Vitamins

• Complex organic substances vital to life– Uses tiny amounts– Only a millionth of a gram

• Known of Vitamins importance since the

mid 1700’s• Technology to research them

since the 1900’s

Scurvy

• Deficiency of Vitamin C–Malaise, lethargy, shortness of

breath, bone pain, loose teeth, poor healing…

– 1700’s problem with the British Soldiers

Beriberi

• Disease of the nervous system– partial paralysis, weakness, mental

confusion and death

• 1880’s Japanese Navy surgeon treated it by adding meats & vegetables to sailors’ diets

• Vitamin B1

Vitamins

• Between 1915-1948 more than a dozen vitamin's were discovered– Starting with Vitamin A and ending

with Vitamin B12

Vitamin Function

• Perform specific functions in the body by working with compounds called enzymes

• Enzyme function is slower and less effective without Vitamins– Long term there for short term

deficiency is not as serious

Vitamins you need

• Organic found only in living things

• Human body cannot synthesize most

• Supplied in foods or dietary supplements

Water-Soluble Vitamins

• Dissolve in water• Found in the water that’s

present in foods• Circulates freely in the blood

and cell fluids• Limited storage • Best consumed daily

Water-Soluble Vitamins

• Vitamin C : Formation of collagen, brain hormones, immunity, antioxidant

• Citrus fruits, broccoli, strawberries, melon, green pepper, tomatoes, dark green vegetables, potatoes

Water-Soluble Vitamins

• Thiamin (Vitamin B1): Releases energy from foods, promotes normal appetite, nervous system function

Water-Soluble Vitamins

• Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): Release energy from food, promotes vision & healthy skin

Water-Soluble Vitamins

• Niacin Vitamin B3: Energy production from foods, acid digestion, normal appetite, healthy skin, nerves

Water-Soluble Vitamins

• Vitamin B6: Aids in protein metabolism, red blood cell formation, helps body use fat

Water-Soluble Vitamins

• Folic Acid: aids in protein metabolism, red blood cell formation, prevents birth defects –spine and brain, prevents heart disease

Water-Soluble Vitamins

• Vitamin B 12: Aids in building genetic materials, development of red blood cells and maintenance of the nervous system

Water-Soluble Vitamins

• Pantothenic Acid: energy & hormones

• Biotin: releases energy from carbs, aids in fat synthesis

Fat Soluble Vitamins

• Vitamin A: form skin & mucous membranes, increase resistance to infections, bone & tooth development, antioxidant

Fat Soluble Vitamins

• Vitamin D: hardening of bones and teeth, increase absorption of calcium

• Synthesized by sunlight action on skin

Fat Soluble Vitamins

• Vitamin E: protects A & E & fatty acids, prevents damage to cell membranes, antioxidant

Fat Soluble Vitamins

• Vitamin K: Helps blood to clot

Minerals

• 17 essential to humans• Inorganic elements needed by

your body • Further chemical reactions in

the body– Often work together with Vitamins

• Sturdy nutrients

Minerals

• Major Minerals: 0.1g or more needed daily

• Trace Minerals: 0.01g or less needed daily

(Major Minerals) Sodium & Potassium

• Maintain fluid balance in the body

• Helps nerve impulses and sensations to be transmitted

• Potassium – muscle contractions, heart beat

(Major Minerals) Calcium & Phosphorus

• 99% of bodies calcium is in the bones

• With phosphorus it provides strength and structure

• Calcium plays a role in clotting, muscle action, heart rate and fluid balance

Deficiency of Calcium

• Osteoporosis: A loss in bone density due to a prolonged deficiency of calcium

• Calcium is so important the body will pull it from the bones if you do not get it in your diet

(Trace Minerals) Iron

• Forms part of hemoglobin which carries O2

• Body will store and recycle

(Trace Minerals) Zinc

• Needed to form proteins• Role in making DNA• Metabolized carbs and helps

digestion• Aids in healing

(Trace Minerals) Manganese

• Aides enzymes that metabolize protein and release energy

• Needed for bone growth & nervous system function

(Trace Minerals) Fluoride

• Mineralization of bones and teeth

• Works with Phosphorus and Calcium

• Strengthen bones and help teeth resist cavities