What are some causes of vitamin B deficiencies - Answers Causes relating to low intake- processed
foods, severe malnutrition.
Causes relating to malabsorption- heavy alcohol use, diseases which damage the intestines- IBS, celiac
disease.
Some genetic disorders affecting enzymes which have vitamins as a cofactor.
What is the active coenzyme of B1 (Thiamine) and what reaction is it a cofactor in - Answers Thymine
pyrophosphate (TTP)- decarboxylation reactions such as pyruvate DH, a-ketoglutarate DH and
transketolase.
Cause of vitamin B1 deficiency - Answers Polished white rice, alcoholism can impair uptake and
utilisation, acute complication of bariatric surgery.
Symptoms of mild B1 deficiency - Answers GI complaints, muscle weakness
Symptoms of moderate B1 deficiency - Answers Peripheral neuropathy, mental abnormalities, ataxia
What is the active coenzyme of B2 (Riboflavin) and what reaction is it a cofactor in - Answers Flavin
mononucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FMN and FAD)- electron acceptors. Act as prosthetic
groups in many redox enzymes- carbohydrate metabolism, b-oxidation of FA and the ETC.
Symptoms of B2 deficiency - Answers Inflammation of lining of mouth and tongue, dry and scaling skin,
keratisis, dermatitis, iron-deficiency anaemia, mental depression, forgetfulness.
Causes of vitamin B2 deficiency - Answers Poverty, malabsorptive syndromes, inborn error of
metabolism.
Can the body synthesis any B vitamins - Answers Yes the liver and gut bacteria can synthesises B3
(Niacin) but the processes are inefficient and very slow, so it must be supplied in the diet. Gut bacteria
can also synthesis B7.
Functions of B3 (Niacin) - Answers NAD+ and NADP+ are cofactors in carbohydrate metabolism, PPP, B-
oxidation of FA, AA synthesis and Nt synthesis.
Symptoms of B3 deficiency - Answers Diarrhoea, dermatitis, dementia, death.
Causes of B3 deficiency - Answers Alcoholics, strict vegetarians, poor nutrition and some drugs that
inhibit conversion of tryptophan into niacin.
What is the active coenzyme of B5 (Pantothenic acid) and what reaction is it a cofactor in - Answers
Acetyl CoA- cofactor for TCA cycle, metabolism of FA and formation of sterols.
Symptoms of B5 deficiency - Answers Burning feet (distal parenthesis), GI distress.