Why are the elderly more prone to Vitamin D deficiency?
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Lower skin production, diminished digestion and absorption, and reduced liver function.
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Why are the elderly more prone to Vitamin D deficiency?
Lower skin production, diminished digestion and absorption, and reduced liver function.
Which gastrointestinal disease is mentioned as a condition that may lead to Vitamin D deficiency?
Ulcerative colitis.
Is the activity of fat-soluble vitamins confined to a single substance?
No, the activity of each is not confined to a single substance.
How much vitamin D does fortified milk in the U.S. provide?
400 IU per quart, which supplies the daily requirement.
What is a characteristic of the basic structure of quinones?
They have twice the activity of the natural forms of Vitamin K.
What circumstances increase the dietary requirement for Vitamin A?
Illness/infection, trauma, anxiety/stress, pregnancy/lactation, alcohol use & smoking.
What role does Vitamin K play in the conversion of prothrombin?
Helps prothrombin convert to thrombin (with potassium and calcium).
What is the form of Vitamin K produced by intestinal bacteria?
Menaquinone (K2).
What food sources have the highest concentration of retinol?
Liver and fish liver oil.
How is vitamin K provided to newborns?
Through a prophylactic injection shortly after birth.
How can Carotenosis be differentiated from jaundice?
The color is slightly different, and the whites of the eyes do not turn color.
What complex does Vitamin A form to interact with genes?
Receptor - Vitamin A complex.
What conditions may accompany Vitamin K deficiency?
Fat malabsorption syndromes.
What are some symptoms of Hypervitaminosis A?
Skin erythema and desquamation, increased liver size, abdominal pain, nausea, headache, and appetite loss.
What are some sources of β-carotene?
Yellow and orange-colored fruits and vegetables, and leafy green vegetables.
Which proteins require Vitamin K for their synthesis?
Prothrombin and factors IX, VII, and X.
What is provitamin β-carotene metabolized into?
Retinol, retinal, or retinoic acid.
How does the potency of β-carotene compare to retinol?
β-carotene is less potent as a vitamin than retinol.
How does vitamin D affect gut absorption?
Increases gut absorption of Ca2+.
What is the most important naturally occurring compound of Vitamin E?
Alpha-tocopherol.
What skin condition is associated with Vitamin A deficiency?
Dry bumpy skin, especially on the backs of the arms.
What is the role of intestinal flora in vitamin K synthesis?
They synthesize the balance of our vitamin K requirement.
What recent discovery has been made regarding Vitamin K?
Additional Vitamin K-dependent plasma proteins have been identified.
What are the consequences of Vitamin A excess and deficiency?
Both are known to cause birth defects.
What is a proposed non-antioxidant function of Vitamin E?
It may modulate microsomal enzymes.
What does menadione increase in the body?
Bilirubin levels.
What are two potential health issues associated with Vitamin D deficiency in the elderly?
Nearsightedness and loss of hearing.
What is Hypervitaminosis A?
Toxicity of retinol and retinal.
What can lead to Vitamin K deficiency related to gut health?
A sterile gut due to high dose antibiotics.
How does Vitamin A deficiency affect immune function?
It is associated with a decrease in resistance to infection.
What is the role of Selenium in cellular defense?
It is an integral component of glutathione peroxidase, acting as a second defense against oxidation of lipids.
What are some symptoms of adult vitamin K toxicity?
Flushing, sweating, or a feeling of chest constriction.
What health issues are linked to low vitamin D levels?
Heart disease, cancer, infection, and diabetes risk factors.
Which common foods are good sources of Vitamin A?
Egg yolks and milk products.
What is the primary function of Vitamin K?
Necessary for normal blood clotting.
Which health conditions lower the ability to convert beta-carotene to Vitamin A?
Diabetes, low thyroid activity, and high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids without antioxidants.
What is one primary antioxidant function of Vitamin E?
Prevents the formation of peroxides from PUFAs.
What changes occur in blood and urine due to Vitamin D toxicity?
Increased levels of calcium and phosphorus.
What are the two known deficiency symptoms of Vitamin E?
In vitro hemolysis for RBC and anemia in premature infants.
Why is Selenium necessary for Vitamin E absorption?
It is necessary for pancreatic function, which is essential for lipid digestion and absorption.
What is the active form of Vitamin D?
1,25-dihydroxylcholecalciferol (1,25 DHCC).
What type of compounds are calciferol and related substances?
Sterols.
What is the synthetic form of Vitamin K?
Menadione (K3).
What potential effect does Vitamin A have during pregnancy?
Vitamin A may be teratogenic.
What are some other food sources of vitamin K?
Cruciferous vegetables, liver, milk & yogurt, egg yolks, fish liver oils.
What effect do salicylates have on Vitamin K?
They increase the need for Vitamin K.
What role does Vitamin A play in cellular differentiation?
It is important for the epithelium and cellular differentiation.
How many micrograms of other provitamin A carotenoids are equivalent to 1 Retinol Equivalent (R.E.)?
12 μg.
What is the first sign of Vitamin A deficiency?
Night blindness.
Why is high bilirubin a problem for infants?
Infants have a harder time handling high levels of bilirubin.
Why is vitamin D important for children?
It is very important for growth, especially for healthy bones and teeth.
What condition do children develop due to vitamin D deficiency?
Rickets.
What is the natural form of Vitamin K derived from plants?
Phylloquinone (K1).
What is a common fortified food in the U.S. that supplies vitamin D?
