1. VITAMINS Jade Dianne G. Ong Jerpon P. Viagedor Vitamins - are a group of organic
nutrients required in small quantities for a variety of biochemical functions, for
proper metabolism, to protect health, and for normal growth and activity of the
body. assist in the formation of hormones, blood cells, nervous-system chemicals,
and genetic material. act as catalysts, combining with proteins to create
metabolically active enzymes that in turn produce hundreds of important chemical
reactions throughout the body. Types of Vitamins 1. Fat-soluble vitamins
Properties: Necessary for the function or structural integrity of specific body
tissues and membranes. Can be retained in the body. Apolar hydrophobic compounds
that can only be absorbed efficiently when there is normal fat absorption.
*Absorbed together with fat from the intestine into the circulation. Any disease or
disorder that affects the absorption of fat, such as coeliac disease, could lead to
a deficiency of these vitamins. Once absorbed into the circulation these vitamins
are carried to the liver where they are stored. *Examples: Vitamins A, D, K (stored
in liver) Vitamin E (distributed throughout bodyâE
soluble vitamins Properties: Act as catalysts and enzyme cofactors in metabolic
processes and energy transfer. Are not stored in the body (excreted fairly rapidly)
and must be replaced each day. These vitamins are easily destroyed or washed out
during food storage and preparation (overcooking) *Examples: Vit. B and C (stored
in the body for only a brief period of time and are then excreted by the kidneys)
Vit. B12 (stored in the liver) Vitamin Physiologic Importance Deficiency Excess RDA
Food sources FAT-SOLUBLE VITAMINS A (Retinol, β-carotene) Component of light-
sensitive pigments in eye [opsin converted to rhodopsin (visual purple)-aids vision
in dim light), epithelial tissue maintenance regulation of gene expression and cell
diffentiation Night blindness Xerophthalmia Associated with Bitot's spots,
keratomalacia (eyes), follicular hyperkeratosis (skin) Carotenemia- presence of
large quantities of vitamin A in the blood resulting in skin pigmentation
resembling jaundice Bleeding; hepatosplenomegaly (rare). products, eggs, liver
5,000 IU Green vegetables, dairy

2. D (Calciferol) *1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol (D3 ) -Most active form of Vitamin D
*the only vitamin manufactured by the body. initiates calcium absorption in
intestine and causes bone mineralization - Promotes hardening of bones and teeth
Rickets (children)- poor bone mineralization Osteomalacia (adults)- bone
dimineralization Hypercalcemia leading to metastatic calcification and renal damage
(rare). 400 IU for adults Dairy products, eggs, Fish liver oils. Synthesized by
sunlight action on skin. E (Tocopherols, tocotrienols) Alpha-tocopherol-most active
and usable form Antioxidant (Protects vitamins A and C, fatty acids and red blood
cell membranes from destruction due to oxidation) * People taking statin (lowers
cholesterol) drugs are also not advised to take supplemental vitamin E because it
may interfere with how the medication works. Possibly anemia Serious neurologic
dysfunction (extremely rare) Increase hemolysis of red blood cells Muscular
dystrophy None 15 IU (men) 12 IU (women) Margarine, seeds, green leafy vegetables K
(Phylloquinone, menaquinones) Blood clotting Required for synthesis of Prothrombin
(II) and clotting factors VII, IX and X. * IX, X, VII, II ây “ Vitamin K dependent
factors Hemorrhagic disease Hypoprothrombinemia resulting in bleeding tendency
Hemolytic anemia (rare). No RDA. 300-500 mcg is considered adequate Green leafy
vegetables, liver; Naturally produced by bacteria in the intestine. * People taking
antibiotics may lack vitamin K temporarily because intestinal bacteria are
sometimes killed as a result of long-term use of antibiotics WATER-SOLUBLE VITAMINS
B1 (Thiamine) catalyst in carbohydrate metabolism (enabling pyruvic acid to be
absorbed and carbohydrates to release their energy), nerve and heart function *
Coenzyme in decarboxylase systems; required for synthesis of acetylcholine.
