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Vitamins & Minerals
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are vitamins made of? | Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. |
| Why are vitamins called micronutrients? | Because they are needed in very small amounts. |
| What are the two main categories of vitamins? | Water-soluble and fat-soluble. |
| Name the water-soluble vitamins. | Vitamins B and C. |
| Name the fat-soluble vitamins. | Vitamins A, D, E, and K. |
| What are some characteristics of water-soluble vitamins? | Cannot be stored in the body Excess excreted in urine Unstable to heat and light Leach into cooking liquids |
| What are some characteristics of fat-soluble vitamins? | Can be stored in the body May reach toxic levels if consumed in excess Stable at normal cooking temperatures. |
| What are the two forms of Vitamin A? | Retinol (animal sources) and Beta-carotene (plant sources). |
| Functions of Vitamin A? | Regulates growth, promotes healthy skin, maintains tissues, helps eyes adjust to dim light. |
| Sources of Retinol? | Cod liver oil, liver, dairy, herrings, egg yolk. |
| Sources of Beta-carotene? | Dark green leafy vegetables, carrots, broccoli, deep orange fruits and vegetables. |
| Deficiency of Vitamin A causes? | Night blindness, retarded growth, malformed bones, increased infection risk. |
| Functions of Vitamin D?. | Helps absorb calcium and phosphorous, prevents rickets, regulates calcium balance |
| Sources of Vitamin D? | Sunlight, fish liver oils, dairy, margarine, oily fish. |
| Deficiency of Vitamin D causes? | Rickets, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, dental caries. |
| Functions of Vitamin E? | Protects tissues, supports growth, helps red blood cell formation. |
| Sources of Vitamin E? | Vegetable oils, wheat, cereals, wholemeal bread, egg yolk, nuts, sunflower seeds. |
| Deficiency of Vitamin E? | Rare, but may affect the central nervous system. |
| Functions of Vitamin K? | Helps with blood clotting and builds strong bones. |
| Sources of Vitamin K? | Green leafy vegetables, vegetable oils, cereals. |
| Deficiency of Vitamin K? | Rare; more common in newborns and those with liver damage. |
| What is the scientific name for Vitamin B1? | Thiamin |
| Functions of Vitamin B1? | Releases energy from carbs, aids appetite, supports the nervous system. |
| Sources of Vitamin B1? | Meat, oatmeal, cereals, wheat, milk, eggs, vegetables. |
| Deficiency of Vitamin B1 causes? | Fatigue, depression, irritability, beri-beri. |
| What is the scientific name for Vitamin B2? | Riboflavin |
| Functions of Vitamin B2? | Metabolism of nutrients, tissue growth and repair. |
| Sources of Vitamin B2? | Offal, milk, cheese, eggs, yeast extracts, green vegetables. |
| Deficiency of Vitamin B2 causes? | Loss of appetite, swollen tongue, cracked lips, eye infections. |
| What is the scientific name for B3? | Niacin |
| Functions of Vitamin B3? | Metabolism of nutrients, supports the nervous system. |
| Sources of Vitamin B3? | Meat, offal, yeast, bran, wheat, flour, pulses, dried fruit. |
| Deficiency of Vitamin B3 causes? | Fatigue, depression, irritability, beri-beri. |
| What is the scientific name for B9? | Folic acid |
| Functions of Folic Acid (B9)? | Forms red blood cells, supports fetal development, prevents heart issues. |
| Sources of Folic Acid (B9)? | Fortified cereals, green leafy vegetables, potatoes, bread, milk, wheat. |
| Deficiency of Folic Acid (B9) causes? | Fatigue, anemia, neural tube defects (spina bifida). |
| What is the scientific name for Vitamin C? | Ascorbic acid |
| Functions of Vitamin C? | Supports immunity, forms collagen, helps iron absorption, prevents scurvy. |
| Sources of Vitamin C? | Citrus fruits, kiwi, blackcurrants, green peppers, strawberries, cabbage, spinach. |
| Deficiency of Vitamin C causes? | Weak tissues, infections, poor iron absorption, scurvy. |
| What helps improve micronutrient intake? | Eating more fruits, vegetables, red meat, and whole grains. |
| How are minerals different from vitamins? | Minerals are inorganic and come from soil and rocks. |
| What are the two groups of minerals? | Major minerals and trace elements. |
| Name 3 trace elements. | Iron, zinc, iodine. |
| Name 4 major minerals. | Sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus. |
| Functions of Iron? | Produces hemoglobin to carry oxygen in blood. |
| Sources of Iron? | Red meat, kidney, liver, eggs, bread, green vegetables. |
| Deficiency of Iron causes?. | Anaemia |
| Functions of Calcium? | Builds bones and teeth, helps blood clotting, regulates heartbeat. |
| Sources of Calcium? | Dairy, fortified bread, oily fish, green vegetables, nuts, seeds, citrus fruits. |
| Deficiency of Calcium causes? | Rickets, osteoporosis, stunted growth. |
| Functions of Phosphorus? | Works with calcium for bones/teeth, muscle contraction. |
| Sources of Phosphorus? | Dairy, meat, fish, nuts, calcium-rich foods. |
| Deficiency of Phosphorus causes? | Tiredness, depression. |
| Functions of Sodium? | Maintains fluid balance and body temperature. |
| Sources of Sodium? | Cheese, bacon, smoked meats, salt, processed foods. |
| Deficiency of Sodium causes? | Very rare. |
| Functions of Potassium? | Muscle contraction, fluid balance, body growth. |
| Sources of Potassium? | Bananas, celery, turnips. |
| Deficiency of Potassium causes? | Dry skin, acne, muscle spasms. |
| Functions of Zinc? | Aids immune system, supports taste and smell. |
| Sources of Zinc? | Meat, oats, eggs, nuts. |
| Deficiency of Zinc causes? | Dry skin, acne, muscle spasms. |
| Functions of Iodine? | Supports thyroid gland and metabolism. |
| Sources of Iodine? | Seafood, milk, yogurt, eggs. |
| Deficiency of Iodine causes? | Reduced thyroid hormone production, especially in children. |
| What is food fortification? | Adding micronutrients to staple foods to improve public health. |
| What foods are fortified in the UK? | White flour with calcium, iron, B1, B3; margarine with A and D. |
| Why is folic acid added to some foods? | To reduce neural tube defects and other deficiencies. |