The Water-Soluble Vitamins B Vitamins and Vitamin C Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

The Vitamins Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

The B Vitamins Chief Functions - important as coenzymes - Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid & biotin involved in energy metabolism - Vitamin B-6 involved in protein metabolism - Folate & Vitamin B-12 involved in cell replication - Therapeutic doses of niacin lower cholesterol

The B Vitamins Coenzymes Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Thiamin Other names: Vitamin B1 Chief functions in the body 1998 RDA Part of coenzyme TPP (thiamin pyrophosphate) used in energy metabolism 1998 RDA men: 1.2 mg/day women: 1.1 mg/day Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Thiamin Sources -Whole grain, fortified, or enriched grain products -Moderate amounts in all nutritious food -Pork -Easily destroyed by heat Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Thiamin Deficiency disease Beriberi Wet, with edema Dry, with muscle wasting problem in SE Asia where diet is high in polished rice Deficiency symptoms Enlarged heart, cardiac failure Muscular weakness Apathy, poor short-term memory, confusion, irritability Anorexia, weight loss Toxicity symptoms: none reported Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Riboflavin Other names: Vitamin B2 1998 RDA Men: 1.3 mg/day Women: 1.1 mg/day Chief functions in the body Part of coenzymes FMN (flavin mononucleotide) and FAD (flavin adenine dinucleotide) used in energy metabolism. Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Riboflavin Sources (yogurt, cheese) -Enriched or whole grains -Liver -Milk products (yogurt, cheese) -Enriched or whole grains -Liver -Easily destroyed by ultraviolet light and irradiation Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Riboflavin Deficiency symptoms Toxicity symptoms: none reported Inflamed eyelids and sensitivity to light, reddening of cornea Sore throat Cracks and redness at corners of mouth Painful, smooth, purplish red tongue Inflammation characterized by skin lesions covered with greasy scales Toxicity symptoms: none reported Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Niacin Other names Precursor: dietary tryptophan Nicotinic acid Nicotinamide Niacinamide Vitamin B3 Precursor: dietary tryptophan Chief functions in the body Part of coenzymes NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and NADP (its phosphate form) used in energy metabolism Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Niacin 1998 RDA Upper level for adults: 35 mg/day Men: 16 mg NE/day Women: 14 mg NE/day Upper level for adults: 35 mg/day

Niacin Sources Milk, eggs, meat, poultry, fish Whole-grain and enriched breads and cereals Nuts All protein-containing foods Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Niacin Deficiency disease: pellagra Widespread in south before 1920 where diet is high in corn & low in protein Deficiency symptoms Diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting Inflamed, swollen, smooth, bright red tongue Depression, apathy, fatigue, loss of memory, headache Bilateral symmetrical rash on areas exposed to sunlight Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Niacin Toxicity symptoms Painful flush, burning, tingling sensation, hives, and rash (“niacin flush”) Excessive sweating Blurred vision Liver damage, impaired glucose tolerance Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Biotin 1998 adequate intake (AI) Chief functions in the body Adults: 30 g/day Chief functions in the body Part of a coenzyme used in energy metabolism, fat synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and glycogen synthesis Significant sources Widespread in foods Organ meats, egg yolks, soybeans, fish, whole grains Also produced by GI bacteria Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Biotin Deficiency symptoms Toxicity symptoms: none reported Depression, lethargy, hallucinations, numb or tingling sensation in the arms and legs Red, scaly rash around the eyes, nose, and mouth Hair loss Toxicity symptoms: none reported Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Pantothenic Acid 1998 adequate intake (AI) Chief functions in the body Adults: 5 mg/day Chief functions in the body Part of coenzyme A, used in energy metabolism Significant sources Widespread in foods Organ meats, mushrooms, avocados, broccoli, whole grains Easily destroyed by food processing Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Pantothenic Acid Deficiency symptoms Toxicity symptoms: none reported Vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps Insomnia, fatigue, depression, irritability, restlessness, apathy Hypoglycemia, increased sensitivity to insulin Toxicity symptoms: none reported Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Vitamin B6 Other names Chief functions in the body Pyridoxine Pyridoxal Pyridoxamine Chief functions in the body Part of coenzymes PLP (pyridoxal phosphate) and PMP (pyridoxamine phosphate) used in amino acid and fatty acid metabolism Helps to convert tryptophan to niacin and to serotonin Helps to make red blood cells Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Vitamin B6 1998 RDA Adults (19-50 years): 1.3 mg/day Upper level for adults: 100 mg/day Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Vitamin B6 Sources Potatoes, legumes, noncitrus fruits Fortified cereals Liver Soy products Meats, fish, poultry Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Vitamin B6 Deficiency symptoms Scaly dermatitis Anemia (small-cell type) Depression, confusion, abnormal brain wave pattern, convulsions Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Vitamin B6 Toxicity symptoms Depression, fatigue, irritability, headaches Nerve damage causing numbness and muscle weakness leading to an inability to walk and convulsions (progressive sensory ataxia) Skin lesions Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Folate Other names Chief functions in the body Folic acid Folacin Pteroylglutamic acid (PGA) Chief functions in the body Part of coenzymes THF (tetrahydrofolate) and DHF (dihydrofolate) used in DNA synthesis and therefore important in new cell formation Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Folate 1998 RDA Adults: 400 g/day Upper level for adults: 1000 g/day

