1. The Fat-Soluble Vitamins
A, D, E, and K

2. Vitamin A And Beta-Carotene

3. Vitamin A And Beta-Carotene
Retinol-binding protein (RBP)

4. Roles in the body
Vitamin A in protein synthesis and cell differentiation

5. Vitamin A And Beta-Carotene
Roles in the body
Vitamin A in reproduction and growth
Beta-carotene as an antioxidant

6. In Summary Other names Retinol Retinal Retinoic acid
Precursors are carotenoids such as beta-carotene

7. In Summary 3000 g/day Upper level for adults:
Chief functions in the body
Vision
Maintenance of cornea, epithelial cells, mucous membranes, skin
Bone and tooth growth
Reproduction
Immunity

8. In Summary Significant sources
Retinol: fortified milk, cheese, cream, butter, fortified margarine, eggs, liver
Beta-carotene: spinach and other dark leafy greens; broccoli, deep orange fruits (apricots, cantaloupe) and vegetables (squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin)

9. In Summary Deficiency disease: hypovitaminosis A Deficiency symptoms
Night blindness,
corneal drying (xerosis),
triangular gray spots on eye (Bitot’s spots),
softening of the cornea (keratomalacia), and corneal degeneration and blindness (xerophthalmia)

10. In Summary Deficiency symptoms (continued)
Impaired immunity (infections)
Plugging of hair follicles with keratin, forming white lumps (hyperkeratosis)

11. Deficiency Symptom: Keratinization

12. In Summary Toxicity disease: hypervitaminosis A
Chronic toxicity symptoms
Increased activity of osteoclasts causing reduced bone density
Liver abnormalities
Birth defects

13. In Summary Acute toxicity symptoms Blurred vision Nausea, vomiting,
Increase of pressure inside skull, mimicking brain tumor
Headaches

14. Vitamin D Other names Calciferol 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D (calcitriol)
Animal version: vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol
Plant version: vitamin D2 or ergocalciferol
Precursor is the body’s own cholesterol

15. Vitamin D Chief functions in the body
Mineralization of bones (raises blood calcium and phosphorus by increasing absorption from digestive tract, withdrawing calcium from bones, stimulating retention by kidneys)

16. Vitamin D Significant sources
Synthesized in the body with the help of sunlight
Fortified milk, margarine, butter, cereals, and chocolate mixes
Veal, beef, egg yolks, liver, fatty fish (herring, salmon, sardines) and their oils

18. Vitamin D
Deficiency diseases
Rickets
Osteomalacia

19. Vitamin D Deficiency symptoms: rickets in children
Inadequate calcification, resulting in misshapen bones (bowing of legs)
Enlargement of ends of long bones (knees, wrists)
Deformities of ribs (bowed, with beads or knobs)

20. Vitamin D Deficiency symptoms: rickets in children (continued)
Delayed closing of fontanel, resulting in rapid enlargement of head

21. Vitamin D Deficiency symptoms: rickets in children (continued)
Lax muscles resulting in protrusion of abdomen
Muscle spasms
Deficiency symptoms: osteomalacia in adults
Loss of calcium, resulting in soft, flexible, brittle, and deformed bones

22. Vitamin D Deficiency symptoms: osteomalacia in adults (cont.)
Progressive weakness
Pain in pelvis, lower back, and legs
Toxicity disease: hypervitaminosis D

23. Vitamin D Toxicity symptoms Elevated blood calcium
Calcification of soft tissues (blood vessels, kidneys, heart, lungs, tissues around joints)
Frequent urination

24. Vitamin E Other name: alpha-tocopherol Upper level for adults:
Adults: 15 mg/day
Upper level for adults:
1000 mg/day
Chief function in the body
Antioxidant (stabilization of cell membranes, regulation of oxidation reactions, protection of polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin A)

25. Vitamin E Significant sources
Polyunsaturated plant oils (margarine, salad dressings, shortenings)
Leafy green vegetables, wheat germ, whole grains, liver, egg yolks, nuts, seeds

26. Vitamin E Easily destroyed by heat and oxygen Deficiency symptoms
Red blood cell breakage
Nerve damage
Toxicity symptoms
Augments the effects of anticlotting medication

27. Vitamin K Chief functions in the body
Synthesis of blood-clotting proteins and bone proteins that regulate blood calcium

28. Vitamin K Significant sources
Bacterial synthesis in the digestive tract
Liver
Leafy green vegetables, cabbage-type vegetables
Milk

29. Vitamin K Deficiency symptoms Toxicity symptoms Hemorrhaging
None known

30. The Fat-Soluble Vitamins - In Summary
Interactions with each other
Interactions with minerals

31. Antioxidant Nutrients In Disease Prevention
Free radicals and disease
Oxidative stress
Defending against free radicals
Oxidants and antioxidants

32. Antioxidant Nutrients In Disease Prevention
Defending against cancer
Defending against cardiovascular disease