Ages and Stages Flashcards
(106 cards)
What are micronutrients?
Vitamins, minerals, and trace elements essential for life.
How do vitamins typically function in the body?
Vitamins often act as co-enzymes in metabolic pathways.
What roles do minerals and trace elements play in cellular mechanisms?
Minerals and trace elements participate in a wide range of cellular mechanisms.
What type of diets can lead to micronutrient deficiencies?
Extreme or fad diets can also result in micronutrient deficiencies.
Name some examples of fat-soluble vitamins.
Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K are examples of fat-soluble vitamins.
How are fat-soluble vitamins absorbed in the body?
Fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed in the intestine in the presence of fat.
Where are fat-soluble vitamins stored in the body?
Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in body tissues.
Name a few examples of water-soluble vitamins.
Vitamin C, B1 (thiamine), B12, and folate are examples of water-soluble vitamins.
How are water-soluble vitamins absorbed in the body?
Water-soluble vitamins are readily dissolved and absorbed in the intestine.
Do our bodies generally store water-soluble vitamins?
No
What are the functions of Vitamin A (retinol)?
Vitamin A (retinol) functions in immune response and dim light vision.
Name some food sources of Vitamin A.
Liver and liver products, kidney and offal, oily fish and fish liver oils, eggs, dairy products, and fortified low-fat spreads are food sources of Vitamin A.
How is beta-carotene converted in the body?
Beta-carotene is converted to retinol in the body.
What are some good sources of beta-carotene?
Yellow, red, and green (leafy) vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, and red peppers, as well as yellow fruits like mango, papaya, and apricots are good sources of beta-carotene.
Are there any specific recommendations for postmenopausal women and older men regarding vitamin A intake?
Postmenopausal women and older men should avoid consuming more than 1.5mg of vitamin A daily from food and supplements.
What are the functions of Vitamin D?
Vitamin D functions in calcium absorption and excretion as well as bone mineralization.
Name some food sources of Vitamin D.
Cod liver oil, oily fish, fortified foods such as some margarines and breakfast cereals, eggs, and liver are food sources of Vitamin D.
What is the advice from the Department of Health regarding Vitamin D?
The Department of Health advises that everyone, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D during autumn and winter.
Is UK cows’ milk a good source of vitamin D?
No, UK cows’ milk is generally not a good source of vitamin D as it is not fortified like it is in some other countries.
What are the functions of Vitamin E?
Vitamin E helps maintain healthy skin, eyes, and immune system. It protects cell membrane and lipoproteins from damage by free radicals, maintains cell membrane integrity, regulates prostaglandin synthesis, and supports DNA synthesis.
Name some food sources of Vitamin E.
Vitamin E is found in a wide variety of foods, including plant oils such as rapeseed (vegetable oil), sunflower, soybean, corn, and olive oil. It is also present in nuts and seeds, as well as wheat germ found in cereals and cereal products.
What are the functions of Vitamin K?
Vitamin K is necessary for blood clotting and helps wounds to heal. There is also some evidence linking it to bone health.
Name some food sources of Vitamin K.
Green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, cabbage, and kale are good sources of Vitamin K. It can also be found in vegetable oils, especially soybean oil, cereal grains, eggs, and in smaller amounts in meat and dairy foods.
Are there any precautions regarding Vitamin K supplements?
Supplements containing Vitamin K should not be taken with anticoagulant drugs.