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Water-Soluble Vitamins: Absorption, Roles, Deficiencies, and Sources

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  • Where are water-soluble vitamins absorbed and transported?

    Water-soluble vitamins are absorbed mainly in the small intestine and transported via the bloodstream to tissues.

  • Name a major role of vitamin C.

    Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and is essential for collagen synthesis.

  • What is the deficiency disease caused by lack of vitamin C?

    Vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy, characterized by bleeding gums and poor wound healing.

  • What is a major role of folate (vitamin B9)?

    Folate is crucial for DNA synthesis and cell division.

  • What deficiency results from folate deficiency?

    Folate deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia and can lead to neural tube defects in pregnancy.

  • Which form of folate is more bioavailable: folate or folic acid?

    Folic acid (synthetic form) is more bioavailable than natural food folate.

  • What is the active form of riboflavin used in metabolism?

    Riboflavin is used as FMN and FAD in the TCA cycle and electron transport chain.

  • In what form is niacin used in the body?

    Niacin is used as NAD and NADP in redox reactions during metabolism.

  • Which water-soluble vitamins act as antioxidants?

    Vitamin C and riboflavin have antioxidant roles.

  • What is the recommended form to consume most vitamins?

    Most vitamins should be consumed through food rather than supplements for better absorption and bioavailability.

  • Name a food source rich in vitamin C.

    Citrus fruits like oranges and kiwi are rich sources of vitamin C.

  • Name a food source rich in folate.

    Leafy green vegetables like spinach and legumes are rich in folate.

  • What is a common deficiency symptom of niacin deficiency?

    Niacin deficiency causes pellagra, characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia.

  • What is a common deficiency symptom of riboflavin deficiency?

    Riboflavin deficiency causes ariboflavinosis, with symptoms like sore throat and cracked lips.

  • How are water-soluble vitamins transported in the body?

    They are transported freely in the plasma without carriers.

  • Why are water-soluble vitamins less likely to cause toxicity?

    Because excess water-soluble vitamins are excreted in urine, reducing toxicity risk.

  • What is the role of vitamin B6 in metabolism?

    Vitamin B6 acts as a coenzyme in amino acid metabolism.

  • What deficiency results from vitamin B6 deficiency?

    Vitamin B6 deficiency can cause peripheral neuropathy and anemia.

  • Name a food source rich in vitamin B6.

    Meat, whole grains, and bananas are good sources of vitamin B6.

  • What is the role of vitamin B12 in the body?

    Vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell formation and nervous system function.

  • What deficiency results from vitamin B12 deficiency?

    Vitamin B12 deficiency causes pernicious anemia and neurological symptoms.