VITAMINS & MINERALS

Definition
Vitamins are essential, no calorie
molecules needed in small
quantities for cellular metabolism.

13 vitamins are currently recognized.

GROUPING OF VITAMINS
• Vitamins are grouped according to the substance in
which they dissolve.

• There are fat –soluble (dissolve in fat- A,D,E,K) and

• Water-soluble (dissolve in water-B,C) .

GROUPING OF VITAMINS
• Their solubility gives a clue as to :

- The kind of food its likely to supply;

- how it is affected by handling and heat;

- how it is stored in the body and

- how it functions.
VITAMINS INTAKE
• No one particular food can supply all the vits.

• Fruits and vegetables are good sources of vits.

• RDA provides levels of quantities for 11 out the 13

essential vits.
VITAMINS INTAKE
RDA specifies safe and adequate intake levels for
biotin and pantothenic acid.

Excess B group can throw off the body’s biochemical

balance, with metabolic consequences.
DIGESTION AND ABSORBTION
• Vits are not digestible, but are released from digested
food .

• Majority of WSV are freely absorbed in the intestinal

membrane during water reabsorbtion: folate and
B12(cabalamin) are exceptions.

• WSV move freely in blood plasma(water based) and

any excess excreted.
DIGESTION AND ABSORBTION
• FSV are absorbed in the presence of fats, hence
mustn’t be taken alone.

• FSV are transported and accumulate in the body’s

adipose tissues.

• FSV are not easily transferred from mother to foetus so

newborns have minimal of them.
HOMEOSTASIS-MAINTAINING BALANCE
• WSV are easy to absorb, little accumulation in the tissues, and
efficient to excrete in urine.

• The kidney is able to excrete any excess WSV in storage.

• Toxicity symptoms exist in people who take overdose of WSV

like B6 and niacin.(too much for kidney to excrete)

• FSV are carried by proteins through the bloodstream.

HOMEOSTASIS-MAINTAINING
BALANCE
• Toxicity is scarce due to complexity in its conveyance
and storage.

• Taking mega doses can produce toxicity.

• Eating whole unprocessed foods can provide the body

with its vits needs.
ENDOGENUOS SOURCES OF VITS
• The body with the appropriate precursor, is able to
make niacin from tryptophan;

• Vit D from cholesterol-like compound in skin exposed

to sunlight or rays

• Vit A from carotene (a yellow-orange plant pigment).

ENDOGENUOS SOURCES OF
VITS
Vit K,B complex, biotin and pantothenic acids are
synthesize by bacteria living in the colon.

The body stops production as soon as dietary supply is

adequate.

Balanced diet must be eaten to ensure optimal supply of

the vits and good health in general.
Pseudo vitamins
Choline, carnitine, inositol, lipoic acid, taurine are
essential dietary supplements.

These are vitamin-like substances that are needed to

maintain proper function of our bodies.

A healthy human body is able to make all of the

substances it needs from precursor like glucose and
Amino Acids
functions
FSV regulates body’s metabolic reaction.

WSV serve as coenzymes

In general Vitamins are for energy metabolism,

tissue synthesis, red blood synthesis and
antioxidation.
Tissue synthesis
 Normal growth, development and tissue repair require
adequate supply of Vits and minerals.

Vits are directly involved in tissue synthesis are A, D, B6

&C

Calcium, Phosphorus and Fluoride are very important for

bone structure.

Zinc is essential for formation of soft tissues like muscle,

skin and internal organs.
ENERGY METABOLISM
5 of the B group (thiamin, niacin, riboflavin,
biotin, and pantothenic acid) play a major role in
converting caloric nutrients to cellular energy.

Phosphorus, Magnesium, Manganese, Iodine and

Chromium performs various important functions
in various aspects of energy metabolism.
THIAMIN:Vit B1
• FUNCTIONS:

• coenzyme in caloric and energy metabolism.

• Also assist in breakdown of fatty acids.

