CNN - Vitamins and Minerals

Question 1

What are vitamins and minerals?

Answer 1

Vitamins and minerals are micro nutrients.

Question 2

What is the difference between fat soluble and water soluble vitamins?

Answer 2

Fat soluble vitamins mop up free radicals within the phospholipid cell membranes and water soluble vitamins mop up free radicals in the watery fluid within and between cells.

Question 3

List the fat soluble vitamins

Answer 3

A, D, E and K

Question 4

List 2 functions of Vitamin B1

Answer 4

1. Helps HCL production
2. Functions in glucose (sugar) metabolism
3. Supports healthy muscles
4. Enhances circulation and healthy blood formation
5. Brain neurotransmitter production

Question 5

List two main functions of Vitamin B 5

Answer 5

1. Regulates adrenal hormones
2. Vital role in cell metabolism
3. Healthy brain, neurone and NT function
4. Fights infections by stimulating antibodies
5. Production of healthy RBC
6. Controls fat metabolism including absorption of choline

Question 6

What lifestyle factors might increase the need for this vitamin (B5)

Answer 6

1. Adrenal fatigue
2. Strenuous exercise
3. Stress

Question 7

List 3 symptoms of deficiency of Vitamin B6

Answer 7

CTS, depression
Convulsions, 
Headaches
Hyper-irritability, 
Infrequent dream recall
Conjunctivitis
Nausea, morning sickness
PMT
Flaky skin
Sore tongue, cracks or sores on mouth
Acne
Inflammation of the mouth and gums
Impaired wound healing

Question 8

What commonly given drug might inhibit the uptake of vitamin B12?

Answer 8

Proton Pump Inhibitors

Question 9

Why is folic acid important PRE-CONCEPTION? What level is usually given

Answer 9

To ensure you have sufficient folic acid in your body during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects in the developing fetus
Essential during accelerated periods of growth and development e.g. pregnancy and infancy

Question 10

Why might it be too late if someone who is pregnant takes it for the first time when they discover they are pregnant?

Answer 10

?

Question 11

List 6 beneficial properties of vitamin C?

Answer 11

Antioxidant and detoxification of the liver
Fights infection
Strengthens immune system
Makes and builds collagen, bones and skin
Detoxification of pollutants
Helps in the absorption of Iron

Question 12

What factors might increase the needs of an individual for vitamin C?

Answer 12

Injury, stress, infection, pollution and smoking

Question 13

What are the needs/benefits of Vitamin A?

Answer 13

Protecting eyesight
Antioxidant
Protects mucus membranes in bladder, lungs and GI
Slows aging process

Question 14

Which group of people are advised not to supplement with vitamin A?

Answer 14

People with liver disease as it will overwork the liver

Question 15

List 6 important reasons to ensure good intake of vitamin D?

Answer 15

Healthy bones
Maintain calcium homeostasis
Immunity
Brain function
Important in thyroid, adrenals and muscles
Raise serotonin levels

Question 16

Which groups of the population might be at risk of low levels?

Answer 16

Shift workers
Thyroid issues
Flying
Autoimmune illnesses

Question 17

What is GTF chromium?

Answer 17

A mineral that helps to lower blood sugar levels and reduce sugar cravings

Question 18

What does the GTF stand for and how does it influence the efficacy of chromium in the body?

Answer 18

Glucose Tolerance Factor contains biologically active Chromium which increases the efficacy of chromium in the body, unlike picolinated supplements.

Question 19

List 8 functions of magnesium

Answer 19

Muscle relaxation
Heart health
Sodium:Potassium pump
Uptake of calcium and potassium
Blood pressure regulation
Anti-stress mineral
Regulates oestrogen
Controls polarity of womb
Removes calcification

Question 20

List 2 groups of people who might be short of magnesium

Answer 20

Athletes and women

Question 21

List 3 symptoms that could be benefitted from increased magnesium intake

Answer 21

PMT
Headaches
High blood pressure

Question 22

List 3 symptoms you might notice when someone is short of zinc

Answer 22

Recurrent cold and flu
Infertility
Thin peeling nails (including white spots on nails)

Question 23

In your own words tell us about the different forms of supplements on the market and how “form” of nutrient affects “bio efficiency”

Answer 23

Supplements are not made equal and fall into organic or inorganic forms.
Organic - food state and wholefood - the most bio-effective available – they contain vitamins and minerals complete with the associated food factors and food nutrients with which they occur in whole foods. This total food complex ensures these products are recognizable as food by the human body and optimally utilized.
Inorganic – citrates, chlorides, carbonates and oxides - most supplements on the market contain isolated nutrients which are without the other food factors that ensure recognition as beneficial by the body. They are often recognised as foreign substances by the body and are rapidly excreted. Ascorbic acid is a good example of this. Citrates are the best form of inorganic nutrients.

Question 24

If someone is taking WARFARIN, what supplements might be contra-indicated? And why?

Answer 24

Vitamin C & E help to thin the blood - do not take prior to surgery