NATHANIEL CHANEY HW499 PROF: MARYANNE OLEKSOWICZ JUNE 30, 2013 Vitamins: Do we really need to take them?

What are they? Vitamins According to Schlenker & Roth (2011), vitamins are classified by the following 3 criteria: 1) must be an organic dietary substance that is not energy producing 2) needed in very small quantities to perform a particular metabolic function and prevent an associated deficiency disease 3) the body cannot manufacture it, so it must be supplied in food

Sources in the body Sometimes occur naturally in the body Vitamin B  Whole grains, legumes, meats, bananas, potatoes Vitamin C  Citrus fruits and tomatoes, broccoli, strawberries Vitamin A  Liver, milk, cheese, butter, egg yolk, fish Vitamin D  Fortified dairy foods, soy milk, juices, cereals Vitamin E  Sunflower, safflower, and canola oil, peanut butter, nuts Vitamin K  Dark-green vegetables and liver (Schlenker & Roth, 2011)

Basic principles of vitamins They are multifunctional One vitamin cannot substitute for another vitamin They work together to carry out body functions They function best when all are present in the appropriate proportions (SCHLENKER & ROTH, 2011)

Classification of vitamins Water-Soluble Vitamins C and B-complex More easily absorbed and transported Cannot be stored Vitamin C Works with enzymes to support tissue building/maintenance B vitamins Coenzymes factors in cell metabolism Fat-Soluble Vitamins A, D, E, and K Associated with body lipids Easily stored Functions related to structural activities of proteins (Schlenker & Roth, 2011).

Why some Questions to Take Vitamins ask before one does take them Individuals may be deficient in vitamins To supplement what is not in food 'What are you currently eating?‘ What is your lifestyle, food preferences, state of health, or if any allergies are present? Should I take a supplement anyway, just in case? (Nordqvist, 2013)

(WebMD, 2013) for certain health problems if you eat a vegetarian or vegan diet if you are pregnant or breastfeeding Need for growth, digestion, and nerve function Overdose potential can be harmful when consumed in high amounts, for a long time, or in combination with certain other substances Advantages and Disadvantages of Vitamins

How vitamins are regulated Regulated by FDA as "Dietary Supplements." Listed in the "dietary ingredient" category are not only vitamins, but minerals, botanicals products, amino acids, and substances such as enzymes, microbial probiotics, and metabolites. Dietary supplements can also be extracts or concentrates, and may be found in many forms (WEBMD, 2013)

Risks of overdoing it Fat-soluble Vitamins A (retinol, retinal, retinoic acid): Nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, clumsiness, birth defects, liver problems, possible risk of osteoporosis. You may be at greater risk of these effects if you drink high amounts of alcohol or you have liver problems, high cholesterol levels or don't get enough protein. D (calciferol): Nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, constipation, weakness, weight loss, confusion, heart rhythm problems, deposits of calcium and phosphate in soft tissues. (WebMD, 2013)

Risks of overdoing it cont. Water-soluble Vitamins B-3 (niacin): flushing, redness of the skin, upset stomach. B-6 (pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine): Nerve damage to the limbs, which may cause numbness, trouble walking, and pain. C (ascorbic acid): Upset stomach, kidney stones, increased iron absorption. Folic Acid (folate): High levels may, especially in older adults, hide signs of B-12 deficiency, a condition that can cause nerve damage. (WebMD, 2013)

Summary Taking vitamins are important, but are not for everyone. Ask yourself specific questions why or why not to take them Consult with a health care professional before using any dietary supplement

Any Questions???

References Nordqvist, C. (2012, December 20). "Should I take vitamin and mineral supplements?." Medical News Today. Retrieved from Schlenker, E.D. & Roth, S. (2011). Williams’ essentials of nutrition and diet therapy. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. WebMD. (2013). Fortify your knowledge about vitamins. Retrieved from