*Transketolase activity assay is used to detect deficiency of thiamine in the blood
Beriberi (wet and dry)- weakened heart, edema, nerve and muscle degeneration
Wernicke's encephalopathy; Korsakoff's psychosis. * wet beriberi - generalized
edema, acute cardiac symptoms and prompt response to thiamine administration. *dry
beriberi - edema not present, neurological disorders are present. The condition is
similar to peripheral neuritis. *infantile beriberi - seen in infants under 6
months of age receiving inadequate thiamine in milk. In acute form, the infant
develops dyspnea and cyanosis and dies of cardiac failure.

3. Aphonia (loss of voice or speech) may be present and the infant may appear to be
crying without emitting much sound. Diarrhea, wasting, vomiting and edema may be
present. *Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is the most common CNS-related neurological
problem in alcoholics and drug abusers. Characteristic findings include weakness of
eye movement, ataxia (shaky movement) of gait and mental disturbance (dementia).
The Wernicke syndrome responds dramatically to thiamine administration. Thiamine
has also been successfully used to treat depression. Transient flushing, dizziness.
0.5 mg/1000 calories consumed. 1.6 mg for adults Organ meats, pork, whole grains,
legumes, cereals, yeast, egg yolk B2 (Riboflavin, vitamin G) essential part of
enzyme systems concerned with oxidation and reduction in living cells.
*Intracellular metabolism Constituent of flavoproteins *substance essential for the
breakdown and utilization of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the body, and in
the production of energy. *Riboflavin plays a vital role in the health of the skin
and is needed for production of certain hormones by the adrenal glands Eye
irritation (eyes sensitive to light), corneal vascularization, inflammation and
breakdown of skin cells, cheilosis (lips), glossitis(tongue), angular stomatitis
(lining of mouth) None. 0.55 mg/1000 calories consumed. 1.6 mg for adults Milk
products, liver, eggs, grains, legumes, dark green vegetables, cereals, fruit,
yeast B3 (Niacin, nicotinamide, Nicotinic Acid) Oxidation-reduction reactions in
cellular respiration Functional part of NAD and NADP. *Energy production from
foods; aids digestion, promotes normal appetite; promotes healthy skin, nerves.
Pellagra (skin and gastrointestinal disorders, nerve inflammation, mental
disorders)- 1st symptom sunburnlike eruption that breaks out where the skin is
exposed to sunlight * occur as a result of genetic diseases due to defects in
tryptophan metabolism (Hartnup dse., carcinoid syndrome) Flushing due to
vasodilation occurs with intravenous injection (rare). Abnormal liver function;
cramps; nausea 6.6 mg/1000 calories consumed. 1.8 mg (male) 13 mg (female) Liver,
lean meats, poultry, fish, whole and enriched grain products, legumes B5
(Pantothenic Acid) *pantethine is considered to be the more active form * calcium
pantothenate is the more usual form of vitamin B5 Energy metabolism needed to form
coenzyme-A (CoA), and is critical in the metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates,
proteins, and fats. For pyruvate oxidation and biological acetylations Fatigue,
loss of coordination None known 0.5-10.0 mg for both adults and children is
adequate Milk products, liver, kidney, eggs, whole grains, legumes; also made by
intestinal bacteria.

4. B6 (Pyridoxine, Pyridoxal, Pyridoxamine) Aids in amino acid metabolism, absorption;
aids in red blood cell formation; helps body use fats. Coenzyme for decarboxylase
and transaminase systems * synthesis and catabolism of amino acids, synthesis of
neurotransmitters, porphyrins and niacin Convulsions, irritability, kidney stones
Glossitis; blepharitis; dermatitis; cheilosis; peripheral neuropathy; sideroblastic
anemia. *Three different types of symptoms can be observed in vitamin B-6
deficiency: âe¢ neuropathic: due to insufficient neurotransmitter synthesis. âa ¢
anemic: due to low porphyrin synthesis âf¢ pellagrous: due to low endogenous niacin
synthesis. Transient paresthesias. 0.2 mg/100mg CHON 1.8 mg (male) 1.5 mg (female)
Whole-grain cereals, vegetables, meats B12 (Cyanocobalamin) - Hematopoietic Vitamin
Nucleic acid production *Essential for manufacturing of genetic material in cells.
Involved in the production of erythrocytes *Aids in building of genetic material;
aids in development of normal red blood cells; maintenance of nervous system.
Megaloblastic anemia (Pernicious anemia); subacute combined degeneration of spinal
cord; peripheral neuropathy. (neurological disorders) * Associated with an
elevation of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes None. 3 mcg for adults Red meats,
Liver, eggs, dairy products and fish Biotin (Vitamin H) Fat synthesis and amino
acid metabolism Part of the enzyme systems participating in conversion of pyruvate
to oxaloacetate (gluconeogenesis) Depression, fatigue, nausea, hair loss
(alopecia), dermatitis, atrophy of lingual papillae, muscle pain, paresthesias,
hypercholesterolemia, and electrocardiogram abnormalities None known *Raw egg white
induces a biotin deficiency because it contains a protein, avidin, which
specifically binds biotin very tightly and prevents its absorption from the
intestine. 150-300 mcg usually meets daily needs Liver, kidney, egg yolk, milk,
most fresh vegetables, legumes; also made by intestinal bacteria. C (Ascorbic Acid)
L-ascorbic acid dehydroascorbic acid antiscorbutic vitamin L-xyloascorbic acid L-
threo-hex-2-uronic acidy-lactone Collagen formation in teeth, bone, and connective
tissue of blood vessels may help in resisting infection absorption of iron,
calcium, folacin *production of brain hormones (neurotransmitters), steroid
hormones, carnitine, conversion of cholesterol to bile acids and enhances iron
bioavailability. Ascorbic acid is a great antioxidant (reducing agent) works with
vitamin E as a free-radical scavenger *Enemy of vitamin C Antagonists that destroy
this vitamin are air, heat, water as well as prolonged storage, overcooking and
processing. Antacids, alcohol, antidepressants, birth control pills and steroids
will also deplete this vitamin.

5. Scurvy (breakdown of skin, blood vessels, and teeth) impaired wound healing.
*Vitamin C deficiency- often result secondary to hyperparathyroidism Minimal-
possibly urinary calculi gastrointestinal complaints including diarrhea, nausea and
abdominal cramps 40-60 mg 200 - 500 mg per day (most beneficial) Citrus fruits,
green leafy vegetables, tomatoes *more effective if taken with bioflavonoids,
calcium and magnesium. other antioxidants synergy Folic Acid (Folacin) -
Hematopoietic Vitamin Nucleic acid metabolism Megaloblastic anemia (Pernicious
anemia) *block in DNA synthesis slows down the maturation of red blood cells,
causing production of abnormally large "macrocytic" red blood cells with fragile
membranes None. *May mask vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anemia).400 mcg for
adults Wholewheat foods, green vegetables, legumes, organ meats, fish, citrus
fruits. Other vitamins: 1. Vitamin P (bioflavonoid, citrin) ât “ helps increase
strength of capillaries found in the mesocarp (tasteless, spongy, white layer
beneath the rind) of lemon fruit. 2. Vitamin F (unsaturated fatty acids)âa “ is
important in respiration of vital organs helps maintain resilience and lubrication
of cells helps regulate blood coagulation is essential for normal glandular
activity. 3. Vitamin B13 (Orotic acid) ân
vitamins 4. Vitamin B15 (Pangamic acid) â“
CHON metabolism stimulates nervous and glandular system 5. Vitamin B17 (Laetrile)
âH“ has been linked to cancer prevention *National Cancer Institute conducted a
long-term study in the early 1980s to evaluate its effectiveness as an anticancer
drug. The study found it to have no therapeutic benefit. Recommended Dietary
Allowance (RDA) for Vitamins Vitamin Men Women A 0.7mg 0.6mg B1 1.0mg 0.8mg B2
1.3mg 1.1mg Nicin 19mg 15mg B6 1.4mg 1.2mg Pantothenic acid 5mg 5mg Folic acid
0.2mg 0.2mg Biotin 0.03mg 0.1mg B12 0.002mg 0.002mg C 40mg 40mg D 0.01mg 0.01mg E
10mg 8mg K 0.8mg 0.06mg The above table is the recommended dietary allowance
revised 1989. Food and Nutrition Board, National Academy of Sciences-National
Research Council, Washington DC, USA