Folate Sources Fortified grains Leafy green vegetables, legumes, seeds Liver Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Folate Deficiency symptoms Anemia (macrocytic or large-cell type) Smooth, red tongue Mental confusion, weakness, fatigue, irritability, headache Toxicity symptoms Masks vitamin B12-deficiency symptoms (nerve damage) Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Folate Protective effect Heart Disease Cancer Spina bifida

Folate Neural tube defects in pregnancy Spina bifida Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Vitamin B12 Other names: cobalamin (and related forms) Chief functions in the body Part of coenzymes methylcobalamin and deoxyadenosylcobalamin used in new cell synthesis Helps to maintain nerve cells Reforms folate coenzyme Helps to break down some fatty acids and amino acids Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Vitamin B12 1998 RDA Adults: 2.4 g/day Absorption HCl Pepsin Intrinsic factor Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Vitamin B12 Significant sources Animal products (meat, fish, poultry, shellfish, milk, cheese, eggs) Fortified cereals Easily destroyed by microwave cooking Deficiency due to vegan diet or lack of intrinsic factor Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Vitamin B12 Deficiency disease: pernicious anemia Deficiency symptoms Anemia (large-cell type) Fatigue, degeneration of peripheral nerves progressing to paralysis Toxicity symptoms: none reported Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Vitamin B12 Deficiency of folate or B12 produces pernicious anemia Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Vitamin C Other name: ascorbic acid Chief functions in the body Collagen synthesis Strengthens blood vessel walls, forms scar tissue, provides matrix for bone growth Antioxidant Thyroxin synthesis Amino acid metabolism Strengthens resistance to infection Helps in absorption of iron Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Vitamin C 2000 RDA Upper level for adults: 2000 mg/day Men: 90 mg/day Women: 75 mg/day Smokers: + 35 mg/day Upper level for adults: 2000 mg/day Needs increase with infection, burns, surgery & smokers Easily destroyed by heat and oxygen Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Vitamin C Sources Citrus fruits Cabbage-type vegetables, dark green vegetables (such as bell peppers and broccoli) Cantaloupe, strawberries Lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes Papayas, mangoes Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Vitamin C Deficiency disease: scurvy Deficiency symptoms Anemia (small-cell type) Atherosclerotic plaques Pinpoint hemorrhages under the skin, bone fragility, joint pain Poor wound healing, frequent infections, bleeding gums, loosened teeth Muscle degeneration and pain, hysteria, depression, rough skin, blotchy bruises Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Vitamin C Toxicity symptoms - >2 gms/day Nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea Headache, fatigue, insomnia Hot flashes, rashes Interference with medical tests (false-negative urine glucose test), aggravation of gout symptoms, urinary tract problems, kidney stones (oxalate) Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Vitamin And Mineral Supplements Who needs supplements? Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Vitamin And Mineral Supplements Arguments for supplements Correct overt deficiencies Improve nutrition status Reduce disease risks Support increased nutrient needs Improve the body’s defenses Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Vitamin And Mineral Supplements Arguments against supplements Toxicity Life-threatening misinformation Unknown needs False sense of security Other invalid reasons Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Vitamin Supplements 1. Healthy people who eat healthy diets do not require supplements 2. Many B vitamins are lost when grains are refined but some added back (enrichment or fortification); now deficiency usually only occurs due to poverty, illness, alcohol abuse 3. Toxicities – usually results from misuse of supplements

Vitamin Supplements 4. Unless a specific nutritional problem exists, a single, balanced multi-vitamin/mineral preparation that provides 100% Daily Value should suffice 5. The only disease a vitamin will cure is the one caused by a deficiency of that vitamin

Vitamin Supplements Some individuals who may benefit: 1. Low energy intake 2. Illness/injury 3. Absorption problems 4. Certain medications 5. Strict vegetarian 6. Pregnant/lactating 7. Newborn & breastfed infants

Vitamin And Mineral Supplements Regulation of supplements Selection of supplements -Form -Contents -Misleading claims -Cost Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning