VITAMINS CHAPTER 18

Definition of vitamins: complex organic substances important to the body. Vitamins work with enzymes to perform a specific purpose in the body.

Enzymes speed up reactions that would otherwise proceed to slowly to sustain cell life.

Groups of Vitamins Water Soluble and Fat Soluble Water Soluble –Not stored in the body –Deficiencies appear rapidly –Vitamins C and B-Complex

B-Complex Thiamin – (B 1 ) needed to metabolize carbohydrates. –Food source is pork, peanuts, wheat germ –Easily destroyed by oxidation and degraded by high temperatures

Riboflavin-(B 2) Important for growth. Found in broccoli and milk Niacin – releases energy from carbohydrates, fats, and protein.

Vitamin B 6 - Helps body use carbohydrate and protein. Keeps nervous system healthy. Found in Poultry, whole grains, and legumes.

Vitamin B 12 – helps body use carbohydrate, fat, and protein and teams with folate to build blood cells. It is needed for healthy nervous system.

Folacin (Folate or Folic Acid) Prevents birth defects of the brain and spinal cord.

Pantothenic Acid – helps body release energy from carbohydrates, fat, and protein and helps produce cholesterol. Found in meat, eggs, milk, and whole grains.

Biotin-Helps body use carbohydrate, fat, and protein. Found in green leafy vegetables, whole grains, and egg yolk.

VITAMIN C Found in citrus fruit, potatoes, tomatoes, broccoli, bell peppers, and cabbage.

Helps prevent cell damage. Is an antioxidant (it is oxidized instead of the other cells) Helps form collagen in connective tissue Promotes iron absorption

Assists in forming hard teeth. Helps the body heal wounds and resist infection.

FAT SOLUBLE VITAMINS Vitamins A D E K Dissolve in fat not water, are stored in the body. Deficiencies are slow to show.

Vitamin A Found in butter, egg yolk, and cheese. Functions = Maintains healthy skin and mucous membranes, normal vision, bone development, and red blood cells.

Vitamin D Found in eggs and fish oils and Sunshine. Functions =Needed for growth and repair of bones and teeth. Works with calcium and phosphorus making them available to be used.

Vitamin E Functions as an antioxidant protecting vitamin A and lipids from oxidation damage. Found in soybean oil and wheat germ oil

Vitamin K Functions -Necessary for blood to clot and allows bones to absorb minerals needed for growth. Found in milk and dark green leafy vegetables.

vitamin.Vitamin Precursor – a compound that can be changed into a vitamin. –Beta Carotene –Beta Carotene an orange plant pigment that can be changed into vitamin A in the intestines and liver.

Sources of beta carotene are carrots, spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and apricots. Tryptophan may be a precursor for niacin.