• RDA is 0.5mg of thiamin per 1000 calorie.

• On the average 1:1 for women & 1.5 for men.

coenzyme
They are small molecules that combine with an
inactive enzymatic protein to create an active enzyme.

Without coenzymes, inactive enzymatic proteins are

as useless a door without a key.

Essential metabolic reactions cannot occur..

THIAMIN: Vit B1
DEFICIENCY:

Changes in the nervous system and cardiovascular

system noted by beriberi.

Early symptoms:
• loss of appetite, muscle weakness (at ankle, legs, wrist
drops), loss of reflexes, loss of sensation in the
extremities, mental confusion.
DEFICIENCY OF THIAMIN: Vit B1
Prolonged symptoms:

paralyses,

enlarged and irregularly beating heart,

cardiac failure,

death
Sources of Vit B1
Not available in polished grains.

Easily destroyed by washing and cooking (heat),white

flour.

• Alcoholism reduces food intake including thiamine,

its absorption is reduced in the intestines, more of it is
used for alcohol metabolism.
Sources of Vit B1
Excess may occur through intravenous administration
leading to :

-rapid pulse rate,

-weakness,

-headache,
-irritability.
RIBOFLAVIN-Vit B2
• Function: Essential coenzyme for conversion of food to
fuel.

• Deficiency: Ariboflavinosis involves tissue

inflammation and deterioration.
• Wounds fail to heal
• Cracks develop at the corners of the mouth, in the lips
and skin folds around the nose.
• Swollen darken red tongue.
RIBOFLAVIN-Vit B2
Extra blood cells develop in the cornea of the eyes,
followed by itching, burning, tearing and sensivisity to
light.

Skin may develop greasy, scaly condition .

In children retarded growth.

RIBOFLAVIN-Vit B2
Excess:

None has been reported ; could be due to a limited

intestinal absorption of the vitamin.
Good sources
Milk and milk Products

Meat, fish, poultry and organ meat

Green vegetables

Enriched and fortified cereals and grains as well as

their products.
RDA for RIBOFLAVIN-Vit B2
• RDA depends on calorie intake, energy needs, body
size, metabolic and growth rate.

• RDA is 0.6mg per 1000 calories.

• 1.3 for women and 1.7 for men.

RDA for RIBOFLAVIN-Vit B2

Preg women(+0.3mg for synthesis of foetal and
maternal tissues.)

Nursing mums:+ 0.4mg-0.5mg( for adequate

production of riboflavin in milk).
NIACIN: Vit B3
• Available as active vitamin

or

precursor tryptophan.
FUNCTIONS OF NIACIN: Vit B3
 Essential in conversion of tryptophan to niacin in
the body;

coenzyme for conversion of glucose to energy.

(Niacin comes in two forms; nicotinic acid and

nicotinamide).
RDA FOR NIACIN: Vit B3
• RDA= 15mg of niacin equivalent(NE) for women per
day

• 19mg of NE for males per day or

•
• 60mg tryptophan.

• During tissue growth, repair, and high physical activity

the body requires more.
DEFICIENCY:

Pellagra (3Ds):

• flaky dermatitis which blacken in contact with

sunlight;

• Dementia-loss of memory, confusion and depression;

• Diarrhoea and in extreme cases death

Sources
Animal and plant proteins are good sources of niacin
itself or the precursor tryptophan

Meat is a very good source niacin and high in

tryptophan.

Peanuts, beans, peas, and enriched grains and cereals.

Unenriched hite rice and corn are poor sources.

NIACIN:Vit B3
• Excessive intake of nicotinic acid cause
nerve damage, irregular heart beat,
facial flushing, decreased blood lipids.

• Mega doses stimulates peptic ulcer and

liver damage.
BIOTIN
• Sulfur containing vit needed in small amount for
treating baldness.

Functions:

• acts in carbon dioxide metabolism, energy

metabolism, builds amino and fatty acids.

• Some are exhaled.

