Section A Nutrition Topic 8 Vitamins Vitamins Learning

Section A: Nutrition Topic 8: Vitamins

Vitamins Learning objectives By the end of this topic you should have developed a knowledge and understanding of: • The functions of vitamins in the diet • The different types of vitamins • The main sources of vitamins in the diet • What happens if we have a deficiency or excess of vitamins in our diet. OCR GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition

Types and functions of vitamins Vitamins are micronutrients. They are essential to the body because they: • Maintain health • Regulate the repair of body cells • Help energy to release • Prevent deficiency diseases. Vitamins are fat-soluble or water-soluble. OCR GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition

Vitamin A (retinol/beta carotene) Functions • Growth and development. • Keeps the lining of the throat, digestive system and lungs moist and free from infection. • Keeps the eyes healthy and improves night vision. • Beta carotene – an anti-oxidant vitamin which might protect against cancer OCR GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition

Vitamin D (cholecalciferol) Functions • Works with calcium to build and maintain strong bones and teeth. Deficiency • In children it can cause rickets, which is a softening of the bones. • In adults this is called osteomalacia. • It can also cause osteoporosis. OCR GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition

Vitamin E (tocopherol) and vitamin K Vitamin E Functions: for healthy cell walls and blood; to reduce the risk of developing some types of heart disease and cancer. Deficiency: a deficiency in vitamin E is rare. Vitamin K Function: helps the blood to clot. Deficiency: a deficiency in vitamin K is rare.

Vitamin B 1 (thiamine) Functions • Helps the release of energy from carbohydrates. • Helps the body to grow. • Helps maintain a normal nervous system. • Slows growth and development. Deficiency • Severe deficiency causes beri. OCR GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition

Vitamin B 2 (riboflavin) Functions • Helps the release of energy from carbohydrates, fats and proteins. • Involved in the transport and metabolism of iron. • Required for the normal structure and function of mucous membranes. • Needed for normal growth and healthy skin. Deficiency • Poor growth rate. • Skin and eye problems. OCR GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition

Vitamin B 3 (niacin) Functions • Metabolism growth and energy release. • Essential for healthy skin, mucous membranes and nerves. Deficiency • Deficiency is rare in the UK. • Pellagra, rough sore skin, • weakness and depression. OCR GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition

Vitamin B 9 (folate or folic acid) Functions • Essential for the formation of red blood cells. • Foetal development. Deficiency • Tiredness and anaemia. • Depression. • Forgetfulness. • Irritability. OCR GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition

Vitamin B 12 (cobalamin) Functions • Normal functioning of the nervous system. • Formation of red blood cells. • Involved in energy production. Deficiency • Nerves not working correctly may lead to paralysis, memory loss and confusion. • Pernicious anaemia. OCR GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) Functions • Formation of connective tissue. • Helps wound healing and calcium absorption. • Helps blood and blood vessel formation. • Helps absorb iron. Deficiency • Spotty skin, swollen gums, loose teeth. • In severe cases, scurvy develops. OCR GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition

Key words Fat-soluble vitamin: dissolve in fat Folate or folic acid: important in the diet for pregnant women for the development of the foetus Fortification: adding nutrients to a food to improve its nutritional content Micronutrients: Nutrients needed in small amounts Osteomalacia: caused by lack of vitamin D in adults Osteoporosis : a disease in which the bones start to loose minerals and their strength and break easily Rickets: caused by lack of vitamin D in children Water-soluble vitamins: dissolve in water OCR GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition