Question

list the characteristics of vitamins. Identify fat - soluble vitamins. Give an example of a source of each vitamin. Identify symptoms of specific vitamin deficiencies. Identify the components of a healthy diet. Understand the role of antioxidand agents in nutrition .how can nutrition affect various bodily funtions.

Answer 1

1. Vitamin types:

Water-soluble vitamins are those soluble in water. Fat-soluble vitamins are those soluble in oil (lipids, fat). Vitamin C and the vitamins of the B complex are examples of water-soluble vitamins. Vitamins A, D, E and K are examples of fat-soluble vitamins.

Fat-soluble vitamins, since they are not soluble in water, cannot easily be excreted by the body. So they tend to accumulate in tissues with toxic effect when they are ingested in amounts over what is necessary.

2. Characteristics of vitamins:

A. Chemical Composition:

Water soluble vitamins: C, H, O, N, S, Co

Fat soluble vitamins: ONLY C, H, O
B. Storage

Water soluble vitamins: Limited Storage

Fat soluble vitamins: Stored in fat

C. Synthesis:

Water soluble vitamins: Rumen and large intestine

Fat soluble vitamins: Very little
D. Excretion

Water soluble vitamins: Urine

Fat soluble vitamins: Feces
E. Absorption

Water soluble vitamins: Blood system

Fat soluble vitamins: Lymph system
F. Physiological action:

Water soluble vitamins: Energy transfer and metabolic reactions

Fat soluble vitamins: Regulate metabolism of structural events

3. Sources of vitamins:

Fat-Soluble Vitamins:

Vitamin A: Comes from orange colored fruits and vegetables; dark leafy greens, like kale

Vitamin D: Can be found in fortified milk and dairy products; cereals; (and of course, sunshine!)

Vitamin E: Is found in fortified cereals; leafy green vegetables; seeds; nuts

Vitamin K: Can be found in dark green leafy vegetables; turnip/beet greens

Water-Soluble Vitamins:

Thiamin (B1): Come from whole grains; enriched grains; liver; nuts; seeds

Riboflavin (B2): Comes from whole grains; enriched grains; dairy products

Niacin (B3): Comes from meat; fish; poultry; whole grains

Pantothenic Acid(B5): Comes from meat; poultry; whole grains

Pyridoxine(B6): Comes from fortified cereals; soy products

Biotin(B7): It is found in fruits; meats

Folic Acid (Folate) (B9): Comes from leafy vegetables

Vitamin B12 (B12): Comes from fish; poultry; meat; dairy products

Vitamin C - comes from citrus fruits and juices, such as oranges and grapefruits; red, yellow, and green peppers

4. Antioxidant agents in nutrition:

In human body antioxidants can be help to neutralize and stabilize free radicals. Vitamins that have powerful anti-oxidant property in the body are- vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin C. Vitamin A also including carotenoid. The lipid peroxidation is the process in which the damage is caused by free radicals. In the process, the double bond of unsaturated fatty acids is broken that yield an intermediate compound. The intermediate compound when react with oxygen form peroxyl free radicals. A peroxyl compound has one unpaired electron that makes highly reactive within the cell membrane. Here, vitamin E donates an electron to the free radical and help to decrease the damage of cell membrane. Vitamin E get an electron from vitamin C. Vitamin C regain its lost electron from glutathione.

5. Nutrition affect on various bodily functions:

Proper nutrition is important for good health. Nothing is more important than health and balanced diet for human beings. Healthy diet helps you to stay at right weight, boosts immune system, delays the effect of aging, and prevents serious illnesses like diabetes, heart diseases and cancer. Base of healthy and balanced diet is low fat, optimum protein, high fibres and carbohydrates, high vitamins and minerals. Poor and over eating habits can leads to several diseases, not understanding how to practice healthy nutrition principles may lead to obesity. A proper nutrition from early age helps one to lead a healthy life as an adult and even in old age.