Deficiency of Biotin
• Not known;

• laboratory investigations stated depression, anorexia,

nausea, vomiting, dark-red swollen tong, dry scaly
skin, hair loss.

• Biotin is non toxic even when taken in mega doses.

Sources of BIOTIN
Endogenous source: Synthesize in the large intestine.

Food sources: liver, yeast, egg yolk, soy flour, cereals

and grains.

• No RDA, but 30-100micrograms in both sexes is safe

for consumption.
PANTOTHENIC ACID
Derives its name from the Greek word pantothen
meaning from all sides.

Functions:

For acetyl CoA in energy production.

For synthesizing sterols and steroid hormones.

Sources and RDA

Food sources:

Mostly found in protein rich foods; small quantities in

milk and milk products, fruits, vegetables,

(Endogenous source)

Intestinal bacteria(quantity and availability not

known).
PANTOTHENIC ACID
Safe level consumption=4-7mg per day in adults.

Deficiency. Fatigue

Excess: Relatively nontoxic. higher doses (10-20mg)

produce diarrhoea or water retention in some people.

PYRIDOXINE - Vit B6
3 related compounds: pyridoxal phosphate,

active coenyme,

 red blood cells,

other tissues)
Functions:

A coenzyme in more than 50 reactions for AA

metabolism.

Changes EAA to NEAA

Makes neurotransmitters from AA,

Coenzyme for FA and carbohydrate metabolism.

FUNCTIONS & Sources
Cures PMS(premenstrual syndrome),carpal tunnel
syndrome(painful inflation of the wrist)
atherosclerosis.

Sources: Protein rich foods, unprocessed rice, soya

bean, oats, wheat products, legumes.
RDA
 Women = 1.6mg per day.

Men =2.0mg per day.

RDA increase as protein in-take and tissue synthesis

rise above maintenance level.
PYRIDOXINE -
Deficiency:

Rare because its found in other B groups.

Convulsion, intestinal distress, dermatitis and

anaemia in children.

About 40 medicines (including penacillamine &

isoniazide affects bioavailability or its metabolism.
Deficiency:

TB patients ( on 6m treatment) are given Vit B6

supplements to avoid deficiency.

Excess: The most toxic water-soluble vit. Mega doses

results in permanent neurological damage in humans.
PYRIDOXINE
People took 1000 to 3000 times RDA and suffered
numbness in their extremities, progressing to joints
preventing walking.

Mega doses interfere with some medicines including

L-dopa for treating Parkinson’ s disease.
FOLATE-B9 (folacin and folic acid)
Functions:
For synthesis of AA and nucleic acids(genetic material
for DNA cell), every cell in the body.
Sources:

• Yeast, liver, kidney, leafy green vegetables, legumes,

seeds.
RDA
• 200 &180 microgram for healthy men and women
respectively.
Tissue Synthesis
The role of Vits is to support growth and maintenance
in human beings.

Of the 13 vits required by the human beings, those

most directly involved in tissue synthesis are:

FSV A and D
WSV B6 and C
Minerals for Tissue synthesis
 Normal growth, development, and tissue repair
require an ample supply of all minerals.

Calcium, phosphorus, and fluoride are particularly

important for the structural integrity of bones.

Zinc is essential for formation of soft tissues like

muscles, skin and internal organs.
Red blood Cells Synthesis
(RBCs)
Production and maintenance of healthy RBCs by the
bone marrow depends on ample amounts of four
vitamins:
 Folate and B12 wsv

Vitamin E and K. Fsv

The minerals iron (Fe) and cupper (Cu)

RBCs are very metabolically active.
FOLATE-B9 (folacin and folic
acid)
 Deficiency:

 Insufficient intake, alcoholism, pregnancy may bring

about deficiency.

Aspirin, oral contraceptives, chemotherapy agents,

anticonvulsants distort folic acid metabolism.
Deficiency:

Affects the formation of red blood cells

(RBCs),gastrointestinal tract, slowed growth rate in
children.

