Vitamin deficiencies Flashcards
(21 cards)
Can vitamins be prescribed on the NHS as dietary supplements?
No, they are only prescribed to prevent or treat deficiency.
Why should vitamins A and D be used with caution?
Because overdose can be harmful—especially if used as “pick-me-ups” without medical indication.
Vitamin A overdose, also known as hypervitaminosis A, can occur from excessive intake of supplements or certain foods, leading to various health problems. Symptoms can include headaches, blurred vision, and liver damage.
Symptoms of Vitamin A Overdose:
Acute Toxicity:
Nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, irritability, blurred vision, and increased pressure inside the skull.
Chronic Toxicity:
Dry, itchy skin, hair loss, bone and joint pain, fatigue, anorexia, and weight loss.
Other Symptoms:
Skin reddening, cracking of lips, damage to the eyes, brittle bones, and potential liver damage.
Pregnancy:
In pregnant women, excessive vitamin A intake can lead to birth defects.
The main concern of vitamin D toxicity is a buildup of calcium in the blood. This is called hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia can cause upset stomach and vomiting, weakness, and frequent urination. It also can lead to bone pain and kidney troubles such as kidney stones.
What is vitamin A deficiency associated with?
Ocular defects like xerophthalmia and increased susceptibility to infections.
This deficiency is very rare in the UK.
How is Wernicke’s encephalopathy or Korsakoff’s psychosis treated?
Initially with parenteral B vitamins (e.g. Pabrinex®), followed by oral thiamine.
What deficiency may occur during isoniazid or penicillamine therapy?
Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) deficiency.
Which vitamins are used to treat megaloblastic anaemia?
Folic acid and vitamin B12.
What condition is treated with vitamin C?
Scurvy.
Are claims that vitamin C improves colds or wound healing proven?
No, these claims are unproven.
What is vitamin D important for preventing?
Rickets.
Rickets, is a condition that results in weak or soft bones in children and may have either dietary deficiency or genetic causes. Symptoms include bowed legs, stunted growth, bone pain, large forehead, and trouble sleeping.
Who is at risk of vitamin D deficiency?
People with limited sun exposure, dark skin, elderly, pregnant women, and children under 4.
What form of vitamin D is recommended for patients with severe renal impairment?
Hydroxylated forms such as alfacalcidol or calcitriol.
What is vitamin K necessary for?
Blood clotting and bone calcification.
What causes neural tube defects like spina bifida?
Incomplete neural tube closure within 28 days of conception, often due to folate deficiency.
What supplementation is recommended before and during early pregnancy?
Folic acid (especially higher doses for high-risk women).
What are the key differences between fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins regarding storage and toxicity?
Fat-soluble vitamins are stored and can become toxic; water-soluble vitamins are not stored (except B12) and excess is excreted.
Which vitamins are fat-soluble? KADE
A, D, E, and K.
Which vitamins are water-soluble?
B-complex vitamins and vitamin C.
What foods are rich in vitamin D?
Oily fish, fish liver oils, egg yolk, dairy products.
Where is vitamin K found in the diet?
Leafy green vegetables, rapeseed oil, soybean oil, natto, wholegrain cereals.
What are good dietary sources of vitamin C?
Citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, broccoli.
What is the MHRA warning on thiamine?
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued safety guidance regarding the use of parenteral thiamine, particularly in formulations like Pabrinex. While serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, are rare, they have been reported. Despite this, the MHRA advises that such rare occurrences should not deter the use of parenteral thiamine in patients who require it, especially those at risk of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, where thiamine treatment is essential .
