1. Vitamins, Minerals, and Water Micronutrients Fluid and Electrolytes Balance.
Chapter 8, 9,10
BIOL1400
Dr. Mohamad H. Termos

2. Vitamins Essential organic (carbon containing) substances
Needed in small amounts
For normal function, growth and maintenance
They are not energy yielding molecules

3. Vitamins Vitamins can be classified into;
1- Water soluble vitamins: such as vitamin C and the B vitamins.
2- Fat soluble vitamins: such as vitamins A, D, E and K.

4. Vitamins
Vitamins are needed in the food because many of them can't be synthesized in the human body.
Exceptions include:
- Vitamin A can be synthesized from plant pigments
- Vitamin D can be synthesized by skin in the presence of sunlight
- Vitamin K can be synthesized by gut bacteria to some extent

5. Vitamin Toxicity
Fat-soluble vitamins can accumulate in the body and have toxic effects
Toxicities of vitamin A are observed most frequently, with consumption as little as 3x human needs
Vitamin E, Niacin, vitamin B-6, and vitamin C can become toxic when times the amount needed is consumed, usually from supplementation

6. The fat-soluble vitamins – A, D, E, and K
Absorption of fat soluble vitamins
Absorbed with dietary fat
Special carriers in the bloodstream
Storage in the liver and adipose tissue
40% to 90% are absorbed when fat absorption is efficient
Diseases affecting fat absorption, some medications and laxatives can negatively affect fat soluble vitamin absorption

7. Vitamin A Vitamin A is found in foods in different forms
- Retinoids are preformed vitamin A only found in animal foods
- Plants contain pigments called carotenoids (provitamin A) which can be turned into vitamin A

8. Vitamin A: Functions Vision
- Night vision: retinal (form of vit. A) allows eyes to adjust from bright to dim light.
- Xeropthalmia: dry eye, cells of cornea lose ability to produce mucus which can eventually lead to blindness
- Deficiency is second leading cause of blindness worldwide
Cataracts: Pathology Opacity of the lens or capsule of the eye, causing impairment of vision or blindness.

9. Vision (cont.)
- Macular degeneration:
- Macula of eye contains carotenoids.
- High consumption of these carotenoids decreases risk of macular degeneration
- Carotenoids may also decrease risk of cataracts

10. Vitamin A- functions (cont.)
- Health of other cells
- Growth, development, and reproduction
- Cardiovascular disease prevention
Carotenoids are antioxidants
5 fruits and veggies a day can decrease risk
Cancer prevention
Vitamin A analogs used for acne treatment.
Lycopene: a red crystalline substance, C40H56, that is the main pigment of certain fruits, as the tomato and paprika, and is a precursor to carotene in plant biosynthesis.

11. Vitamin A sources and needs
- Preformed: Liver, fish, fortified milk, yogurt and eggs
- Provitamin A: Dark green and orange vegetables and fruits also tomatoes
- Consuming high amounts of marine oils can lead to toxicity
- RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance): 700 to 900 micrograms
- Daily Value is 1000 micrograms

12. Vitamin A sources and needs
Upper level of vitamin A (The highest tolerable level)
Upper level is 3000 micrograms of preformed vitamin A per day for adult.
Can lead to fetal malformations, spontaneous abortions, and liver toxicity
Carotenoids are not toxic

13. Vitamin D - Also considered a hormone
- Skin cells can synthesize Vit D using sunlight, 90% comes from sun
- Experts recommend exposing hands, face and arms to the sun for 5-10 minutes, times per week

14. Vitamin D: Functions Regulates calcium and bone metabolism
- Regulates calcium and phosphorus absorption
- Regulates deposition of calcium and phosphorus in bone

15. Vitamin-D Deficiency Rickets
Vit. D deficiency in children causes bowed legs
Osteomalacia
- Bones become porous and weak and break easily
- Aging decreases Vit D production in skin by about 70%

16. Vitamin D Dietary sources and needs
- Mostly in fortified milk and yogurt, fatty fish and fortified cereals
- Also found in eggs and butter.
- AI (Adequate Intake): 5 micrograms per day, higher for older adults

17. Vitamin D: Upper Level - 50 micrograms per day
- Causes over-absorption of calcium and calcium deposits in kidneys
- Weakness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, and increased urine also symptoms
- Not from excessive sun exposure

18. Vitamin E - Antioxidant - Resides in cell membranes
- Stops free-radicals from damaging components of the cell membranes and DNA
- Aids in the formation of red blood
- Helps maintain nervous tissue and immune function

19. Vitamin E: Food sources and needs
- Plant oils, cereals, eggs, and nuts
- Animal fat has almost no Vit E
- Adequate intake = 15 milligram per day

20. Vitamin E
- Upper level is 1000 mg of supplemental alpha tocopherol (most common form of Vit. E)
- Can antagonize vitamin K role in blood clotting leading to bleeding.