In adults, macrocytic anaemia, abnormal

gastrointestinal function leading to irritability,
exhaustion, loss of appetite.
FOLATE-B9 (folacin and folic
acid)
In pregnant women neural tube defects (NTD)

RDA- Women of reproductive age, 400 micrograms

per day in diet or as supplement.

 1000 or more micrograms should not be taken.

However, it makes up for B12.

Excess: May not be toxic but may develop pernicious

anaemia after 6m.
CYANOCOBALAMIN B 12

Function:

Needed to transfer folate into a form used for RBCs

and nucleic acid synthesis.

Sources: food of animal origin.

RDA: 2.0 microgram for healthy men and women per

day. Additional 0.2 required by pregnant women.
• Lactating mother extra 0.6 is needed.
RED BLOOD CELLS SYNTHESIS
Depends on for blood cells; folate, B12, Iron, Copper.

RBCs live for four months and about 2million are

produced every second.

Deficiency of any of the above vits will result in

anaemia, but the type of anaemia depends on the type
of vit deficient.
RED BLOOD CELLS SYNTHESIS
Fragile normal size RBC prone to rupturing – vit E
deficient anaemia.;

folate and B12-enlarged blood cell;

loss of blood cells from internal bleeding-vit K

deficiency.
RED BLOOD CELLS SYNTHESIS
Some cancers and their treatment may destroy bone
marrow ‘s ability to make new blood cells.

Dietary deficiency of some nutrients deprive the

body.
for starting RBCs production.

• Bleeding ulcers, bleeding heamorrhoids, recurrent

nose bleeding, intestinal parasites, anticoagulant
drugs, overuse of aspirin can all cause anaemia.
ANTIOXIDANTS
They are chemical compounds that protect other
substances from free (singlet) oxygen.

Antioxidants protect cells and cellular activities from

oxidation damage and participate in detoxification
reactions.

Five nutrients: beta carotene, Vit C, Vit E, have been

identified as antioxidants.
ANTIOXIDANTS
The minerals sulfur and selenium are part of large
antioxidant chemical complexes found in humans and
animals.
The minerals themselves are not antioxidants.

Oxygen breathed in compose of two oxygen atoms.

Single oxygen atom “doesnt’’ want to remain single.

Model of hydrogen bonds
between molecules of water
ANTIOXIDANTS
The oxygen would attach itself to something which
turns out to be fatal attraction.

Many substances that pair up with single oxygen ends

up being destroyed.

Oxygen may also be combined with other chemicals to

form free radicals.

Once a free radical is formed, more are reproduced.

ANTIOXIDANTS
Both single oxygen and free radicals have been linked
to the development of cancer (they destroy cells),
arterioscleroses, cataracts and ageing process.

Uses :

As cellular guards lifeguards, protects membrane and

other cellular compounds like DNA by allowing
themselves to be oxidised.
ANTIOXIDANTS
Dietary antioxidants can help prevent cancer (no
damage to DNA cells),

 Arterioscleroses ( no removal of lining of

arteries),

Cataracts( Protecting membrane of the eyes)

 Ageing (tissues are protected.)
They retard spoilage so added to packed foods.
Electrolytes/Water balance
Sodium, Potassium and Chloride are group of
minerals called electrolytes.

They play the role of maintaining both fluid balance

and pH in the body.

A normal healthy person maintains balance through

aldosterone and antidiuretic hormones (ADH).
Electrolytes/Water balance
Electrolytes are freely absorbed in the gastrointestinal
tract.

The kidney controls electrolytes balance from diets .

Kidney and heart patients have problem disposing of

NOTE
Phytates and oxylates naturally occurring
chemicals present in dietary fiber and leafy greens
binds minerals and prevents their absorption.

These can have strong influence on their bioavailability

to the body.

Food preparation and eating habits can impede their

activities. Eg. Fermented yeast brakes down phytates.