Water Soluble Vitamins

Question 1

Water soluble vitamins

Answer 1

• dissolve in water
• small amounts needed
• all except choline function as coenzymes
• most circulate freely in blood
• can be destroyed/removed during food storage or preparation
• not stored in large amounts, so low risk toxicity
• excreted through urine
• excess generally from supplements

Question 2

Folate

Answer 2

• essential coenzyme (part of THFA)
• very important for pregnant women and fetuses
• deficiencies: neural tube defects

Question 3

Vitamin B12

Answer 3

• part of coenzyme needed for folate metabolism and maintenance of myelin sheaths
• bound to proteins in food
• must bind to intrinsic factor for absorption
• found in animal source foods - important for vegetarian and vegans