KAU-Faculty of Science- Biochemistry department Clinical biochemistry lab (Bioc 416) 2012 Wafaa Bajunaid Azhar Turkstani

Vitamins are various organic compounds that are needed in minute amounts for normal growth and activity of the body. Most vitamins cannot be synthesized by the body, but are found naturally in foods obtained from plants and animals.

 The word "vitamin" was coined in 1911 by the Warsaw-born biochemist Casimir Funk.  He named the substance "vitamine" because he believed it was necessary to life and it was a chemical amine.  The "e" at the end was later removed when it was recognized that vitamins need not be amines

"  The letters (A, B, C and so on) were assigned to the vitamins in the order of their discovery  vitamin K which was assigned its "K" from "Koagulation  13 vitamins are universally recognized at present

Vitamin categories Fat- soluble Water- soluble

 vitamins that are soluble in water.  They are not stored in the body and easily excreted in the urine.  They must be replaced each day as foods or supplements to maintain health.  Water-soluble vitamins are easily destroyed or washed out during food storage or preparation..  Assist important enzyme activity such as energy production from fats and carbohydrates

Water-soluble vitamins B complex C

 Citrus fruits  broccoli  strawberries  melon  green pepper  tomatoes,  dark green vegetables.

 Formation of collagen (a component of tissues)  wound healing  maintaining blood vessels, bones, teeth  absorption of iron, calcium, folacin.  production of brain hormones, immune factors.  antioxidant.

 Bleeding gums.  wounds don't heal.  bruise easily.  dry, rough skin.  Scurvy (nutritional disorder characterized by bleeding under the gums, skin, and fingernails.  sore joints and bones.  increased infections.

 Nontoxic under normal conditions  rebound scurvy when high doses discontinued  diarrhea, bloating, cramps  increased incidence of kidney stones.

 mg/dL  μmol/L

B complex

B1 Thiamin B2 Riboflavin B3 Niacin B5 Pantothenic Acid B6 Pyridoxine B9 Folic Acid Biotin B12 Cobalamin  It is group of 8 vitamins

 They function as coenzymes that help the body obtain energy from food.  They also are important for normal appetite, good vision, healthy skin, hair, liver and red blood cell Formation.  help the nervous system function properly.  help the body use fats and protein.  The B-complex group is found in a variety of foods

 Also known as Cobalamin; Cyanocobalamin.  It is one of the eight B vitamins that is a water-soluble vitamin and easily excreted in the urine.  The body can store vitamin B12 for years in the liver.  Vitamin B 12 was discovered from its relationship to the disease pernicious anemia

Neither plants nor animals have the ability to constructing vitamin B 12 Bacteria are responsible for producing vitamin B12. Animals get their vitamin B12 from eating foods contaminated with vitamin B12 BUT Plant not thought to be reliable sources of the vitamin B12. The body absorbs animal sources of vitamin B12 much better than plant sources.

Dietary Reference Intakes for vitamin B12 Infants months 0.4 microgram s per day (mcg/day ) months 0.5 mcg/day Children years 0.9 mcg/day years 1.2 mcg/day years 1.8 mcg/day Adolescents and Adults Males and females 14 and older 2.4 mcg/day

The RDA for vitamin B 12 in pregnant women is 2.6 µg per day and 2.8 µg during lactation periods There have also been studies that showed no adverse consequences of doses above the RDA so Vitamin B 12 has extremely low toxicity

Plays a significant role in the metabolism of every cell of the body as coenzyme such as 1- Aids in building of genetic material 2- Aids in building of fatty acid and energy production Aids in development of normal red blood cells Play a key role in the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system

WomenMen ng/L ng/L

 A lack of vitamin B12 occurs due to 1- Eating a vegetarian diet 2-Poor diet in infancy 3- Poor nutrition during pregnancy 4-Malabsorption of vitamin B 12.

 Chronic alcoholism decrease vitamin B12 absorption from the gastrointestinal tract  Lack of Intrinsic factor that is needed to absorb vitamin B12 (Pernicious anemia).Pernicious anemia  Surgeries that remove certain parts of your stomach or small intestine, such as some weight-loss surgeries  digestive disorders, such as celiac disease or Crohn's diseaseceliac diseaseCrohn's disease  Taking antacids and heartburn medicines for a long period of time

 Low levels of B12 can cause:  Anemia  Loss of balance  neurological disorders;  degeneration of peripheral nerves that may cause numbness, tingling in fingers and toes.  Weakness….

 low red blood cell count due to a lack of vitamin B12.  Pernicious anemia is a type of anemia associated with vitamin B12 deficiency.

 Diarrhea or constipation  Fatigue, lack of energy, or light-headedness when standing up or with exertion  Loss of appetite  Pale skin  Problems concentrating  Shortness of breath, mostly during exercise  Swollen, red tongue or bleeding gums  Symptoms from nerve damage caused by vitamin B12 deficiency that has been present for a longer time include:  Confusion or change in mental status (dementia) in severe cases  Depression  Loss of balance  Numbness and tingling of hands and feet

The following tests may be done: CBC Reticulocyte count Schilling test (if pernicious anemia is suspected) Serum LDH Serum vitamin B12 level and serum folate levels Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) to examine the stomach, or enteroscopy to examine the small intestine may be done. Bone marrow biopsy is done only when the diagnosis is not clear.

Pernicious anemia requires lifelong vitamin B12 replacement, by injections. lack of dietary vitamin Vitamin supplements More balanced diet Vitamin B12 injections poor digestion and absorption vitamin B12 injections until the condition improves. Treatment depends on the cause of B12 deficiency anemia

following a well- balanced diet. Vitamin B12 injections after surgeries known to cause vitamin B12 deficiency. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can limit the severity and complications of this anemia.