Explanation:
Vitamin A refers to a group of compounds called retinoids. Retinol, retinoic acid, and retinal are all forms of vitamin A.
Explanation:
Carnitine transports fatty acids across biological membranes. It plays a crucial role in the transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria, where they undergo beta-oxidation to produce energy. Understanding the role of carnitine in fatty acid metabolism is fundamental to comprehend how the body utilizes fats for energy production and the importance of this process in overall nutrition and metabolism.
Explanation:
Folate is essential for single-carbon transfer reactions in the body, playing a crucial role in processes such as DNA synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and methylation reactions. These reactions involve the transfer of one-carbon units, which are necessary for various biochemical pathways. Understanding the role of folate in single-carbon transfer reactions is fundamental to grasping its importance in overall health and metabolism.
Explanation:
Pre-formed vitamin A is typically found in animal products such as liver, fish oils, dairy products, and eggs. These foods contain retinol, the pre-formed and biologically active form of vitamin A. Consuming animal products rich in pre-formed vitamin A can contribute to meeting the body's vitamin A needs. Understanding the sources of pre-formed vitamin A is fundamental to providing dietary recommendations for individuals seeking to maintain adequate vitamin A intake.
Explanation:
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, contains cobalt. Cobalt is a crucial component of the vitamin's structure, playing a central role in its biological activity. Vitamin B12 is essential for various physiological processes, including DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and neurological function. Understanding the association between cobalt and vitamin B12 is fundamental to comprehending the roles and functions of this vitamin in human health.
Explanation:
Fat-soluble vitamins are generally absorbed in the small intestine and circulated in the lymphatic system. Because fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed along with dietary fats, they require the presence of bile acids and pancreatic enzymes for absorption in the small intestine. Once absorbed, fat-soluble vitamins are transported through the lymphatic system before entering the bloodstream. Understanding the absorption and transport mechanisms of fat-soluble vitamins is fundamental to comprehending their metabolism and utilization in the body.
Explanation:
Vitamin D deficiency in infants or children can result in rickets, a condition characterized by soft, weak bones. Without adequate vitamin D, the body cannot properly absorb calcium and phosphorus, leading to impaired bone mineralization and skeletal deformities. Understanding the consequences of vitamin D deficiency, such as rickets, is fundamental to recognizing the importance of this vitamin in bone health and overall growth and development in children.
Explanation:
Choline deficiency can lead to liver damage. Choline is essential for the synthesis of phospholipids, which are important components of cell membranes. Without an adequate intake of choline, fat can accumulate in the liver, leading to fatty liver disease and potentially progressing to more severe liver damage. Understanding the role of choline in liver health is fundamental to recognizing the importance of this nutrient in overall nutrition and wellness.
Explanation:
Biotin deficiency was once referred to as "egg white injury" because consuming large amounts of raw egg whites over a prolonged period can lead to biotin deficiency due to avidin, a protein in egg whites, binding to biotin and preventing its absorption. This highlights the importance of understanding nutrient interactions and sources in the context of nutrition.
Explanation:
Parathyroid hormone stimulates the conversion of 25-(OH)D3 to 1,25-(OH)2D3 when blood calcium is low. This conversion is part of the body's regulatory mechanism to maintain calcium homeostasis. When blood calcium levels drop, parathyroid hormone is released, which triggers the activation of vitamin D to its active form. Active vitamin D helps increase calcium absorption from the intestines and promotes calcium reabsorption from the kidneys, thereby raising blood calcium levels. Understanding the role of parathyroid hormone and vitamin D in calcium regulation is fundamental to comprehending the body's mechanisms for maintaining mineral balance.
Explanation:
The main function of vitamin C in the body is acting as an antioxidant. Vitamin C helps neutralize harmful free radicals, thereby protecting cells and tissues from oxidative damage. This function is crucial for overall health and plays a role in various physiological processes, including immune function, collagen synthesis, and wound healing. Understanding the antioxidant properties of vitamin C is fundamental to grasping its importance in maintaining health and preventing diseases associated with oxidative stress.
