Guide
essential vitamins Ans- 13 vitamins that animal cells need but can't synthesize
found in both plant and animal sources
vitamins produced by the body Ans- vitamin K and biotin (gut flora)
vitamin D (skin)
vitamin A (from beta carotene)
niacin (tryptophan)
two criteria for vitamins Ans- 1. must be consumed in the diet to maintain health.
2. symptoms of deficiency occur in its absence
enrichment Ans- adding nutrients back that have been lost to processing
fortification Ans- adding nutrient not naturally present in a food
Fat soluble vitamins Ans- Vitamins A, D, E, K
stored in liver and adipose tissue
excess consumption could lead to toxic levels
two forms of vitamin a Ans- 1. Preformed Vitamin A (retinol/retinal), found in foods and animal
products: liver, fish, fish oils, fortified milk, yogurt, and eggs
2. Provitamin A or Carotene, the pigment in yellow, orange, and deep green fruits or vegetables
vitamin A functions Ans- Vision
skin and epithelial health
growth, development, reproduction
, disease prevention
two forms of vitamin D Ans- D2 (ergocalciferol, synthetic) and D3 (cholecalciferol)
produced skin > liver > kidney
fatty fish, fortified cereal, eggs, butter, fortified milk, and yogurt
vitamin D functions Ans- regulation of calcium levels and bone metabolism
immune system, skin development, muscle health, and blood pressure control
vitamin A deficiency Ans- Night blindness, xeropthalmia, dry skin, growth failure
toxicity > 3000mcg/day increased hip fracture, liver toxicity, and fetal malformations
vitamin D deficiency Ans- rickets, osteomalacia
increased risk of infections, cancers, autoimmune disease, and cardiovascular disease
vitamin E function Ans- antioxidant that protects erythrocytes and membranes from damage
in the body (alpha-tocopherol) or in plants (gamma-tocopherol)
oils, cereals, eggs, margarines, whole grains, and nuts.
vitamin E deficiency Ans- Rare, can occur if fat malabsorption is present
cellular breakdown and hemolysis
toxicity > 1000mg/day may interfere with blood clotting action of Vitamin K
vitamin K function Ans- blood clotting, bone formation
oils, plants, fish and meats, green leafy vegetables, green beans, soybean and canola oils, and liver
synthesize small amts in GI tracts (except infants)
80mcg
deficiency and toxicity both rare