Republic of the Philippines

CAVITE STATE UNIVERSITY

Don Severino delas Alas Campus
Indang, Cavite
COLLEGE OF NURSING

Nutrition and Diet Therapy

AY 2020-2021

Module 7

Vitamins
Definition: carbon- carbon-containing organic compounds needed in small amounts
that helps regulate and promote chemical reactions and body processes.
-considered as micronutrients
- measured in milligrams and micrograms or international unit (IU)

Functions: help regulate chemical processes in the body. Catalyst in chemical reaction in
the body.
Deficiencies/ Toxicity: some vitamins when taken in megadoses or consumed for a
long period of time can be toxic.

Food sources: fruits, vegetables, milk, whole grain, bread, cereals, and legumes.

Types of Vitamins
1. Fat soluble – Vitamins A, D, E, K. Stored in the body. Excessive amounts can
have toxic effect.
- Chemical composition has nitrogen
- Carried by lipid
- Requires bile for absorption
- Excess amounts are stored in the body tissues.
2. Water soluble – Vitamin C and B complex . Not stored in the body. Excessive
amounts can cause undesirable sign and symptoms but not as serious as compared to
the fat soluble vitamins.
- Excreted by the kidneys
Groups with potential risk for Vitamin deficiencies:
- Elderly
- Impoverished
- Alcoholic
- Drug addicts
- Smokers
- Person with physiologic stress
- Specific medical condition
 Vitamin A (fat soluble)
Retinol and carotenoids
Functions: aids in night vision, help skin and hair healthy, develop strong bones &
teeth.

Deficiencies/ Toxicity: Xerophthalmia, follicular hyperkeratosis, carotenemia, Liver

damage, headache, vomiting, vison problems, hair loss, constipation, loss of
appetite, sleep disorder, dry mucous membrane, birth defects

Food sources: green and yellow leafy vegetables, liver, milk, cheese, orange fruits,
eggs.

Vitamin B Complex (water soluble)

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), B6(Pyridoxine), B12(Cobalamin),B2 (Roboflavin) Niacin
(Nicotinic Acid), Panthothenic Acid, Folic Acid, and Biotin
-provide energy for muscle contraction

Functions: Help brain, nerves, and muscles to function well.

Deficiencies/ Toxicity:
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)- Beri-beri (infantile beri-beri and Wet/ Dry beri-beri)
B2 (Riboflavin)- Tissue changes (eyes, mouth, nose, tongue)
Niacin (Nicotinic Acid)- Pellagra, skin changes, anorexia, digestive problems,
respiratory center paralysis
B6 (Pyridoxine)- no deficiency in adults. Irritability, poor growth, anemia, convulsion
in infants
Panthothenic Acid- insomnia, muscle cramps, vomiting, tingling sensation of the
extremeties
B12 (Cobalamin)- Demyelination of nerve fibers of the spinal cord, pernicious anemia

Food sources: whole grain, bread, cereals, dry bean, nuts, poultry, fish, eggs, milk.

Vitamin C
Functions: Helps heal wounds. Maintain bones, teeth, and blood vessels healthy.
Protect body from infection.

Deficiencies/ Toxicity: scurvy, low immune system, pallor, weakness, irritability

Food sources: citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli, tomatoes, and potatoes.

Vitamin D (Calciferol)
Functions: Helps body to use calcium & phosphorus. Building strong bones & teeth.

Deficiencies/ Toxicity: Tetany, Rickets, delayed closing of fontanels, osteomalsia

(Rickets), Hypercalcemia, renal damage, uremia, bone demineralization

Food sources: milk, eggs yolk, salmon, and liver. Sun.

Vitamin E (Tocoperol)
Functions: Help form red blood cells, muscle, and other tissues.

Deficiencies/ Toxicity: RBC hemolysis

Food sources: whole grain, bread, dry beans, nuts, vegetable oils, margarine, liver.

Vitamin K (Phylloquinone, menadione)

Functions: help blood to clot

Deficiencies/ Toxicity: new born:

hemorrhagic disease, adults: delayed
blood clot; kennicterus, hemolysis

Food sources: cabbage, spinach, lettuce, green leafy vegetables.