Human Nutrition Exam #4

Which vitamin is unavailable for absorption with large intakes of raw egg whites?

Biotin

_________________ are ions or small molecules that interact with enzymes, enabling the enzymes to function.

Coenzymes

Folate

Component of a group of coenzymes called THFA; cells need this to produce DNA. A deficiency affects cells that divide quickly, like red blood cells. It can cause megaloblastic anemia, and many abnormalities in a child when a woman is pregnant. Sources of this vitamin include leafy vegetables, liver, legumes, asparagus, broccoli and orange juice.

Pantothenic Acid

Component of coenzyme A; helps release energy from macronutrients and is needed for fatty acid synthesis. It is so widespread in foods that a nutritional deficiency is unlikely to occur among healthy people who eat varied diets. However, deficiency symptoms include headache, fatigue, impaired muscle coordination, GI tract disturbances, and burning feet syndrome. Rich sources include cereals that have been fortified with the vitamin, beef and chicken liver, sunflower seeds, mushrooms, peas, and soy milk.

Vitamin B6

Component of the coenzyme PLP; helps produce heme, the iron part of hemoglobin. Also helps produce neurotransmitters. Cases of deficiency are rare, but can cause dermatitis, anemia, convulsions, depression, and confusion. Liver, fish, meat, potatoes, bananas, spinach, sweet red peppers and broccoli are good food sources.

Chromium

Enhances the effect of insulin, also important for carbohydrate, dat, and protein metabolism and storage. A deficiency can lead to impaired glucose tolerance, which often precedes the development of type 2 diabetes. In general, meat, whole-grain products, yeast, spices, fruits, and vegetables are good sources of chromium.

Which vitamins are synthesized in the GI tract?

Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and/or K)

How much folate is absorbed from foods?

Folate is easily destroyed by heat, oxidation, and ultraviolet light. Food processing and preparation can destroy 50-90% of the folate in food.

Chloride

Functions in hydrochloric acid production, regulation of acid-base balance, transmission of nerve impulses, and immune fighting response of white blood cells. A deficiency disorder is unlikely; but deficiencies may be seen in cases of extreme vomiting, diarrhea, and/or sweating, as well as with diuretic use. Food sources include table or sea salt, rye, seaweed, tomatoes, celery and olives.

Sodium

Plays a major role in maintaining normal fluid balance. Also necessary for the transmitting impulses by nerves, normal functioning of muscles, and transporting small substances such as glucose and amino acids into cells. Hyponatremia can result from a deficiency. Symptoms include weight loss, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and muscle cramping. Food sources: table salt, tomato sauce, french fries, processed foods, etc.

Magnesium

Plays an essential role in many important metabolic and physiological activities, including contraction and relaxation of muscles, enzyme function, energy production, and DNA and protein synthesis. A deficiency can cause irritability, weakness, loss of appetite, and muscle twitching. Symptoms include: rapid heartbeat, inability to relax muscles, disorientation, and hallucinations. Plant foods such as spinach, pumpkin seeds, black beans, some ready-to-eat cereals, almonds, and chocolate are good sources of magnesium.

What are some good sources of thiamin from food?

Pork, legumes, orange juice, whole grains, enriched breads/cereals

Biotin

Promotes the synthesis of glucose and fatty acids and the breakdown of certain amino acids. A deficiency is rare; but can include skin rash, hair loss, convulsions, and other neurological disorders. Liver, eggs, peanuts, salmon, pork, mushrooms, and sunflower seeds are good sources.

Vitamin E

Protects polyunsaturated fatty acids in cell membranes from being damaged by free radicals, if this damage happens, it may be associated with atherosclerosis. Inadequate intake can damage the nervous and immune system, cause loss of neuromuscular control and blindness. Food sources of this vitamin include sunflower seeds, almonds, plant oils, fish, whole grains, etc.

Which mineral is increased in processed foods?

Sodium

Phosphorus

Synthesizes ATP, phospholipids, DNA, RNA, regulates acid-base balance, etc. A deficiency is rare; but leads to bone loss and decreased bone mineralization and strength. Food sources include: dairy foods, meat, cereal grains.

Vitamin K

The liver needs this vitamin to produce four blood-clotting factors, including prothrombin, properly. A deficiency is rare, but can occur in patients with liver diseases or fat absorption abnormalities. Increased time it takes for blood to clot is a major sign. Food sources are green leafy vegetables such as kale, salad greens, cabbage, spinach, broccoli, green beans, soybean and canola oils.

Which B vitamin is more available for absorption in supplement from that from foods?

Vitamin B-12

What are some factors that inhibit iron absorption?

Vitamin C

What are some factors that enhance iron absorption?

Vitamin C, heme iron, leavening of bread, fermentation, soaking beans or grains

Which vitamin is found in yellow milk jugs?

Vitamin D

What are some calcium inhibitors?

Vitamin D deficiency, reduced stomach acid secretion, phytic and oxalic acid intake, high fiber intake, high phosphorus intake, chronic diarrhea, fat malabsorption

What are some calcium absorption enhancers?

Vitamin D, stomach acid, lactose (only in infants)

Which nutrients have an antioxidant function?

Vitamin E

What is a fat soluble vitamin?

Vitamins found in the lipid portions of foods and tend to associate with lipids in the body. (Vitamins A, D, E, & K)

What is a water soluble vitamin?

Vitamins that dissolve in the watery components of food and the body. (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, pantothenic acid, folate, biotin, vitamin C, and vitamin B-12.

What is osteoporosis?

a medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue, typically as a result of hormonal changes, or deficiency of calcium or vitamin D.

What are some ways to prevent osteoporosis?

proper diet and exercise, obtain sufficient calcium and vitamin D

Calcium

Although the body needs this vitamin to form bones and teeth, the mineral is also involved in muscle contraction, blood clot formation, nerve impulse transmission, and cell metabolism. Osteoporosis and osteopenia, weak bones, can result from a deficiency. Food sources include: milk, yogurt, cheese, almonds, orange juice, kale, broccoli, etc.

Vitamin D

Functions in production and maintenance of healthy bones, stimulates small-intestine cells to absorb calcium and phosphorus from food. Can also help reduce the risks of heart disease, cancer, diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis, asthma, and depression. A low intake of this vitamin can cause rickets in children, and osteomalacia in adults. It creates "soft bones," causing them to bend and break easily. Fish liver oils, fatty fish including salmon, herring, and catfish, orange juice, milk, margarine, and some cereals are good food sources.

Vitamin B12

Functions to maintain the myelin sheaths that wrap around parts of certain nerve cells, insulating them. Also converts folate to coenzyme forms that are needed for metabolic reactions, including DNA synthesis. A deficiency can result in nerve damage and megaloblastic RBCs. It can also cause muscle weakness, difficulty walking, numbness, etc. To prevent this from happening, one can intake meat, milk and milk products, poultry, fish, shellfish, and eggs.

Copper

Has a group of enzymes called cuproenzymes; functions in antioxidant activity, energy metabolism, iron storage and transport, etc. Deficiency is rare; but can result in anemia, poor bone health, abnormal skin pigmentation, impaired neurological and immune system functioning, and poor growth. Food sources: organ meats, shellfish, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

B3-Niacin

Has coenzymes that participate in at least 200 reactions, including pathways involved in the release of energy from macronutrients. Having a poor intake of this vitamin causes poor appetite, weight loss, weakness, and sometimes pellagra. Food sources of this vitamin are enriched cereals, beef liver, tuna, salmon, poultry, pork, and mushrooms.

Vitamin C

Has widespread roles, including collagen synthesis, antioxidant activity, and immune function. A deficiency is rare, but can cause scurvy-swollen gums, easy skin bruising, swelling and aching of joints, etc. Food sources include peppers, citrus fruit, papaya, broccoli, cabbage and berries.

B1-Thiamin

Helps breakdown of carbohydrates to release energy and metabolism of the branched-chain amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Helps produce neurotransmitters. A deficiency can result in beriberi; a condition that makes a person feel weak and have poor muscle coordination. It can also negatively impact cardiovascular, digestive, and nervous systems. Some good food sources of this vitamin are whole grain breads and cereals, pork, legumes, and orange juice.

Vitamin A

Helps the body function and develop properly. Helps bone and cell growth and development, eyesight. When there is a deficiency, it can cause infertility, increased risk of infections, night blindness, etc. Animal foods such as liver, butter, fish, fish oils and eggs are good food sources.

Vitamin C enhances the absorption of what mineral?

Iron

Riboflavin

Is in two enzymes that play key roles in enzymatic reactions, including those that are critical to energy, fatty acid, and folate metabolism. Deficiency disease is not common, but is called ariboflavinosis and can include symptoms of fatigue, inflammation of mucus membranes that line the mouth and throat, and glossitis-a swollen, sore tongue. A few good food sources of this vitamin are milk, yogurt, mushrooms, broccoli, asparagus, etc.

What foods are good sources of Biotin?

Liver, eggs, peanuts, salmon, pork, mushrooms, sunflower seeds

Potassium

Maintains proper fluid balance, and is necessary for transmitting nerve impulses, contracting muscles, and maintaining normal kidney function. The risk of a deficiency is greater than the risk of sodium deficiency. It can result in excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or kidney diseases. Symptoms include: loss appetite, muscle cramps, confusion, constipation, and increased urinary calcium excretion. Food sources include: bananas, milk, baked potatoes, spinach, papaya, etc.

Iron

Necessary for energy metabolism, growth, reproduction, wound healing, and immune function. A deficiency can cause unhealthy RBCs and impaired blood oxygen transport. It can cause iron deficiency anemia, including symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, irritability, headaches, shortness of breath, decrease in appetite, etc. Food sources include: beef, fish, poultry, some ready-to-eat cereals, soybeans, etc.

Zinc

Necessary for growth and development, wound healing, sense of taste and smell, DNA synthesis, and proper functioning of nervous and immune systems. Symptoms of a deficiency include loss of appetite, diarrhea, hair loss, skin rash, poor wound healing, impaired sense of taste, and mental slowness. In severe cases it can stunt a child's growth. Red meat and poultry products are good sources. Avocados, spinach, peas, asparagus, milk, yogurt, eggs, beans, etc. are also sufficient sources.

Fluoride

Needed for bone health, can also remineralize the tooth surface and prevent cavities from developing. Deficiencies can result in more dental caries. Food sources include fluids such as fluoridated water, coffee, tea, soft drinks, beer and juice.

What B-vitamin may lower blood cholesterol in pharmacological doses?

Niacin

Iodine (Iodide)

People require this mineral for normal thyroid function and for the production of different thyroid hormones. Goiter is often the first sign of a deficiency. Can develop hypothyroidism, which is characterized by low blood levels of thyroid hormone. Other signs or symptoms of hypothyroidism include reduced metabolic rate, elevated blood cholesterol level, fatigue, difficulty concentrating on mental tasks, weight gain, constipation, and dry skin. Food sources include: saltwater fish; seafood; seaweed; some plants, especially the leaves of plants grown near oceans; milk; eggs; and iodized salt