Nevada/California Regional Honors Institute

Phi Theta Kappa
Nevada-California Region
The Dimensions and Directions of Health:
Choices in the Maze

Vitamins

Vitamins are organic molecules required in the diet in small amounts, but vitamin deficiencies can cause severe problems. Unlike carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, vitamins are not digested for energy or as building blocks. Vitamins generally act as coenzymes - compounds necessary for an enzyme to work. The 13 vitamins essential to humans that have been identified are listed at the right. Use the vitamins to answer the following questions.

Click here to show the list in a small window that you can view next to the questions.

Biotin
Folic acid
Niacin
Pantothemic acid
Vitamin A (retinol)
Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
Vitamin B2 (riboflvain)
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
Vitamin B12
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Vitamin D
Vitamin E (tocopherol)
Vitamin K (phylloquinone)

1. The vitamin is a coenzyme for removal of CO₂. Deficiency results in beriberi (nerve disorders, emaciation, anemia).
2. This vitamin is a component of visual pigments and is needed for maintenance of skin. Excess of this vitamin causes headaches, hair loss, liver and bone damage.
3. This vitamin is a component of the coenzymes FAD and FMN. Deficiency leads to skin lesions such as cracks at corners of the mouth.
4. This one is an antioxidant and it used for collagen synthesis. Deficiency results in degeneration of teeth, skin, and blood vessels; excess causes gastrointestinal upset.
5. This vitamin is made by skin cells in the presence of sunlight. Deficiency results in rickets and excess and cause brain and kidney damage.
6. This vitamin is a coenzyme in nucleic acid and amino acid metabolism. Deficiencies result in anemia and excess may mask a vitamin B₁₂ deficiency.
7. A deficiency of this component of coenzymes NAD and NADP leads to skin and gastrointestinal lesions; excess may cause liver damage.
8. This vitamin is essential for blood clotting; excess can cause liver damage and anemia.
9. Deficiency of this coenzyme of amino acid metabolism causes convulsions and anemia; excess causes poor coordination.
10. A deficiency of this vitamin causes fatigue and numbness.