Milk, fortified with 400 IU of vitamin D per quart.
What percentage of our vitamin K requirement comes from the diet?
50%.
What happens to internal epithelial cells in Vitamin A deficiency?
They tend to keratinize.
What is a severe consequence of Vitamin A deficiency related to vision?
Eventual blindness.
What is the process that involves 11 cis-retinal and opsin?
They combine to form rhodopsin.
How does Vitamin E protect other vitamins?
It protects vitamins A, C, and carotene from oxidation.
What abnormal condition may occur in soft tissues due to excessive Vitamin D?
Abnormal calcification.
What form does the synthetic compound of Vitamin E exist in?
Racemic form (D/L or all-racemic).
How is Vitamin K used therapeutically?
It is used for its anticoagulant properties and other health benefits.
What are some effects of Vitamin A deficiency on skin appearance?
Decreased skin tone, rapid aging, and a variety of blemishes, acne, or boils.
What are the initial symptoms of Vitamin D toxicity?
Excessive thirst, diarrhea, nausea, weakness, and headaches.
What role does Vitamin E play in relation to oxygen free radicals?
It scavenges oxygen free radicals.
What anti-oxidation role does Vitamin A play?
It acts as an anti-oxidant.
What percentage of the US population consumes less than the RDA of Vitamin A?
About 25%.
What is the primary function of vitamin D?
Regulates Ca2+ and P metabolism.
How does supplementation affect adults with vitamin D deficiency?
It improves calcium absorption and reduces bone loss.
What factors can reduce the effect of sunshine on vitamin D synthesis?
Fog, smoke, window glass, and dark pigmentation.
How are fat-soluble vitamins absorbed from the gut?
They follow the same path as fat.
Do fat-soluble vitamins require daily intake?
No, they are stored in the body, so daily intake is not required.
Name a food source of vitamin K.
Dark green leafy vegetables.
What role does Vitamin A play in vision?
It is responsible for the transduction of light into neural signals in the retina.
How many micrograms of beta-carotene are equivalent to 1 Retinol Equivalent (R.E.)?
6 μg beta-carotene.
What can menadione cause when it builds up in the blood?
Hemolytic anemia.
What effect does vitamin D have on kidney function?
Decreases excretion of calcium from kidneys.
What percentage of US adults may be vitamin D deficient?
More than 30%.
What condition do adults experience due to vitamin D deficiency?
Osteomalacia.
What are some food sources of vitamin D?
Cream, butter, eggs, and liver.
How many naturally occurring compounds of Vitamin E have activity?
Seven.
What is a greater risk associated with fat-soluble vitamins?
They pose a greater risk for toxicity when consumed in excess compared to water-soluble vitamins.
How does Coumarin affect Vitamin K?
It competes with Vitamin K at its active sites.
What are some symptoms of Vitamin K deficiency?
Abnormal bleeding, nosebleeds, and internal hemorrhage.
What biochemical condition is associated with low plasma levels of Vitamin E?
Acne, anemia, infections, some cancers, periodontal disease, cholesterol gallstones, neuromuscular diseases, and Alzheimer’s disease.
What severe condition may develop from Vitamin A deficiency?
Corneal ulcers.
What happens to the number of circulating lymphocytes in severe Vitamin A deficiency?
It reduces the number of circulating lymphocytes.
What is the unit of measurement for Vitamin D activity?
IU (International Units), where 1 IU equals the activity of 0.025 μg of pure Vitamin D3.
What are the effects of osteomalacia in adults?
Poor calcification and soft bones, general bone loss, and osteoporosis.
What eye condition can result from Vitamin A deficiency?
Ulcer formation and Bitot’s spots.
What usually causes toxic amounts of Vitamin D?
Supplementation, not prolonged sun exposure.
How is Vitamin A in food expressed?
As retinol equivalents (R.E.).
How does Selenium relate to Vitamin E deficiency in animals?
Selenium can prevent or reduce the severity of many symptoms of Vitamin E deficiency.
Is toxicity from natural sources of vitamin K common?
No, it is rare; toxicity is more likely from synthetic vitamin K used in medical treatment.
What are the active forms of Vitamin D?
25-hydroxycholecalciferol and 1,25-dihydroxylcholecalciferol (calcitriol).
How does vitamin D deficiency affect muscular development in children?
It may be diminished.
What is the equivalent of 1 Retinol Equivalent (R.E.) in micrograms of retinol?
1 μg retinol.
In which conditions is Vitamin E deficiency more likely to occur?
Gastrointestinal disease, poor fat digestion and metabolism, or pancreatic insufficiency.
Which groups are most commonly deficient in Vitamin A?
The elderly, teenagers, and alcoholics.
What severe effects can Vitamin A deficiency have on the thymus and spleen?
Atrophy of the thymus and spleen.
What are the two main types of Vitamin D?
Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol) and Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol).
What are some physical manifestations of rickets in children?
Soft skull bones, bowing of the legs, spinal curvature, and enlarged joints.
How does Vitamin A deficiency affect immune function?
It reduces both T lymphocyte and B lymphocyte responses.
How can Vitamin A deficiency be corrected?
With supplemental vitamin A or beta-carotene.
What are some functions of vitamin D in the body?
Maintains normal blood levels, supports the nervous system, heart function, and normal blood clotting.
What dental issues can arise from low calcium availability in children?
Poor structure of teeth.
What other symptoms may occur due to vitamin D deficiency in children?
Muscle spasms and weakness in affected areas.