21. Vitamin K
Bacterial synthesis in intestines supplies about 10% of our needs
Functions:
- Blood clotting
- Also helps in calcium binding to bones, muscles, and kidneys

22. Vitamin K: Food sources and RDA
- Liver, soybeans and canola oils
- Broccoli, peas and green beans
- DV is 80 micrograms

23. Water-soluble vitamins and choline
- Readily excreted from the body
- Very little stored
- Includes the B vitamins and C
- Choline is a related nutrient but is not classified as a vitamin.

24. Thiamin - B1 Functions to release energy from carbohydrates
Deficiency may lead to enlarged heart and sometimes severe edema

25. Thiamin - B1: Food sources and needs
- Meats, milk, fish, and cereals.
- Daily Value:1.5 milligrams.
Toxicity unlikely as it is readily excreted
No upper limit

26. Riboflavin - B2 Functions - Antioxidant
- Releases energy from carbohydrates
Food sources and RDA
Milk, milk products, enriched grains, meat, various greens and eggs
DV is 1.7 milligrams.
No upper limit
Deficiency
- Inflammation and cracking of tongue and mouth
- Eye disorders, sun sensitivity and confusion

27. Niacin - B3 - Functions in fat metabolism Deficiency:
- Pellagra (means rough or painful skin)
- Dermatitis and diarrhea
Death can occur
Food sources and needs
- Poultry, beef, tuna/fish, asparagus, peanuts
- Also coffee and tea
DV is 20 mg and UL is 35 mg
In dementia, affected areas in cognition may be memory, attention, language, and problem solving. Exceeding the upper limit: Headache, itching, and increased blood flow to the skin (flushing). Sometimes large amounts are used under a doctor's supervision to treat cardiovascular disease

28. Biotin Functions Deficiency Acts in fat and carbohydrate metabolism
Promotes synthesis of glucose, fatty acids, and DNA
Breaks down certain amino acids
Deficiency
Scaly inflammation of the skin
Changes in tongue and lips
Decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting
Anemia, depression, muscle pain and weakness
Poor growth

29. Biotin Food sources and needs Cauliflower, Egg yolks, Peanuts, Cheese
Intestinal bacteria synthesize some biotin making deficiency unlikely
Avidin in raw egg whites binds biotin and inhibits its absorption
DV is 300 micrograms
No UL

30. Pyridoxine or Vitamin B6
Functions
- Carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism
- Synthesis of hemoglobin
- Maintain healthy brain function.
Deficiency symptoms
- Depression, vomiting, skin disorders, nerve irritation, decreased immune response. Deficiency occur in alcoholism
Food sources and needs
- Meat, fish, and poultry
- Cereals, potatoes, and milk
Bananas, broccoli, and spinach
Need: 2 mg, UL: 100mg/day
Upper Level is 100 milligrams/day
- Irreversible nerve damage if 2-6 grams per day for 2+ months

31. Folate Functions - DNA synthesis - Amino acid metabolism Deficiency
- Affects red blood cell division because DNA cannot form,
- Maternal deficiency in first 28 days of pregnancy linked to neural tube defects
- All women of childbearing years should take 400mcg of synthetic folate per day

32. Folate Food sources and needs Green leafy vegetables, organ meats
Vegetables, dried beans and orange juice
Cereals, milk and bread
Destroyed by heat and processing
DV: 400 micrograms
Pregnant women need 600 mcg
Upper Limit: 1 milligram

33. Vitamin B12 Characteristics
- Synthesized by bacteria, fungus, and other lower organisms
Functions
- Folate metabolism
- Maintains brain and spinal cord
- Forms red blood cells
Food sources and needs
- Animal foods - meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, milk, and milk products
- RDA: 2.4 micrograms per day
- Toxicity unknown, no UL

34. Vitamin C Characteristics - Found in all living tissues
- Most animals can synthesize from glucose
- Vitamin C deficiency leads to scurvy: weakness, poor wound healing, bone pain, fractures, bleeding gums, diarrhea, and bleeding.
Absorption and metabolism
- Absorbed in small intestines, 70-90% is absorbed
- Percent absorbed decreases with increased dosage
- High intakes can cause diarrhea

35. Vitamin C Functions - Collagen synthesis
Highly concentrated in connective tissue, bones, teeth, tendons, and blood vessels
Wound healing
- Antioxidant (water-soluble)
Reduce formation of cancer-causing molecules
- Enhanced iron absorption
- Immune system
Vitamin C in large quantities is not shown to prevent colds
May reduce symptoms

36. Vitamin C Food sources and needs
Almost exclusively in fruits and vegetables
Lost in processing and cooking
DV 60 milligrams
Smokers need an extra 35 milligrams per day
Risk of deficiency
Alcoholism
Elderly men
Upper Level: 2 grams per day
Inflammation of the stomach
Diarrhea

37. Choline - Now called an essential nutrient but not a vitamin
- Functions
Precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter associated with attention, learning, and memory; muscle control; and other functions
- Deficiency is linked to liver damage
- Food sources and needs
Widely distributed in foods
Milk, liver, and peanuts
Adequate Intake: 425 to 550 milligrams per day
Upper Level: 3.5 grams per day
Fishy body odor
Low blood pressure