference in the way water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed by the body?

Water-soluble vitamins are absorbed directly into the blood, while fat-soluble vitamins enter the lymph first Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following vitamins is most susceptible to destruction by oxygen?

Vitamin C Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of cutting, processing, and storing foods that are rich in vitamin C?

Reduced action of the vitamin in the body Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic that distinguishes fat-soluble vitamins from water-soluble vitamins?

Their solubility in water or fat Signup and view all the answers

How do fat-soluble vitamins typically travel in the blood?

Attached to protein carriers Signup and view all the answers

Where are fat-soluble vitamins typically stored in the body?

In the fatty tissues and liver Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What are Vitamins?

Vitamins are nutrients required for maintaining body functions such as immunity and metabolism.
They are essential for various biochemical reactions, growth, survival, and reproduction of an organism.

Classification of Vitamins

Vitamins are classified as either fat-soluble (lipid soluble) or water-soluble based on solubility.
Fat-soluble vitamins include A, D, E, and K.
Water-soluble vitamins include C and B.

Characteristics of Vitamins

Vitamins are individual units, not linked together like carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
They do not yield usable energy when broken down, but assist enzymes in releasing energy from other nutrients.
Vitamin content in food is measured in micrograms (µg) or milligrams (mg).

Bioavailability and Precursors

Bioavailability refers to the amount of vitamins available from foods and absorbed by the body.
Some vitamins are available in inactive forms called precursors or provitamins, which are converted to active forms within the body.

Organic Nature and Handling

Vitamins are organic and can be destroyed, losing their functionality.
They must be handled with care during storage and cooking to prevent destruction.
Prolonged heating can destroy thiamin, while ultraviolet rays or fluorescent light can destroy riboflavin.
Oxygen can destroy vitamin C, leading to losses during food processing and storage.

Solubility and Its Effects

Vitamins are either hydrophilic (water-soluble) or hydrophobic (fat-soluble), like carbohydrates and proteins.
Solubility affects absorption, transport, storage, and excretion of vitamins by the body.
Water-soluble vitamins are found in watery food compartments, while fat-soluble vitamins occur in fats and oils.
Water-soluble vitamins move directly into the blood, while fat-soluble vitamins enter the lymph before the blood.
In the blood, water-soluble vitamins travel freely, while fat-soluble vitamins require protein carriers for transport.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Learn about the importance of vitamins in our bodies, including their role in immunity and metabolism, and the types of vitamins: fat soluble and water soluble.