Lesson 3.3.2 Water Soluble Vitamins

Question 1

Why are B vitamins and vitamin C easily assimilated?

Answer 1

They dissolve in water.

Question 2

How are excessive vitamins treated by the body?

Answer 2

The excess vitamins are eliminated through the urine.

Question 3

Do water soluble vitamins need to be replenished more often?

Answer 3

Since excess vitamins are eliminated through the urine, they need to be replenished more often than fat-soluble vitamins.

Question 4

How many water-soluble vitamins are known to be essential for health?

Answer 4

Nine.

Question 5

What is another name for vitamin B1?

Answer 5

Thiamin.

Question 6

Which B vitamin was the first to be chemically identified?

Answer 6

B1.

Question 7

What did Japanese scientists find regarding vitamin B1?

Answer 7

Early in the 20th century, Japanese scientists suspected a link between the severe occurrence of the nervous disease beriberi and the Japanese diet of polished white rice.

Question 8

What element contains thiamin as a component?

Answer 8

Thiamin is part of the coenzyme thiamin pyrophosphate (TPP).

Question 9

What is TPP?

Answer 9

The coenzyme thiamin pyrophosphate (TPP).

Question 10

What is the function of TPP?

Answer 10

TPP is required in the breakdown of glucose for energy and helps break down some amino acids. The production of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), our genetic material, and the brain’s chemical messengers are also dependent on TPP.

Question 11

What happens if there is a deficiency of TPP?

Answer 11

A deficiency of thiamin may result in decreased short-term memory, muscle weakness, and confusion.

Question 12

What are the sources of B1?

Answer 12

To increase intake of vitamin B1 eat sufficient amounts of lean organic animal proteins, whole grains such as brown rice and oatmeal, as well as beans, nuts, and sunflower seeds.

Question 13

What is another name for vitamin B2?

Answer 13

Riboflavin.

Question 14

What is Riboflavin involved in?

Answer 14

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Riboflavin is part of two coenzymes that are involved in the breakdown of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates and is needed for normal growth and energy.

Question 15

What does B2 promote?

Answer 15

It promotes healthy vision, protecting against cataracts, dry eyes, and eye fatigue. The skin, nails, and hair all require riboflavin for health and vitality.

Question 16

What are the signs of B2 deficiency?

Answer 16

Sore throat, cracks in the corners of the lips, and fatigue are symptoms of riboflavin deficiency.

Question 17

What are the sources of B2?

Answer 17

Enjoy leafy green vegetables, lean meats, chicken, eggs, and almonds to obtain plenty of this vitamin.

Question 18

What is another name for B3?

Answer 18

Niacin.

Question 19

What is the role of niacin in the body?

Answer 19

Niacin is required for brain and nervous system function and is important for DNA repair and cell differentiation.

Question 20

What are the sources of B3?

Answer 20

Meat, dairy, nuts, dried beans, whole grains, and potatoes are high in vitamin B3.

Question 21

Where is pantothenic acid found?

Answer 21

It is found in every living cell, plant and animal.

Question 22

What does pantothenic acid do for the body?

Answer 22

The body is dependent on this vitamin for the production of hormones. Like the other B vitamins, pantothenic acid plays a vital role in metabolism and energy production.

Question 23

What are the sources of pantothenic acid?

Answer 23

Dietary sources of this vitamin include poultry, dairy, whole grains, vegetables, and fruit.

Question 24

What is another name for B6?

Answer 24

Pyridoxine.

Question 25

What does B6 form in the body?

Answer 25

Vitamin B6 is required for the formation of red blood cells and the metabolism of amino acids and glucose. Like some other B vitamins, pyridoxine plays a vital role in maintaining the health of the nervous system.

Question 26

What are the sources of B6?

Answer 26

B6 is found in lean meat, fish, bananas, green leafy vegetables, and potatoes.

Question 27

What is another name for B12?

Answer 27

(Cyanocobalamin)

Question 28

What is B12 best known for?

Answer 28

It is best known for its treatment of anemia and fatigue.

Question 29

When is B12 most depleted?

Answer 29

Vitamin B12 is the most easily depleted vitamin in those following strict vegetarian diets (no meats, eggs, milk, or fish).

Question 30

What is vitamin B12 needed for?

Answer 30

It is required for DNA and ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis, this vitamin is vital to the production of every cell, especially the red blood cells. It is crucial for a healthy nervous system, because it helps maintain the myelin sheath surrounding nerves.

Question 31

What does vitamin B12 need for proper absorption?

Answer 31

This vitamin is also unique because it requires a special protein, known as intrinsic factor, for proper absorption.

Question 32

Who is likely to be deficient in B12?

Answer 32

Many elderly people are thought to be deficient in this vitamin as a result of poor assimilation.

Question 33

What are the sources of B12?

Answer 33

B12 is abundant in lean beef, fish, eggs and dairy products.

Question 34

What is biotin needed for?

Answer 34

This B vitamin is essential for the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates as well as for cell formation. The use of fatty acids in the body could not occur without biotin. Biotin also assists in protein metabolism and the body’s use of other B vitamins, especially pantothenic acid, folic acid, and B12. The hair, nails, and skin need biotin for health and lustre.

Question 35

What family of vitamins does biotin belong to?

Answer 35

B vitamins.

Question 36

What are the sources of Biotin?

Answer 36

Enjoy ample quantities of nuts, egg yolks, brown rice, legumes, walnuts, and mung bean sprouts to get a healthy supply of biotin.

Question 37

What are the sources of folate?

Answer 37

Those wishing to increase their folate levels should eat beans, dairy, dark green leafy vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

Question 38

What are other names for folate?

Answer 38

Folate is also known as folacin or folic acid.

Question 39

What is folate important to in the body?

Answer 39

It is needed for DNA synthesis, cell differentiation, and amino acid metabolism. For this reason, it is especially important during pregnancy for normal fetal development. It also aids in the formation of red blood cells. Working hand-in-hand with vitamins B6 and vitamin B12, folate is also involved in the metabolism of the amino acid, methionine.

Question 40

Why is Vitamin C important to the body?

Answer 40

Vitamin C assists in the formation of the protein collagen, an essential component of teeth, bones, skin, tendons, and blood vessels. As one of the best antioxidants, it protects the body from free-radical damage to tissues, which ultimately leads to degenerative diseases and early aging. Vitamin C helps the body to better absorb other nutrients, especially iron.

Question 41

What are the sources of Vitamin C?

Answer 41

Excellent sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, berries, green leafy and cruciferous vegetables, tomatoes, sweet peppers, papaya, and sweet potatoes.